How to create and optimize a Google My Business listing

Author:

Creating and optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) listing is crucial for improving your local SEO and attracting more customers. A well-optimized GMB profile can help your business appear in Google Maps and local search results, making it easier for potential customers to find and contact you. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to create and optimize your Google My Business listing:

Step 1: Create Your Google My Business Listing

1. Sign In to Google My Business

  • Go to the Google My Businesswebsite.
  • Click the “Manage now” button and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it.

2. Enter Your Business Name

  1. If your business is already listed, you’ll see it appear. You can claim it by clicking on it.
  2. If not, enter your business name. Make sure it matches the name you use in other online listings.

3. Choose Your Business Category

  1. Select a primary business category that best describes your business. This helps Google understand what services you offer and shows your listing to relevant searches.
  2. You can add secondary categories later for more specificity.

4. Location and Service Area

  1. If you have a physical storefront, select “Yes” when asked if you want to add a location customers can visit.
  2. Enter your business address. Ensure it’s accurate and matches what’s on your website.
  3. If you don’t have a physical location but offer services in a specific area, select “No” and define your service area (cities or regions where you provide services).

5. Contact Information

  • Provide a phone number and a website URL (if applicable). Ensure these details are consistent with what appears on your website and other listings.

6. Verification

  • Google will guide you through the verification process. Most often, this involves receiving a postcard at your business address with a verification code. Follow the instructions provided to verify your business.

Step 2: Optimize Your Google My Business Listing

1. Complete Every Section

Ensure all sections of your GMB listing are filled out, as this increases the chances of ranking higher in local search results. Your account should include:

  1. Business Description: Write a clear, concise description of your business (up to 750 characters). Include keywords relevant to your business but avoid keyword stuffing.
  2. Business Hours: Set regular operating hours and update them for holidays or special events.
  3. Services and Products: List the services or products you offer. This is crucial for service-based businesses. Include descriptions and pricing where possible.
  4. Photos: Add high-quality images of your business, including:
    • Logo
    • Cover photo
    • Interior and exterior shots
    • Photos showcasing your products or services
    • Team members in action

Photos attract more attention and can help improve engagement.

2. Encourage Customer Reviews

  1. Request Reviews: Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews. You can provide them with a direct link to your GMB listing for convenience.
  2. Respond to Reviews: Engage with customers by responding to their reviews, both positive and negative. This shows that you value customer feedback.

3. Use Posts

GMB allows you to create posts to share updates, announcements, promotions, and events. Use this feature regularly to:

  1. Share news or updates about your business.
  2. Promote events or special offers.
  3. Share products or services featured in images or promotions.

Posts last for about seven days, so keep them fresh by regularly updating your content.

4. Questions and Answers (Q&A)

  • Found in your GMB listing, the Q&A section allows users to ask questions related to your business. You can respond to inquiries directly or provide answers to commonly asked questions in advance.

5. Utilize Attributes

  • Attributes are specific features or characteristics that further define your business, such as “wheelchair accessible,” “free Wi-Fi,” or “women-led.” Consider what attributes apply to your business to help customers make informed decisions.

Step 3: Keep Your Listing Updated

1. Regular Updates

  1. Regularly revisit your GMB listing to ensure all information is current. Update your business hours, contact information, and any new offerings swiftly.

2. Stay Active

  • Post updates, photos, and new offers consistently. An active profile may improve your local ranking and visibility.

Step 4: Monitor Insights

After optimizing your GMB listing, monitor the performance using the Insights feature to understand how customers find your listing and how they interact with it.

  1. Customer Actions: Track the number of customers who requested directions, called your business, or visited your website.
  2. Search Queries: Analyze the search queries driving traffic to your listing. This can help refine your SEO strategy.

Conclusion

Creating and optimizing your Google My Business listing is essential for managing your online presence and improving local SEO. By following these steps and continuously updating and engaging with your audience, you’ll enhance your visibility on Google and attract more customers to your business. Regularly analyze your performance and adapt your strategy to ensure ongoing success in local search results.

Categories: Digital Marketing