5 Tips To Optimize Your Google My Business Listing For Local SEO
FACTS: Google has more than 90% of the global organic search engine market share. 46% of all Google searches are aimed at finding local information (GoGulf).
The above statistics clearly indicate that businesses should optimize their Google My Business listings for local SEO so that their potential audience can reach them easily. By doing so, businesses can dominate their local market as they are most likely to appear in relevant search results among people looking for similar products and services in that particular area.
Here are 5 tips companies can apply to optimize their Google My Business listings for local SEO:
1. Use precise coordinates
Ensure consistency wherever your business details are cited such as across your website, business directories and local listings. A simple example is that if you are spelling out “Suite” on your listings, then it should be written exactly the same way on your Google listing rather than changing it to an abbreviation of “Ste”. By having the most detailed and accurate information, businesses benefit from higher search rankings and visibility which in turn attracts more website and in-store traffic!
2. Add high-quality images of your business
By adding relevant and high-quality images of both the exterior and interior of your business to your GMB, your listing’s performance is improved to a great extent. Users expect to get an idea of how your business looks from different directions and find it easier to access your establishment. The option for geotagging images is also available on GMB which tells Google where you are located and provides positive signals to it that you are authentic in your local area. This is important for users to trust your business as well.
3.Include your targeted keywords in the details
Targeted keywords are one of the most important signals that Google uses to serve search results. Thus, businesses should include necessary information, relevant keywords and search phrases in their descriptions so that the right audience can reach them. Google verifies your business description to ensure that you are not misleading people. Your description should highlight what makes your business unique and should be appropriate and real.
4. Post several times a week on your listing
Similar to a social media account, Google My Business allows you to post updates on your listing which can help improve your online presence on local search results. You can add a CTA button to your GMB posts to direct users to your website, thus, increasing your site traffic. This in turn can also encourage visitors to perform an action on your website, resulting in higher conversions. Google Search values the most recent and relevant news which clearly indicates that businesses should publish GMB posts regularly to help make their listing relevant.
5. Request, manage & respond to your customer reviews
Remind customers to leave reviews and let them know it’s quick and easy to do so. Google makes the review process simple by providing businesses a direct link via their GMB listing that they can email, add to a QR code or integrate with their other creative marketing pieces. Businesses should also comply with the best practices guideline when requesting reviews. Reviews have a great influence on local and organic SEO and they also act as evidence of service quality and as an important trust factor to potential customers. Businesses should remember that reviews earn clicks and clicks earn visibility in search results. Thus, it is vital to request, manage and respond to customer reviews to let them and your potential audience know that you value their opinions and take them into consideration to improve your products and services.
