If you’re a local business, setting up and having an optimized Google My Business listing should be a priority. That way, when someone searches Google, you’ll show up on the right side of the results page. Another interesting fact is that when someone is searching for a product or service near them, they are much closer to making a purchase. As per these statistics, 88% of people who search for information for local businesses on a mobile device, will either call the business or visit them within 24 hours.
Now imagine you’re a company without a Google My Business profile, searchers will be directed to your competitor, and you end up losing a potential customer.
So it’s essential that the information about your business in Google My Business shows up correctly when people search Google. Be sure that the information is accurate, complete, and as optimized as possible.
When I searched for a law firm in Missouri, you can see that Google displayed all of the information that the law firm has entered in their Google My Business profile.
How to Setup Your Google My Business Profile
It is free and easy to set up a Google My Business listing. Simply visit Google My Business, the process is self-explanatory and easy to navigate.
Keep in mind that you should fill in all of the information that is requested, even if it isn’t marked as essential. The information that should be included is below:
- Choose a relevant, specific category
- Load quality, high-resolution images.
- Make sure your information is consistent.
- Use a local number.
- Your business hours.
Upload lots of high-quality images to give a virtual walkthrough of your business. This will give people an idea of your business before they even connect with you.
As per Google, businesses with images experience 35% more clicks to their website, and 42% greater requests for driving directions in Google Maps.
Once you get started with optimizing, it’s easy and self-explanatory.
Check Your Google My Business Profile Frequently
An interesting fact is that anyone can Google your business, and Google gives them an option to “Suggest an Edit.” So, when people click on “Suggest an Edit”, they can make significant changes to your Google My Business listing.
The changes made by people aren’t just “suggested” edits — these changes are made public on your Google My Business profile, without you knowing it.
What is the Solution?
Check your Google My Business profile at regular intervals to be aware of any changes that people may have made to your listing. You never know, someone can even mark your business as closed or as a duplicate.
Google My Business Posts
If your business is running a special event or if you want to just put the spotlight on a particular product or service, Google posts are a great way to achieve that.
The great thing about Google My Business Posts is that when someone searches for a particular business on Google, the Post shows up front-and-center in the business’ Knowledge Panel.
If you need information on how to create great posts that drive traffic to your business, click here.
A Google My Business Post can include videos or photos, copy, a Call To Action, and a URL that tells people more about what you’re trying to convey in your Post. Each Post has a limit of 300 words, but by default, Google shows a preview text of 100 words.
Setting up a Google My Business post is easy and beneficial. Since many businesses still don’t use them, Google posts are a great way to stand out and get noticed.
Get More Reviews
According to BrightLocal’s 2019 Local Consumer Review Survey, 82% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses.
Your Google My Business profile shows the reviews your business has. Needless to say, the higher number of reviews and the rating you have in Google will determine if you will get featured in the top 3 pack. If you offer an excellent product or service, your customers will be happy to review your business. Below are three ways how you can get more reviews
- Once you have closed a transaction (and you have provided excellent service), go ahead and ask for a Google review.
- 3-5 days after the transaction, send a short thank you email or text and gently ask for a review.
- Respond to positive reviews professionally and dig deeper to find out why people left negative reviews.
We hope you have found these tips helpful. Going into 2020, stop losing potential customers and optimize your Google My Business listing.
