You may not realize it as a local business, but if you’re not online, you’re not reachable to 97 percent of your potential customers!
According to recent data, 97 percent of people find out about a local business online. So for businesses that are still stuck in the 1900s, chances of landing new clients are pretty grim. And with the amazing Google My Business tool from Google that drives over 90 percent of global searches, becoming prominent online is possible for any business.
In this blog, we’ll tell you what Google My Business is, why you need it, and how you can optimize GMBs to attract more clients to your physical store.
What is Google My Business?
Previously known as Google My Business, Google Business Profile is a free tool that allows businesses to create a business profile that targets their local community. Google Business Profile combines the features of Google Maps marketing and GMB and helps businesses increase their reach to the customers who want to make a purchase.
Benefits of Google Business Profile
To explain to you why Google Business Profile and GMB optimization matter, here’s a number: 46.
46 percent of people searching on Google are looking for a local business to make a purchase. So if you have a Google Business Profile, you’re likely to turn up in the search results for these people.
Moreover, out of these people (looking for a local business on Google), 88 percent actually visit the store within 24 hours of conducting the search online.
Lastly, businesses that are not online are missing out on 97 percent of potential clients. This is because people look for local businesses online more than anywhere else.
How to Start?
Sold by the benefits and ready to make a Google My Business profile? Here’s how you can start.
Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Sign into your Google account, choose Google Business Profile, and click manage now. You’ll be redirected to a page allowing you to set up your GMB profile.
Give Details of Your Business
Enter the accurate and complete details of your business. Make sure you don’t leave any field empty, as that will be misleading for your potential clients and won’t be approved by Google.
Name, Location, Category
Write your business’s full name, enter the location, and choose a category with nine sub-categories. For example, if you have a shoe store, your main category will be shoes. Then you’ll select sub-categories such as sneakers, heels, formal shoes, etc.
Use Google Map to Further Optimize
Google Map SEO is a part of Google Business Profile. By using Google Maps, you can find your business on the map and locate it for your customers. This will narrow down your business location and make it easier for customers to search for you when visiting in person.
Answer Google’s Questions
While setting up your Google Business Profile, Google will have a series of questions for you. Ensure that you accurately fill the answers and provide as many details as possible. This will help Google to accurately enlist your business in relevant local searches.
Accurately Share Business Hours
This is extremely important! Writing accurate business hours may not be important for Google but it is for customers’ experience and feedback. Make sure you tell your exact business hours for customers to visit you at the right time.
Verify Your Business
You can choose from a number of ways to verify your business location. You can either verify your business via a phone call or initiate local optimization by asking Google to send you a postcard with a verification code.
Publish Your Profile
Once all the steps are done, you can publish your Google Business Profile online. Now customers looking for your service/product in your area will land on your Google Business Profile. Here’s what you need to do for GMB SEO.
Steps for GMB Optimization
Here are the steps to optimize Google Business Profile on a limited budget.
Add Photos
Rich media such as photos and videos improve the ranking of any webpage on Google. To ensure that your Google Business Profile stays ahead of the competitors in the local area, add photos and multimedia to your GMB page.
Pay Attention to Cover Photo
Your cover photo will be the thumbnail of your Google Business Profile whenever a customer searches for you. Don’t ignore your cover photo or add irrelevant pictures. Make sure your cover photo is attractive, relevant to your services, and high-quality.
Don’t Forget Your Profile Picture
Likewise, use a high-quality and relevant profile picture that improves your GMB SEO. Don’t opt for stock images or poor-quality pictures.
Be Smart with Description
Google allows every business to add a 750-word business description. However, only 250 words appear when you look up a profile’s link. Make sure that you offer a concise and attractive introduction in 250 words.
Use Keywords for Local Optimization
Optimize your Google My Business profile with the help of local keywords. This means that if you’re catering to customers in NYC, add NYC to your content on your GMB profile. Likewise, narrow down your keywords to make your GMB page more relevant to local searches.
Ask for Reviews
Whenever a potential customer visits your Google Business Profile, they won’t trust you without testimonials and client reviews. Therefore, add a button for reviews and request your clients to leave a review on your GMB profile.
Use Google’s Tools
Use Google’s tools such as Google Analytics, Google Trends, and Google Keyword Planner to optimize your Google Business Profile.
Consistently Update Your Profile
Making Google Business Profile is easy, but maintaining it may seem difficult. However, you can’t leave your profile idle! Consistently update, interact with your customers, and keep your profile live.
Ready to Start GMB Optimization?
Ready to start but need help? Reach out to Search Berg. The SEO services agency offers Google Map marketing, local optimization, and Google My Business optimization.
Author Bio
The author is a digital marketer and GMB expert. The author is based out of New Jersey and works freelance.
