In our rapidly evolving digital world, local visibility to help your business succeed is more important than ever. One of the best online assets you can have is a Google My Business (GMB) listing. Google My Business (now rebranded to Google Business Profile) helps your business get visibility in local (and organic!) search results, Google Maps, and on Google’s Local Pack. If you have an optimized profile, it can greatly increase customer engagement, foot traffic, and conversions from searchers to customers.
Here’s how to effectively optimize your Google My Business profile to improve your local SEO and get more customers your way.
1. Claim Verify Your Business Listing
Your first step is to claim and verify your business on Google! You need to verify that you are the business owner so that you have full control over the information consumers are reading. Verification occurs by either postcard, phone, or email, and then you can make edits, respond to reviews, and gain insights!
2. Fully Complete Your Profile
If your profile is not fully complete, you run the risk of losing out on opportunities! Ensure you complete every section, including all of the following:
- Business Name (exactly as it appears offline)
- Address (accurate as well as consistent)
- Phone Number
- Website
- Hours of operation
- Categories and attributes
- Business description
- Opening date
- Photos Videos
3. Choose the Right Categories
Your primary category plays a significant role in your ranking. Make sure it closely aligns with your core services. You can also add secondary categories to better reflect your business. Be specific—rather than using "Store," go for "Organic Grocery Store" if that’s more accurate.
4. Write a Compelling Business Description
Your business Profile is your opportunity to share your business story. Be sure to include what makes you unique, services offered, and how you stand apart from the competition. You don't want to stuff this with keywords, but you can naturally incorporate some to enhance your search visibility.
5. Add Pictures
Photos are highly influential in shoppers' decision-making. When you add photos, your business can expect an increase of 42% in requests for directions and a 35% increase in visitors clicking through to your website.
Be sure to include your:
- Logo
- Cover photo
- Interior and exterior shots
- Staff photos
- Products or service pictures
All images should be distinct, reasonably relevant, and appropriately represent your business personality.
6. Ask for Learn and Respond to Customer Reviews
Customer reviews, both online and in person, are your most significant advantage to influence potential customers and are also used in local SEO. Encourage your current happy customers to leave good reviews when you can. Every review is important; always respond to reviews, both good and bad, quickly and professionally, because it shows you care about the consumers' input and also adds to your credibility.
7. Allow Google Posts to share your updates
With Google Posts, you can share updates, offers, events, etc. The posts are effective communication tools because they populate in your profile, and engagement leads to conversions! Make sure these posts are effective by including strong, clear CTAs and attractive images!
8. Keep Business Hours and Info Updated
Always keep your operating hours, contact information, and holiday hours up-to-date. Incorrect information can lead to negative customer experiences and loss of trust.
9. Leverage Insights to Track Performance
Google provides insights into how customers find your business, what actions they take, and where they are coming from. Use these analytics to refine your strategy and improve customer engagement.
10. Add FAQs and Messaging
Use the QA section to answer common questions about your business. You can also enable messaging to allow customers to reach out directly, offering better communication and faster conversion opportunities.
Conclusion
An optimized Google My Business profile is essential for driving local visibility, building trust, and increasing engagement. By consistently managing and updating your profile, your business can rise above local competitors and be the first choice for potential customers. At SDGM Technologies, we specialize in helping businesses enhance their local SEO and manage their Google Business Profiles for maximum impact. Let us help you stand out in the digital landscape.
