20% of your local optimization efforts will give you 80% of your results.
Wondering how?
With Google My Business.
Google My Business (GMB): A free listing of your business’s operating information, reviews, posts, images, and more.
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Most of the people you would meet; consider GMB as one more place to display information about the business.
But that’s not true!
If you haven’t used Google My Business to its fullest, you’re leaving money on the table.
If used correctly, Google My Business is such a powerful tool that it can bring you more and more business.
As?
Here it is…
1) Make sure the information is complete and consistent
Don’t let your audience guess or assume about you. Make sure your listing details communicate enough facts. Try to provide all the information that GMB requests.
If you’ve just entered NAP (Name, Address, Phone) into your listing and expect wonders to happen, let me tell you, this is a complete waste of time.
Also,
Please make sure the information you entered in the listing is EXACTLY THE SAME as it is on your website.
Inconsistencies in the information will negatively affect your search ranking.
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2) Check your listing (if you haven’t already)
This is the key to unlock all GMB features.
To verify your listing, you will be required to submit a code that is sent to your business address.
If you expect any business through GMB, it is very important that you verify your business. With so many fake business records every day, a user would not rather make a purchase from an unverified listing.
After verification, you’ll need to keep an eye on the inbox associated with your Google My Business listing, for any emails from Google. Google may deverify any listing if it determines that the account is inactive for a significant period of time.
3) Google My Business Descriptions ARE BACK!
Google My Business had descriptions in 2015-2016. Suddenly they disappeared and since then the businesses had no descriptions; which left users assuming your products and services.
Well the good news is…
Business descriptions are back!
With Google My Business descriptions, you have the opportunity to describe your business to your audience and explain what makes you different from your competitors.
Google My Business descriptions come with a character limit of 750. So you can get your message across to people while also optimizing your listing by using relevant keywords.
Optimize Google My Business
4) Get more and more reviews (and respond to them)
As Neil Patel describes it in one of his articles,
Good reviews = dirty. More good reviews = more sales.
90% of people read reviews before buying because everyone likes a second opinion.
Ask your customers to review your business. But just collecting reviews won’t help. You need to recognize them.
All of them!
The positives, the negatives, the neutrals.
5) Update your business hours and payment options
Make sure your business hours are accurate. Update your work schedule for any special event. Make sure you don’t lose any customers due to incorrect business hours.
Also, please update your listing for any changes in payment options.
Also read: 7 reasons why companies need to invest in SEO 2018
6) Choose the best Google My Business category for your business
Be specific when choosing a category for your business. Consider your specific keywords.
However, be careful. Do not stuff your listing with keywords.
Remember to be specific. Do not put “Cosmetology” if you run a “Nail Salon”.
7) Images, images and more images
The images speak for themselves!
According to Google, businesses with photos receive 35% more clicks to their website and 42% more requests for driving directions on Google Maps.
Adding photos of your business is a great way to let your customers get a “behind the scenes” look at what your business is all about… And it can go a long way in promoting your business.
People don’t want to see stock footage, they want to see the real face of your business: who you are, what you do, and where you are.
The most important picture on your GMB listing that gets the most exposure and has the most impact is your ‘Profile Picture’.
However, the cover image is also of the utmost importance, as it is displayed front and center on your listing. You can also add other images depending on the business in which you operate; This may include images of the interior and exterior of the business, goods and/or services of your business, your staff or employees, or any other image that may summarize or describe your business.
8) Google My Business Videos
You can also add videos. Videos must be:
30 seconds or less
100MB or less
720p or higher resolution
Unlike images, videos are not ‘must have’. However, adding one will make you stand out from other businesses.
Creating a video will not require any additional equipment or video editing software. Just pick up your smartphone; take, save and share the video. This video must be taken at your location. All commercials or advertising videos will be removed.
9) Add posts to share business updates
Google launched its ‘POST’ feature to all businesses in 2017. With this feature, you can post updates and offers to your listing. You can announce the latest offers, share updates about new products/services or any special events for free.
Google Posts allows you to add text, photos, gifs, and even call-to-action buttons like ‘Buy’, ‘Sign Up’, ‘Learn More’, ‘Get Offer’, ‘Book’, etc.
You can create posts only after you have verified your Google My Business account.
However, Google My Business posts disappear after seven days unless you set a shorter time period. So, be specific on time while crafting the post.
Conclusion:
Google My Business presents your business information to potential customers. It gives you the opportunity to interact with your customers.
Not optimizing your Google My Business listing is like not opening the door for a customer who comes knocking on your door.
It’s an opportunity!
Local SEO takes time, but it can pay off big. On top of everything, it’s FREE!
If you need help with your local SEO or want to optimize your Google My Business listing, you can contact us.
