Ready to gain a competitive advantage in local SEO using Google My Business? It’s the right choice. When you optimize your business, you can boost your visibility in local search. Google My Business can also help expand your customer base. And it is free to use by creating a profile for your business, adding contact details, photographs, opening times, and other business details.
What is Google My Business & What Benefits Does it Offer?
Google designed Google My Business (GMB) as an online marketing tool that ties into other features in Google.
Some of the features that GMB connects with include:
- Google Maps: Helps customers find your business more easily when searching for local businesses. It can give directions from where the customer is located at that current time so that they can visit your business.
- Google Search: GMB listings appear in Google Search, which makes it easier for customers to find your business and get information about your products and services.
- Google Ads: GMB listings can also be used in conjunction with Google Ads to target local customers and drive more traffic to your website. Google Ads often show above other search results to provide first placement in search.
- Google Analytics: GMB Insights and Analytics allow you to track the performance of your GMB listing, including views, clicks, and customer engagement. You can use this information to improve your website, SEO optimization and page copy, and website design for conversion.
- Google Posts: GMB’s posts feature allows businesses to share updates and special offers with customers directly from their GMB listing. We’ve seen a lot of click-throughs from posting on GMB which increases visibility and traffic.
How Does Google My Business Impact Your Search Rankings?
Businesses can come up higher in search results by listing their business on GMB. The listings for GMB are shown above the local SEO search results. When looking for a business in local Google search, you can find what you’re looking for by typing in search keywords and the location you wish to find what you need in.
For example, if you want to find Chinese food near you, you can type in:
- Chinese food or restaurant near me
- Chinese food in [city name]
If you have a local (or national) business, you can add your business name, address, and location into GMB and it would come up in search when your potential customers type in similar keywords and location.
But, you have to optimize your GMB page and continue to be active on it. You will be better positioned than those businesses without an optimized presence.
How to Set Up and Optimize Your Google My Business Listing
For businesses that have yet to create or optimize their GMB listing, here are some tips to get started:
- Create a GMB account: Go to google.com/business and click on “Get on Google” to start the process of creating your account.
- Verify your business information: Google will verify that you are the owner or authorized representative of the business. This process may include a postcard verification sent to your business address or a phone call verification.
- Complete your business profile: Fill in your business information, including your business name, address, phone number, hours of operation, and category. Be sure to include accurate and complete information, as this will help customers find your business more easily.
- Add photos and videos: Add high-quality photos and videos of your business, including your products and services, to help customers get a better understanding of what your business has to offer.
Ongoing Activities for Your Google My Business Page
- Respond to reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing and be sure to respond to all reviews, both positive and negative.
- Post updates and special offers: Use the GMB dashboard to post updates and special offers, such as promotions, events, and products.
- Monitor and track your performance: Use GMB Insights and Analytics to track your listing’s performance and make informed decisions about your online presence.
By following these steps and regularly maintaining and updating your GMB listing, you can improve your visibility and attract more customers to your business.
Understanding GMB Insights and Analytics to Track Performance
Track the performance of your listing and gain insights into how customers are interacting with your business on Google. This information can help businesses make informed decisions about your online presence and marketing strategies.
Some key metrics that GMB Insights and Analytics track include:
- Views: The number of times your business listing has been viewed on Google Maps and Google Search.
- Search appearance: The frequency with which your business appears in Google Maps and Google Search for specific keywords and categories.
- Customer actions: The number of calls, direction requests, website clicks, and photo views made from your listing.
- Customer insights: Demographic information about your customers, including their age range and gender.
- Reviews: The number of reviews received, the average rating, and the distribution of ratings.
By understanding these metrics, you can gain a better understanding of how customers are finding and interacting with your business on Google and use that information to make informed decisions about your online presence and marketing strategies.
Tips for Using Images and Videos with Your GMB Profile
Using images and videos with your GMB profile can help attract more customers and improve their experience with your business. By displaying more photos and videos, you allow your business to be more transparent with your potential customers, which helps them make the best decisions to work with your business.
Here are some tips for using images and videos effectively with your GMB profile:
- Use high-quality images: Use high-quality images that accurately represent your business and products/services. Avoid using blurry or low-resolution images. Try to take images of your business location inside, outside, and any processes or practices you can show. You can also post images of your employees.
- Showcase your products and services: Use images to showcase your products and services, giving customers a better understanding of what your business has to offer.
- Use virtual tours: Offer virtual tours of your business to give customers a better idea of what to expect when they visit in person.
- Include videos: Use videos to introduce your business and showcase your products and services in a more dynamic way.
- Use cover photos and profile photos: Choose a cover photo that accurately represents your business and sets the tone for your profile. Use a profile photo that clearly shows your business logo or name.
- Keep it up-to-date: Regularly update your images and videos to reflect changes to your business or new products and services.
Ways to Leverage Reviews & Ratings on Google My Business
Reviews and ratings on GMB can have a significant impact on a business’s online presence and help attract new customers. Here are some ways to leverage reviews and ratings on GMB:
Encourage customers to leave reviews: Encourage customers to leave a review on your GMB listing by including a link to your listing in your email signature, on your website, or on receipts.
- Respond to reviews: Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, to show that you value your customers’ opinions and are actively engaged with your GMB listing.
- Use positive reviews in marketing: Highlight positive reviews on your website, in your email marketing, and on social media to show potential customers the great experiences others have had with your business.
- Address negative reviews: If you receive negative reviews, respond in a professional and constructive manner, and take steps to address any issues raised in the review.
- Monitor your rating: Keep an eye on your overall rating and take steps to address any trends or patterns that may be negatively impacting your rating.
By leveraging reviews and ratings on GMB, businesses can improve their online reputation, attract new customers, and improve their overall online presence.
Start with a free consultation to help determine how our team can help improve your traffic and conversions using local SEO and Google My Business by contacting us today for a FREE consultation for your business.
