Over 90% of all online activities begin with a search engine. About 46% of Google searches are local. Meanwhile, 50% of users who complete a local search visit a physical store within one day.
As many as 28% will buy something from a local business after their search.
Learning how to optimize Google My Business (GMB) listings can help you reach those local customers! What is Google My Business, exactly, and how can it help your business? Keep reading to find out.
In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know about Google My Business optimization. Then, you can reach more local customers, draw them to your store, and rank higher than ever before.
Ready to give your business a boost? Get started with this GMB guide today!
What is Google My Business?
First, let’s answer the question that brought you here: what is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a business profile that will appear on Google’s search engine results pages. It’s free and easy to manage. Updating your GMB profile will help people find your business and relevant information about your brand.
Your business profile will display your business’:
- Name
- Phone number
- Business hours
- Industry
- Five-star rating
- Customer reviews
- Address/directions
- Website
Your GMB listing can also appear on a Google Map. Consumers can click on your listing to call your business, find directions, or visit your website.
Updating your GMB listing will ensure consumers can find the information they need. Otherwise, you could risk confusing or frustrating consumers.
For example, did your business close in light of COVID-19? Did your hours change? Updating your GMB listing gives customers immediate access to this information.
Instead of visiting your store and finding out you’re closed, consumers can find that information online.
You can also use your GMB listing to:
- Engage with customers by responding to reviews and answering questions
- Publish posts on your profile
- Highlight information that makes your business unique, including products and pricing
- Gather insights from customer reviews
- Gain local search performance insights from the Google My Business dashboard
- Improve your local search engine optimization (SEO) ranking
It’s important to keep your GMB listing up-to-date. Otherwise, consumers might get frustrated after finding inaccurate information.
The Benefits of Using GMB
Now that we’ve answered the question, “what is Google My Business,” let’s discuss why it matters. Here are a few benefits of using Google My Business optimization.
Help People Find You
Consumers won’t choose your business if they don’t realize you exist. With Google My Business optimization, you can improve your online visibility. Consumers will have an easier time finding your business online as a result.
Learning how to optimize Google My Business listings will support your local SEO strategy. You can rank higher on search pages and appear in front of more customers. Then, brand awareness and recognition can grow.
People can then find directions straight to your store. In fact, consumers are 70% more likely to visit businesses that have GMB listings.
People search for products, services, and local businesses online every day. With Google My Business optimization, you can appear for these searches. You can show consumers you have the product, service, or answers they need.
Then, you can draw more people to your store and generate more sales.
Your ROI could improve as a result.
Keep People Updated
How did you announce changes to your business after the pandemic struck? You likely posted about your new hours or offerings online. Learning how to optimize Google My Business listings can also ensure you keep customers up-to-date.
You can let them know about new hours, products and services, or a new location.
Keeping customers up-to-date will ensure a convenient customer experience. If people can’t find the information they need, they’ll turn to your competitors instead.
You can let people know if you:
- Offer free delivery
- Close for a holiday
- Temporarily close
- Change your hours
- Fully reopen
- Expand your services
Instead of losing business, you can keep customers informed.
Build Trust and Loyalty
Verified businesses on Google are twice as likely to appear reputable to customers.
Consumers won’t trust your business if they don’t know anything about you. By remaining honest and transparent, you can build brand trust. Over time, trust can turn into loyalty.
Customer reviews can help on-the-fence consumers recognize the value you have to offer as well. They could decide to trust your business and try you out for themselves. Then, you can generate more sales and develop a following.
You can retain long-term customers to improve your ROI as a result.
How to Optimize Google My Business Listings
Now that you understand the benefits of learning how to optimize Google My Business listings, let’s discuss your listing.
First, you’ll need to create your account here. If you already have a GMB business profile, you can skip this step.
You’ll need to verify your business. Click the “Verify Now” button and choose an option. You can receive a postcard by mail, use email, or verify over the phone.
Once you’ve claimed and verified your GMB listing, you can start optimizing.
First, make sure the information that appears on your listing is up-to-date. You don’t want consumers to call the wrong number or visit the wrong shop.
Then, start adding images. Businesses that feature photos on their listings receive 42% more requests for directions than others. Make sure to use crisp, high-quality photos that feature the interior and exterior of your store.
Photos of your storefront will make it easier for people to recognize.
Add a description to your listing, too. Focus on your unique value proposition. Consider sprinkling in a few keywords consumers use to find your business online.
Then, claim your attributes. For example, you can:
- List amenities
- Upload menus
- Add a link for online orders or reservations
- Display class rankings
- Display service menus
- Add product catalogs
Business attributes can help your business stand out.
Don’t forget to gather and manage your reviews, too. Customer reviews will strengthen your credibility and help brand trust grow.
What is Google My Business?: Your Guide to Getting on the Map
To recap, what is Google My Business? It’s an online listing that displays relevant information about your business. With Google My Business optimization, you can attract more people to your store than ever before.
Want an expert to optimize and manage your Google My Business listing? We’re happy to lend a hand.
Contact us today to get started.