Are you looking to boost your local business and generate more sales? Look no further than Google My Business! With 18% of local searches resulting in a purchase within 24 hours, it’s crucial to make the most of this powerful tool. Let’s dive into a cheat sheet to help you master Google My Business and get your business noticed on the world’s largest search engine.
Claim Your Google My Business Listing
To get started, head over to the Google My Business website and sign in with your Google account. From there, you can either create a new profile or claim an existing listing for your business. Google will guide you through the process of updating your page with all the relevant information. To verify your business, you may need to add a code sent by Google to your commercial address.
Include All Essential Information
During the registration process, Google will prompt you to choose a category, name, address, and other essential details. Don’t overlook this step! With over 2,000 different categories to choose from, selecting the right one is crucial. Your chosen category will impact the way you can modify the rest of your business listing. For instance, if you own a restaurant, you can add a menu in PDF format. Optimize your listing by including a description with relevant keywords and attributes aimed at attracting potential customers.
Add High-Quality Images
Before visiting a business, people like to get a visual sense of what to expect. By adding images of your storefront, dishes, or team, you can build trust and entice customers to visit you. Remember to use high-quality images that portray your business in a positive light. As John Jantsch from Duct Tape Marketing suggests, “Upload 8 or 10 photos of your products, your business, your employees. It doesn’t matter what they are, but make sure they are representative and of quality.”
Drive Visitors to Your Listing
Now that you’ve set up your Google My Business listing, it’s time to attract visitors and increase your online visibility.
Get Positive Reviews
According to a study by Local SEO Guide, Google My Business reviews containing relevant keywords are the second most influential factor in local search rankings. Positive reviews not only showcase the excellent experience you provide to potential customers but also impact your search engine optimization (SEO). To get more positive reviews, focus on delivering exceptional customer service. Additionally, you can display signage in your store, include a link to review your business in your email signature, or share positive reviews on your social media pages. These simple reminders will encourage satisfied customers to share their opinions.
Respond to All Reviews
Engaging with customers is key to building a strong online reputation. Make it a habit to respond to every review on your Google My Business listing regularly. This shows users that you are responsive and enables you to address any concerns publicly. In fact, by providing a satisfactory response, you may even encourage customers to leave a more favorable review than their previous one.
Publish Regular Content
Google Posts, launched in 2017, allows businesses to share regular updates on their listings. Take advantage of this feature to keep your listing fresh and engaging. You can share blog articles, special offers, events, photos, and videos. Simply log in to your Google My Business account and click on “Create a post.” From there, you can add various types of content, including text, photos, videos, events, and offers. For example, a local restaurant could post details about an upcoming live music concert they’re hosting. When people search for local restaurants and come across this post, it will entice them to visit the establishment that evening.
Don’t underestimate the power of Google My Business for your local business. By following these tips and regularly updating your listing, you can ensure that your business is well-ranked on Google, attracting new customers along the way.
To learn more about optimizing your online presence and standing out on Google, visit Crawlan.com, your go-to resource for digital marketing. Get ready to skyrocket your business with Google My Business!
