Why it is Important to Optimize Google My Business

Did you know that 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information? In fact, 97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else?
Google My Business enables local businesses to improve organic ranking, show up on Local Finder, and appear in Google Maps. If you want to stand out from your competition, optimize your GMB for search engines. Get maximum benefits from Google, by using the following tips to improve GMB ranking.

Add Complete Details

Google My Business page has several questions it wants you to fill. The information is relevant for when customers want to find your business and get information about your products and services. While some information is optional, it is essential to answer all relevant information because Google could allow someone else to fill it.

You may not realize it, but a competitor or someone else can request a change to your GMB page. All they have to do is click on the “suggest an edit” option, and Google grants them the right to change information on your profile. What’s scarier is that your contact list, location, or business category could pretty much change without you being notified – and that is the reason you should regularly confirm your GMB details.

Another reason for filling all details is that Google uses the information to index your GMB listing. If you want to improve your GMB ranking, research the right keywords, and include them in your photos, videos, posts, labels, and descriptions.

Verify Your Business

The first step to creating a GMB listing is verifying your business with Google. Verifying your business ensures that all information about your business is accurate across Google. By verifying your business, you protect your brand from impersonators. A verified business is trustworthy, and customers find it easy to engage with such brands.

When verifying your business, Google requires you to confirm every detail before clicking on the “Mail” option. Google will then send you a postcard, within 14 days, with your 4-digit PIN. The PIN is necessary for confirming your GMB listing. Once you key in the code, Google gives you the right to edit information on your page.

The information may take some time to appear across Google. During that time, develop a digital marketing strategy to ensure a consistent flow of content. This is also a time to optimize your social media platforms and website for search engine ranking.

Improve Your NAP Consistency

For search engines to index your business, they need to understand who you are and where your business is located. They will check your business Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) to confirm consistency across Google. If business directories, social media platforms, or websites have different NAP details, Google will treat them as different entities and rank them as such.

Do not let an inconsistent NAP affect your GMB ranking. Go through your online platforms and ensure your NAP is similar. If there are issues, fix them immediately. It can take some time to change some details, and others may require professional expertise to resolve.

Add Photos, Videos, and Offers

Your Google My Business listing is not complete until you add photos, videos, and offers. It is estimated that 85% of Facebook users watch videos with the sound off, and this goes to show the impact of visuals on engagement.

Videos and photos are a great way to include a human touch to your local business listing. Couple the visuals with brand offers, and your customers will keep coming back to your business for more. If you want to increase engagements, make customers part of your photos and videos campaign.

Encourage customers to send videos and photos while using your products and services and share them on your GMB page. This way, you grab people’s attention, increase engagement, build trust, and improve your GMB ranking.

Monitor Google Reviews

Though it takes a lot of effort to encourage clients to give reviews, you can be sure that once the comments increase, Google will reward you with better ranking. You can also adopt a review management strategy, so you address every review you receive. This is especially important for negative reviews that need an immediate response.

Conclusion

There you have it, the tips and tricks of improving your Google My Business ranking. The steps may look complicated, but consistency will help you achieve your goals. GMB is a fast and effective way of building a strong online presence. It helps local businesses attract, engage, and convert new customers. Just remember to keep updating your google my business profile. Check for Googles’ latest features in GMB and use them to grow your local business.