Lead Generation May 1, 2023

How to Optimize Your Google My Business Listing

Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence on Google, enhance their local visibility, and attract more customers. Optimizing your GMB listing is crucial for improving your search engine rankings, increasing website traffic, and driving more foot traffic to your physical store. This resource guide provides step-by-step instructions and best practices to help you optimize your Google My Business listing effectively.

1. Claim and Verify Your Listing

Sign in to your Google account or create one if you don’t have an account.
Go to the Google My Business website (business.google.com) and click on “Manage now.”
Enter your business name and address to check if your listing already exists.
If it exists, claim the listing as the owner. If not, create a new listing for your business.
Follow the verification process to confirm your ownership (usually through a postcard or phone call).

2. Provide Accurate and Complete Information:

Fill out all the necessary information in your GMB profile, including business name, address, phone number, website, and operating hours.
Double-check the accuracy of your information and ensure consistency across all online platforms.
Add additional details like business categories, services or products offered, payment methods, and attributes that describe your business.

3. Write a Compelling Business Description:

Craft a concise and engaging business description that accurately represents your brand and offerings.
Highlight unique selling points, key features, and what sets your business apart from competitors.
Use relevant keywords naturally in your description to improve search visibility. Check out this Yelp resource that dives further into Creating your Business Description.

4. Choose the Right Categories:

Select the most relevant primary and secondary categories for your business, remember to be specific and choose categories that accurately describe your products or services! For example, specifying your niche and geographic location – such as “car detailing”, and “British Columbia”.
This helps Google understand your business better and improves the chances of appearing in relevant search results. Check out this Google resource.

5. Upload High-Quality Photos and Videos:

Add high-resolution photos that showcase your business, products, services, and team.
Include exterior and interior shots, product images, team photos, and any other visuals that provide an accurate representation of your business.
Upload videos that give an inside look into your business or demonstrate your products or services, check out this Google resource on Managing photos or videos for your Business Profile.

6. Gather and Respond to Reviews:

Encourage customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing.
Monitor and respond to reviews promptly, both positive and negative – check out how to read and reply to Google reviews.
Engage with customers by thanking them for positive feedback and addressing any concerns or issues raised in negative reviews.

7. Utilize Google Posts:

Take advantage of Google Posts to share updates, promotions, events, or new product/service offerings.
Include compelling images, engaging copy, and a call-to-action in your posts.
Regularly update your posts to keep your listing fresh and informative.

8. Enable Messaging and Direct Booking:

Enable messaging to allow customers to communicate with you directly through your GMB listing. Check out the Google resource on How to read and reply to messages from your Business Profile.
If applicable, integrate a direct booking system to enable customers to schedule appointments or make reservations.

9. Monitor Insights and Analytics:

Utilize the insights and analytics provided by Google My Business to gain valuable data about your listing’s performance.
Track metrics such as views, clicks, calls, direction requests, and photo engagement.
Analyze the data to identify trends, understand customer behaviour, and make data-driven decisions.

10. Keep Your Listing Updated:

Regularly update your GMB listing to reflect any changes in business hours, address, contact information, or services.
Add new photos, posts, and updates to ensure your listing remains relevant and up-to-date.

Soon, you’ll be able to create a strong and engaging GMB listing that takes your online presence to the next level. It’ll not only improve your search rankings but also help potential customers from British Columbia find and choose your business. Remember to keep an eye on your listing, and make regular updates. A well-curated Google My Business listing will help you unlock the full potential of your business on Google!

If you haven’t done so already, create an account to get started with optimizing your GMB listing.

As always, remember to tag SLBC in your social media posts, and reach out to us if you have questions on inquires!