Optimizing your online presence is absolutely necessary for growth as a small business. In case you didn’t know, nearly 46% of all Google searches (at least in the US) are for local information, making an optimized Google My Business (GMB) listing a huge factor in your ranking in local search results. In this guide, I’ll walk you through actionable steps to improve your GMB listing, bring in more customers, and increase foot traffic to your business. Let’s dive in!
Common Mistakes in Google My Business Optimization
That said, let’s quickly cover some common pitfalls that might spoil the success of your GMB listing before we move on to GA optimization strategies. With millions of businesses competing for attention online, avoiding these mistakes can set you apart:
- Incomplete Information: When you don’t supply all of your business details, potential customers can become confused. What is most important is to ensure that your name, address, phone number (NAP), and website link are accurate and complete.
- Neglecting Reviews: The neglect of customer reviews will tarnish your reputation. Reaching out to reviews, both good and bad, shows that you care about feedback from your customers.
- Inconsistent NAP: Having your business name, address, or phone number inconsistent across platforms will hurt your local SEO. Consistency is key!
- Not Utilizing Photos: Listings with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites. So don’t miss out on it!
In this post, we’ll take a look at the first few essential steps you can take to optimize your Google My Business listing for the fullest.
The 7 Essential Steps to Google My Business Optimization
1. Claim and Verify Your Google My Business Listing
First and last, the only way to make sure your business shows up in local search results is by claiming your GMB listing. Here’s how:
- Claim Your Listing: Head to the Google My Business site and enter the prompts to claim your business. If you find that someone else has already claimed it, you can ask for ownership. This is simple and usually only takes a few minutes.
- Verification Process: Verification will require phone, email, or postcard. It is important this step; that is how your business is recognized. Enter this verification code into your GMB account to confirm that you own this business. This verification showcases your credibility and further allows you to access features to fill out your listing to the best possible control.
Image Prompt: Search for “Google My Business verification process” to find visuals that give you a visual of what the steps are.
2. Provide Complete Business Information
Once you’ve claimed your listing, it’s time to fill in all the essential details:
- NAP Consistency: Make sure that your business name, address, and phone number are the same across all platforms. This consistency helps Google be sure that the business you’re representing is legit. It can confuse potential customers and damage your opportunities. For instance—if your phone number is mentioned on your website differently than on your GMB—you might struggle for people to contact you on time.
- Business Hours: List your operating hours and any special hours for holidays or events. This information allows customers to know when to visit or call. Make sure you update your hours if they change for any reason. You can even use the “special hours” feature to highlight adjusted hours during holidays or special events so your customers are never left in the dark.
3. Choose the Right Categories
Selecting the correct categories for your business is vital for local SEO:
- Primary and Secondary Categories: Select your main category that best describes your business. If you want to add more services, you can also add secondary categories. For example, if you have a bakery, your primary category could be ‘Bakery’, and secondary categories like ‘Coffee Shop’ or ‘Caterer’. This way, Google categorizes your business so they better understand and can match it with searches related to your listings.
- Accurate Categorization: When you use the right categories, Google becomes able to understand your business and increase your visibility in relevant searches. It’s best to spend time researching and choosing categories that appropriately describe what you sell. Use tools like Google Trends or a keyword research tool to see what kind of categories are being covered in your area.
4. Write a Compelling Business Description
Your business description is your chance to make a great first impression:
- Engaging Content: Give a sharp and fun description of what makes your business unique. Now is your time to tell your story, inform your mission, and connect with potential customers. Try to sound friendly and reflect your brand personality. For instance, if you run a local coffee shop, mention that you strive to source sustainable beans and provide a comfortable space for customers to relax.
- Keyword Usage: Incorporate relevant keywords naturally, including “Google My Business Optimization,” to improve your chances of appearing in search results. But don’t keyword stuff; the description should be readable and informative. A well-crafted description can help with SEO and engage potential customers, encouraging them to choose your business over competitors.
5. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos
Visual content is crucial for attracting customers:
- Types of Content: Add high-quality images of your business, products, and team. You can give potential customers a sense of personal connection to your business by including photos of your storefront, interior, and your team. Moreover, include videos that demonstrate your offerings, services, and customer testimonials. Videos can be a particularly engaging way of showing what you offer.
- Optimize Images: Use relevant filenames and alt text for SEO. For example, instead of naming an image IMG_1234.jpg, try naming it local-coffee-shop-interior.jpg — something that can help you identify what the image contains later. This practice aids with SEO and helps users with disabilities.
6. Encourage and Respond to Customer Reviews
Customer reviews play a significant role in your online reputation:
- Solicit Feedback: Tweeting or emailing happy customers asking them to review your GMB listing can boost your listing. You can ask them directly or send links through email or social media. Consider writing a follow-up email template that thanks customers for their business and subtly invites them to review.
- Engage with Reviews: Reply to all reviews, thanking customers for positive feedback and addressing concerns raised in negative reviews. This engagement shows you’re interested in customer satisfaction. A well-thought-out response to a bad review can turn a dissatisfied customer into a loyal one.
7. Engage Customers Using Google Posts
Google Posts allow you to share updates directly on your GMB listing:
- Types of Posts: Use this feature to share promotions, events, or anything happening with your business. Regularly updating your posts keeps your listing fresh and engaging. For example, if you’re marking down prices for the holidays, a Google Post can communicate this information to existing customers without them having to visit your website.
- Frequency: Try to post at least once a week to stay visible and get customers talking. With images and call-to-action buttons, Google Posts are also a powerful tool for creating engagement.
Conclusion: Invest in Google My Business Optimization for Local Success
It’s super important to optimize your Google My Business listing to get better local search visibility and more customers. Following the essential strategies I’ve listed above will help you stand out in local searches, capture potential customers, and bring traffic to your physical location.
It does take time and effort to build a high-quality GMB listing, but the benefits of increased visibility, higher engagement, and improved customer loyalty make it worth every second. So, if you’re preparing to take your local appearance to the next level, begin optimizing your Google My Business listing now and watch your business succeed!