At least one in three Google searches has local intent. Consumers are looking for products and services near them. To get on their radar and earn loyal customers, maximize your Google My Business listing.
Whether you’re new to digital marketing, your SEO specialist has probably emphasized the importance of up-to-date websites and active social media channels. More than these factors, you need a location-centric strategy that includes Google My Business. The free tool boosts your local exposure. It elevates your public identity and online presence on the most-used search engine in the world.
For more traffic to your website, optimize your business listing and let Google do the rest.
How Do You Optimize Your Google My Business Listing?
You may already be listed on Google My Business if you have previous experience with Google tools for marketers, like Google AdWords and Google Analytics. Alternatively, you may already have a listing if the business has existed for several years. The only thing you have to do is claim it.
Claim your Google My Business listing by completing the required information with accurate business and contact details, and by making sure everything is updated. In the case of business operating hours, Google has a feature where you can customize the hours for holidays and other special days.
After claiming your business listing, make a checklist of the following:
- Incorporate SEO in your business listings
Your Google My Business listing is a part of your overall digital marketing strategy, so incorporate SEO into the listing. Use targeted keywords you use for content and pay-per-click ads. Also, use search phrases that your target audience is most likely to type on their search bars when looking for products or services like yours. This way, they can easily find your listing.
There are two simple ways to insert keywords into your listing. First, add them to a solid brand description. Second, encourage customers to write testimonials for your services. They are likely to use keywords that your target audience searches for on Google.
- Add high-quality photos related to your business
People are naturally drawn to visual content. They’re more likely to check out your website they know what to expect from you. Complement your business listing details with high-quality images featuring your physical location, your products, or other subjects related to your business. Add your logo for easier identification, and a cover photo to showcase your brand personality.
Follow Google best practices when it comes to photos:
- Use JPG or PNG formats only.
- Make sure the images are between 10KB and 5MB, with a minimum resolution of 720 pixels.
- Keep images natural — make sure edits and filters are either minimal or subtle.
- Respond to positive and negative feedback.
Before making a buying decision, potential customers check out what previous ones have to say about your products and services. Good comments influence their decisions. It also helps that positive reviews contribute to your visibility in search results. But don’t shy away from negative feedback. Address them diplomatically, and let consumers know you care about what they say.
Potential customers also consider your customer engagement. They’re going to see whether you promptly respond to questions and concerns. If you do, they’re more likely to inquire, too. Because they know that you take time to listen to your customers and find solutions for them.
Google lets you monitor your business listing through a tool called Insights. With it, you can determine where customers find you on Google search, how they find your listing, the call-to-actions they take, and the photos they view. Use this data to continually improve your listing.
What’s So Important About Google My Business Listings?
Google doesn’t need introductions. Everyone uses this search engine for answers to their questions and solutions to their concerns. Businesses get massive potential traffic by ranking high on Google. One way you can rank high is to implement SEO best practices. But don’t forget about business listings.
Google My Business is a great way to attract local leads. Consider these benefits:
- It’s a free marketing tool
An optimized Google My Business listing increases your online visibility and generates higher revenue. It even has an Insights tab, which gives you access to a wide range of analytics with three main sections: visibility, engagement, and audience. The best part is that all of this is free.
- Your Google search visibility gets better
The first page of Google results often includes a high-visibility panel in between paid ads and organic results. This panel includes local business listings and a summary of their business information. By landing on this panel, a single click can direct searchers to your website.
- Customers can easily find your physical location
An optimized listing displays useful, up-to-date information about your business. It shows the description of your business, hours of operation, busy periods, and a button that lead to your website. It also features directions, making it easier for searchers to find your physical store.
- Communicate better with potential and existing clients
Online communication is not limited to your website, social media, and pay-per-click ads. Google My Business is an interactive communication channel that shows your updated contact details. It provides more room to promote your brand and feature special offers.
- Encourage clients to leave reviews
Customer reviews, both good and bad, show potential customers what to expect from you. Positive reviews encourage them to try your products or services. Your response to negative reviews also gives them an idea whether you’re someone they want to interact with.
Connect with existing and potential clients by getting listed on online directories. This way, they can easily find you when they need your services in their location.
Why Work with Sun Life Tech?
Sun Life Tech takes the first step toward better visibility for your business by optimizing your Google My Business listing. We also do citation cleanup and content marketing to make your business listings more visible and clickable.
