As a business owner, you know that online visibility is key to your success. And when it comes to online visibility, there’s no bigger player than Google.
That’s why optimizing your Google My Business listing is so important. This is your chance to control how your business is represented online, and the more information you provide, the better.
In this post, we’ll give you six tips for optimizing your Google My Business listing. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to increased online visibility and higher customer traffic.
What Is a Google My Business Listing?
A Google My Business listing is a free and easy way to create a listing for your business on Google.
It includes your business name, address, phone number, and website URL. And it helps your customers find you easily on Google Maps and Google Search.
Why Does It Matter?
Your Google My Business listing matters because it’s one of the most important factors that Google uses to determine how high you rank in local search results. Today, customers are 2.7 times more likely to find your business reputable if your business profile is complete.
In fact, this is so crucial that if you’re not listed, or if your listing is incomplete or outdated, you’re likely to lose out on potential customers. Any customer who can’t find you is a customer you’ll lose.
So how can you optimize your Google My Business listing? Here are six tips:
(1) Upload Lots of High-Resolution Photos
When customers search for businesses online, they want to see photos of what you offer. So it’s vital to upload lots of high-resolution photos to your Google My Business listing.
The more photos you have, the more likely customers will stop and take a closer look at your business. And the better your photos look, the more likely they’ll be tempted to visit your business in person.
So make sure you snap photos of your products, storefront, team, and anything else that will give customers a sneak peek into what it’s like to do business with you. And don’t forget to keep them up-to-date—Google loves fresh content!
(2) Use Your Actual Business Name and Use It Consistently
Claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing is a great way to put your business on the map. Literally.
Make sure to use your actual business name as your listing name. This will help customers find you when they’re searching on Google. You’ll also want to add as much information as possible, including your website, hours of operation, and contact info.
The more complete your listing is, the better your chance of being found by potential customers. So take the time to fill out all the information, and keep it up to date!
(3) List a Local Phone Number
Another important thing to remember is to list a local phone number. This helps potential customers know that you’re a local business and that they can reach you easily.
Ideally, you should also list a toll-free number, but make sure the number is answered during business hours. You don’t want people getting frustrated because they can’t get through to you.
(4) Write a Compelling Description
Now that you’ve claimed and verified your Google My Business listing, it’s time to start optimizing it. One of the most important things you can do is write a compelling description.
Your description should be around 100-200 words and tell the story of your business. What makes you unique? Why should customers choose you? What are your core values?
Be sure to include keyword phrases throughout your description, and make sure it’s typo-free and easy to read. If you can hook people with your story, you’re well on your way to success.
(5) Always Respond To Customer Reviews
Are you responding to customer reviews?
If not, you should be. Reviews are a great way to show your customers that you care about their experience and are committed to providing top-notch customer service.
Plus, responding to reviews can help improve your business’s ranking on Google. So it’s a win-win situation.
The best way to respond to a review is to thank the reviewer for their feedback and then address the issue they raised. Be sure to keep your responses brief and to the point.
(6) Utilize The Special Attributes Features
As you work on your Google My Business listing, be sure to make use of the special attributes features. This is a great way to showcase what makes your business unique and can help you attract more customers.
Some of the attributes you can use include:
- Your business location
- The type of business you are
- Your hours of operation
- The products or services you offer
- Your website and phone number
Filling out these special attributes gives potential customers an even better understanding of your business. It creates more trust in your brand by positioning you as a real local business that’s easy to visit and connect with. And in the end, isn’t that the goal?
Don’t Forget: You Still Need to Optimize Your Website for SEO
Now that you understand the basics of optimizing your Google My Business listing, let’s talk briefly about your website.
One of the best things you can do for your website is to optimize it for SEO (Search Engine Optimization). This means using the right keywords and ensuring your website is easy to navigate. You also want to ensure your website is mobile-friendly, since more and more people are browsing the internet on their phones.
And don’t forget to add a link to your Google My Business listing on your website! This will help potential customers find you online and increase your chances of ranking higher in Google search results.
Get Help from an Experienced Digital Marketing Partner
As a local business, it’s important to make sure your Google My Business (GMB) listing is accurate and up-to-date. A GMB listing can help you reach more customers and grow your business. If you have any questions or are interested in working with us to manage your local listing, reach out to us to learn more.