Grow with a Reliable Google My Business Optimization Checklist
One of the easiest routes to gain credibility, improve local search, and make sure your company's information is available to your target audience is to focus on Google My Business Optimization. Google My Business -- or your Google Business Profile as it's called now, is a free feature that Google provides to legitimate companies that can boost Google search results. (Don't already have one? Sign up now: https://www.google.com/business/. But do NOT create a duplicate! Ask Google for a postcard to request access to your business instead ... I can help with that.)
Why do I say "legitimate companies"?
Because Google is often cracking down on Google Business Profiles that might be fraudulent. A great idea, but it does happen that a legitimate company might also be flagged.
But that is neither here nor there: for now, let me review some of the services included in my Google Business listing package that can boost your visibility and reputation management.
Why do I say "legitimate companies"?
Because Google is often cracking down on Google Business Profiles that might be fraudulent. A great idea, but it does happen that a legitimate company might also be flagged.
But that is neither here nor there: for now, let me review some of the services included in my Google Business listing package that can boost your visibility and reputation management.
GMB Optimization Checklist Item #1: Maintaining Accurate Data
Think of your profile like a landing page for your customer. Especially for local businesses, a healthy Google Business Profile can put you right at the top of the search engine results page in the map pack. And local search is very valuable.
71% of people who search on their phones for something nearby visit a business within a day, according to Google.
And what do they want to see?
Reliable information about your business.
In order to optimize your profile, I audit your current profile, revise and update with the keywords relevant to your primary business goal, and provide a review template for your customers.
71% of people who search on their phones for something nearby visit a business within a day, according to Google.
And what do they want to see?
Reliable information about your business.
- Hours -- especially if you have different holiday hours. Nobody wants to go to a place and have it be closed
- Menu -- people like to look at their options before going to a restaurant
- Description -- a keyword-rich, up-to-date description can help with lead generation
- Phone/Address/Email Address -- make it easy for people to reach you
- Reviews -- businesses with customer reviews increase their credibility
- Accessibility answers -- information about wheelchair accessibility, family friendly atmosphere, language assistance and more can provide needed insight into customer experience
In order to optimize your profile, I audit your current profile, revise and update with the keywords relevant to your primary business goal, and provide a review template for your customers.
GMB Optimization Checklist Item #2: GMB Posts and Content Marketing Strategy
In a perfect world, you'll have an active website with a blog as well as an optimized business profile. It's just one tool among many.
But it is useful, and all you need is a Google account -- a cost effective way for small businesses to get going with their search engine optimization, which can be a big investment.
You can optimize it like a mini website by posting content regularly.
Digital marketing strategy recommends ....
My monthly Google Business Profile package includes fresh content each month.
But it is useful, and all you need is a Google account -- a cost effective way for small businesses to get going with their search engine optimization, which can be a big investment.
You can optimize it like a mini website by posting content regularly.
Digital marketing strategy recommends ....
- GMB Posts -- used like a blog, posts can encourage customer engagement with interesting but short insights
- FAQ -- your chance to show your knowledge of the area and the industry. Post the questions you hear most often and provide valuable content. This is also a great place to build your brand authority by answering the questions let by the community
My monthly Google Business Profile package includes fresh content each month.
GMB Optimization Checklist Item #3: Pictures!
A new customer wants to know that your business is reliable, and one way to do that is pictures.
It's more than uploading your logo and using stock photography (although that does happen!).
Pictures of your business grounds can serve as a virtual tour, helping new people feel comfortable finding you.
Pictures of your staff and events can bolster your reputation and make your company look like a thriving community.
If you're local to me, I can help take photos, but I'll also encourage you to share and make sure the pictures meet Google's guidelines.
It's more than uploading your logo and using stock photography (although that does happen!).
Pictures of your business grounds can serve as a virtual tour, helping new people feel comfortable finding you.
Pictures of your staff and events can bolster your reputation and make your company look like a thriving community.
If you're local to me, I can help take photos, but I'll also encourage you to share and make sure the pictures meet Google's guidelines.
GMB Optimization Checklist Item #4: Using Products Wisely
For physical shops and eCommerce, Google's "Products" can also help build your visibility.
Think of your Google Business Profile as a secondary storefront window, allowing customers a peek in before going to your website.
You'll want to track the results specifically -- each product will have a button that will take them to your page, and UTM parameters on the button link will track that they came from the GMB.
And as I've said elsewhere, it's best practice to track everything to know what's really working for you in your search engine marketing. Marketing results matter for revenue.
I encourage you to get started today, or you can email me to request more information about my Google Business Profile Optimization package. It's a small yet smart investment in your business.
Think of your Google Business Profile as a secondary storefront window, allowing customers a peek in before going to your website.
You'll want to track the results specifically -- each product will have a button that will take them to your page, and UTM parameters on the button link will track that they came from the GMB.
And as I've said elsewhere, it's best practice to track everything to know what's really working for you in your search engine marketing. Marketing results matter for revenue.
I encourage you to get started today, or you can email me to request more information about my Google Business Profile Optimization package. It's a small yet smart investment in your business.