When it comes to local SEO, the main goal for most businesses is to appear at the top of the Google Maps page, as this is where the majority of attention (and clicks) are focused. The map display is impossible to miss, and it visually dominates the top of the search results when Google determines that the search performed contained local intent.
To be found in Google Maps, your business must have a Google My Business profile (GMB), but it's not enough to claim it and verify ownership. You need to optimize it and continue to be active in order to reap the full benefits.
If you are a new business or have not yet claimed your Google business listing, you can do so here. One rule of thumb: Take full advantage of every available character space and information field. If Google gives you the opportunity to include a piece of information about your business, include it.
This is the source of local business data that Google uses for its local search engine. In addition to claiming and completing your Google business profile, here are some tips to help you realize its full potential.
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Google My Business Tips
Optimize your description for your specific location
You are allowed a maximum of 750 characters for your description, which is not a lot. It's important to take full advantage of this space and optimize it for your location.
When someone searches for a business - let's use the example of "interior designer near me" - Google uses your business address based on the IP address of the person searching if they are on a personal computer or their phone location service if they are on a mobile device.
If your business serves cities other than your website address, you'll need to incorporate those variations into your description. If you can't do this without sounding like a spammer, consider adding something at the end of the text, such as "also serving the following areas: (list of cities and towns)".
Geotag photos to increase local discovery
When you upload images to your Google business profile, take advantage of the geotagging option. If you pay attention to local SEO, you'll notice that Google is displaying more and more images, even for local results, and including business information alongside them.
Why? Because visual content has become very popular, especially with social media apps like Instagram, Google has been experimenting with this feature.
Since many businesses aren't quick to adapt, you have the opportunity to be the first in your market to take advantage of this strategy. Get in the habit of posting images often, as this gives your feed a constant source of new content.
Use "posts" for special offers to attract customers
A few years ago, Google My Business was simply a directory listing. It contained the business address and contact information, and nothing else. Today, it has evolved into a social media feed, and GMB is constantly offering new features to its users.
One of the most recent is the "Posts" feature, which appears directly on your GMB profile as well as on Maps. This gives you the opportunity to share special offers and business news or announce new products or services. It's a great way to communicate with current customers and to broadcast information that will appear to prospects, convincing them to check out your offerings.
With so much competition for the same customers, this is one more way to promote offers, keep your customers informed of what's going on, and engage with people interested in what your company offers. You can also include a call to action (CTA) in your message, such as "learn more," "buy," "visit" or "call."
Activate the SMS contact option of your Google local business
This is a feature that many don't take advantage of. If you don't enable the SMS contact option for your GMB profile, you'll miss out on potential inbound inquiries. Consumers today use text messaging as their primary method of communication, as it is more convenient than making a phone call.
Enabling this option on your Google local business allows you to connect and check a mobile device to receive and respond to messages. Messages are routed to and from your phone via Google, so your personal mobile number is never displayed.
Google business listings with this option enabled often get more attention, even if other listings are on top, simply for convenience. Many people prefer to send a text rather than having to talk on the phone. Detailed instructions on how to enable this feature can be found here.
Focus on Google reviews to improve CTR and ranking
Finally, your Google My Business profile houses your online reviews. These significantly help your business in two ways. First, they make your business more appealing, as consumers are naturally drawn to businesses with more or better reviews. Second, Google's local SEO algorithm takes reviews into account.
Make a valiant effort to get reviews from past customers and set up a system to encourage reviews from all your customers in the future. Automated email sequences, a CTA at the bottom of final invoice emails, or shipping confirmation emails are an easy way to always have your "ask" at your fingertips.
If you strive to provide the highest quality product or service, you'll find that your customers will be more than happy to honor your request. All you have to do is ask them.
A business that ranks fifth in Maps results can outperform other google business listings by having a significantly higher number of reviews - that's how consumer behavior works.
FAQs About Google My Business For Local SEO
Does Google My Business improve SEO?
Your Google My Business listing tells people where and how to visit your business. A Google business listing also improves your local SEO. In particular, a local business listing is more likely to appear when people search for a nearby business using Google Maps.
Does my business need local SEO?
Who needs local SEO? As a small business owner, local SEO is a must. It doesn't matter how insignificant you think your business is. As long as you have a website, you can apply local SEO to your business and increase your revenue.
What is the Google My Business website?
The Google business profile is a free business listing offered by Google. It allows you to provide information and photos about your business, including its location, services, and products. Creating this free profile is a great way to increase your visibility on Google services.
Is Google My Business website free?
It's a free tool that allows small business owners to create a simple, impactful local business listing in just minutes. It's easy, and you can create and edit your new google business account from your computer or phone!
Can you use Google My Business for a website?
You can create a mobile-optimized website to represent your business via your Google business profile. Google will automatically use your business profile information and photos to create a website that you can customize with themes, photos, and text.
Are Google My Business websites good?
For businesses that already have a website, this is an additional online asset to promote your business. It is another credible platform to ensure consistency in your branding and message. If done right, it can rank surprisingly well in brand searches.
What is a Google business URL?
Sharing your Google My Business profile URL on your website is a great way to link users to a profile they can use to get directions to your business, call you and read online reviews.
How do I find the URL for my Google business page?
The URL for a business page can be found directly on the Google My Business management page. All you need to do is log in to your google business account. Follow this link: https://www.google.com/business/ and click on "Sign In" in the upper right corner, or click on one of the "Manage Now" buttons if you are already signed in.
