When you are building an online presence for your local business, Google My Business (GMB) is one of the foundational pieces that you should focus on. Having a well-optimized GMB listing means that your business can appear in Google Search and Maps when people are typing in local queries for the products or services that you offer.
The goal is to show Google that your GMB listing is relevant to what the person wants. Google wins by showing local businesses to nearby customers because people will be happy with the search results. Your business wins because this local SEO listing could potentially bring you more customers.
Creating a quality Google Business Profile will play a major role in how well you are able to improve your local search ranking. Your GMB page will build trust and show potential customers that you are a reputable company.
Here are a few best practices you should follow when creating or updating your Google My Business Profile:
Set Up a Complete and Verified Google Business Profile
The first step is to make sure that you have claimed your listing. Or you will need to create the listing if it isn’t there yet. Even though it takes a bit of time, make sure that you go through the official verification process to validate that you are a trusted and authentic business.
Next, add all relevant information to your Google Business Profile. NAP consistency matters across all of your business listings (not only Google My Business), so you want to make sure that your name, address, phone, website, hours, and other relevant business info are correct.
Other things that you might include in your GMB listing might be services, accessibility information, holiday hours, and relevant GMB categories based on the type of products and services you are offering.
Boost Credibility with Photos, Reviews, and Descriptions
Make your GMB listing appealing with high-quality photos that showcase your location, storefront, team, and products. Also, add a business description. Wherever possible, include local keywords to help with search rankings.
Real customer information can be a powerful way to boost your credibility. Invite happy clients to leave customer reviews on your Google My Business page. Make sure that someone in your office is keeping track of and responding to the customer reviews that are shared.
Another way that you can build trust is with Google Q&A. Use this section to answer some of the most common questions that you hear. Not only will readers get their questions answered, but Google Q&A is another place to naturally add your keywords where it makes sense.
Regular Posting with GMB Posts to Expand Your Reach
Whenever you have noteworthy information to share, publish it through your Google My Business listing. For example, you can share current promotions, seasonal offerings, business updates, or upcoming events. Don’t forget to add a Call to Action so that visitors can participate.
Keep in mind that GMB posts are live for 7 days, which is why you need to make sure that you are posting consistently. If you have a regular posting schedule, then you will be able to keep your listing active.
In your GMB posts, look for ways to add images, visuals, and keyword terms. These details might seem small, but they can impact your engagement and rankings. Ultimately, the goal is to offer a great customer experience while also boosting activity signs for Google at the same time.
Monitor Performance Through GMB Insights
Now that your GMB page is live, it’s not a “set it and forget it” effort. Pay attention to GMB insights so that you can see how the page is performing. Keep track of data such as how people are finding your listing and which actions they are taking. This information allows you to adjust your local SEO strategy based on what is working in your industry.
Avoid These Common GMB Mistakes That Hurt Rankings
There are a few things that could potentially have a negative impact on your search engine rankings. As you are updating and reviewing your Google Business Profile, watch out for these common mistakes:
- Negative Reviews: Hopefully, you won’t have many negative reviews. But it’s inevitable that something might come through eventually. It’s a mistake to ignore or delete these negative reviews. Instead, respond professionally to show that you are listening to your customers and taking care of their needs.
- Keyword Stuffing: Your GMB profile should look natural and appealing to the reader. One mistake that we see sometimes is keyword stuffing. This can be especially harmful if you are keyword stuffing in the business name.
- Incorrect Information: Seemingly simple mistakes can take a toll on the overall effectiveness of your GMB account. Examples include choosing the wrong category or leaving any of the important fields blank.
- Missing Updates: Mark your calendar to make sure that you are updating your GMB page regularly. If any changes occur, then this information should be updated as soon as possible. Always be sure that your hours, phone, address, location, and other details are relevant.
FAQs
What is Google My Business, and why is it important for local SEO?
Google My Business is a free tool offered by Google. This feature allows you to list your business so that your information shows up in local search results. Ultimately, the goal is to make sure that you are visible on Google Maps and Google Search when people are looking for local providers.
How do I claim and verify my Google My Business listing?
You’ll need to claim and verify your listing through the GMB platform. Verification can be done by phone, email, and/or postcard depending on the type of business that you have.
What role do customer reviews play in local SEO?
Customer reviews play a big role in your local SEO rankings and visibility. When you have positive reviews, they help to build trust and increase click-through rates.
Call the Google Search Experts
At ARYU Advertising, we offer a full range of services to help your business gain visibility in the search engines. For more information about online marketing strategies that will work for your business, such as GMB, contact us to discuss your needs.
