Optimizing Google My Business: 7 Ultimate Tips
Have you yet to improve your free Google My Business account? You have the opportunity to show up in Google’s free local search results and on Google Maps by submitting this listing. Include vital firm details like the location, phone number, and website link. We want to provide you the top 7 suggestions for Google My Business optimization so that you can be found locally online in 2023.
Sign/Create Your Google My Business Profile
It’s vital to register your business before you can begin improving your business page. You may register with Google My Business (GMB) for nothing at all by following the simple instructions provided there:
- Click on ‘Manage Now’ at the top right of your screen;
- Add your company name and click next;
- Add your business location and click Next. Google verifies your listing, so make sure data is correct;
- Verify your location with the pen on the map and click ‘Next’;
- Choose which area you are active and click ‘Next’;
- Choose the category that best suits your company and click ‘Next’;
- Add your business website URL and phone number to your contact information. Click ‘Next’;
- Choose whether you want to receive recommendations from Google and click Next. It is advisable to click on ‘Yes’. You’ll then receive personalized recommendations that can help you with your listings;
- Finally, click ‘Finish.’
You’ve now set up your Google My Business page. All you have to do now is verify your listing. This confirms that it is about your company. There are several ways you can do this. You can choose to verify your business with an automated call or text message, or you can choose to verify with a postcard. If you choose the latter option, you will receive a letter at your address with a code. Keep in mind that this can take up to 15 days. That is why I recommend that you request the code via an automatic phone call or text message. You will then immediately receive your code and then you can start adjusting your business profile.
Tip 1: Optimize Your Google Business information
Local search results prefer the most relevant results for searches. As a company, you have an advantage when you offer the most detailed and accurate information. Therefore, fill in as much information as possible under the ‘Information’ section. You can find this on the left side of your GMB dashboard.
Tip 2: Include your most important keywords in the company information
Just like with traditional SEO, the use of strategic keywords is a determining factor for determining the search results. Therefore, use your most important keywords in the business description and every time you make a local post for your audience.
Tip 3: Collect reviews and answer questions
Interacting with customers shows that your company values customers and the feedback they leave. Convincing reviews have a positive effect on potential customers when researching your business. In addition, positive reviews are an influencing factor on the search results. Therefore, encourage customers to leave feedback on your business page.
Tip 4: Business photos: the ultimate guide to looking good online
According to Google, businesses with photos and videos on their Google My Business page receive 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps and 35% more clicks to their websites compared to businesses without photos and videos. Additionally, having high-quality business photos influences how people perceive your company. Your rankings will improve because Google recognizes that you are actively updating your Google business page. On average, businesses have 11 photos on their business page, but companies with more than 100 photos on Google My Business receive 520% more phone calls, 2.7% more leads, and 1.1% more website clicks than an average profile.
Here’s How To Optimize Your Business Listing With Photos, Videos, and Virtual Tours:
- Go for a crushing first impression with high-quality photos and videos
- Don’t forget to add photos of common areas
- Add as many (qualitative) photos of your product/service as possible
- Avoid promotional messages in images as much as possible
- Also post photos of colleagues interacting with customers
- Also post (a) team photo(s).
- Never use stock photos.
- Post photos of the outside of your office/business from different angles.
- Add a virtual tour video to give a good picture of your company.
Tip 5: Share The Latest News With SEO Optimized Posts
Sharing the latest news through SEO Optimized posts can significantly benefit your local business. When customers search for your business name on Google, having fresh and relevant content can help improve your search engine rankings. Make sure to update your business hours and other important information that customers might be looking for.
One effective way to do this is to optimize your Google My Business listing. As a business owner, you can use Google to help customers easily find your business in Google search results. By creating your Google Business Profile and regularly updating it with relevant information, you can rank higher on Google Maps and in local search queries.
Tip 6: Showcase Your Product Range
Give customers a better idea of your business by offering products directly through Google My Business, as long as you sell products, of course. Share information like pricing, details, and photos so visitors interact more with your business. These product details also allow Google to better understand your business and that creates a positive influence on your search results. Keep your profile updated with this information and verify your Google business account to maintain accuracy. This optimized Google Business profile will help improve your local search ranking.
Tip 7: Measure Your GMB Traffic With UTM Tagging
To measure is to know. Therefore, set up a UTM tag to accurately track the traffic from your GMB page to your website. You will be surprised how much traffic you get through this channel. Add your UTM tag to your website URL and place it on your GMB profile under the ‘Information’ section. Are you curious about how you can create a UTM tag for your website? Download our UTM Builder spreadsheet for free to easily generate UTM tags yourself!
