GMB – Google My Business is a free platform created by Google that allows businesses to manage their physical locations. Business owners can claim their locations, edit their Google My Business profile details and upload images that will appear in Google Maps, Google+ or in Google Search Result Pages in the form of a featured panel (see below).
Why You Need a Google My Business Listing
Consider your Google My Business listing as your own property on Google local. When local customers find themselves in a moment of need they turn to Google search to fulfill that need as quickly as possible.
Having a complete GMB profile can help potential customers learn more about your business, your location and when they can visit you—all of this without even having to click on your website.
A feature like Google’s Local Search emphasizes the need for a GMB listing for both new and established businesses. Creating a GMB listing is the first step to local search success.
Google My Business does not replace your website; instead, it’s a complementary, high profile, citation to help drive more eyes on your website.
Before you can do anything, you need to create or claim your Google My Business profile.
Build a Better Google My Business Listing
The first step for any local business to getting found in the Google Maps search results is to add and verify your business. From a desktop computer, visit this link to get started with adding or claiming your business on Google My Business
Google is extremely smart at collecting business information and displaying it by themselves. However, claiming, verifying and updating your listing is always a good idea and should be one of the main elements in your Google Maps Strategy.
Publishing Your Google My Business Listing
Use all resources offered by Google My Business within its listing details to get the most out of your business locations.
Here are some basic but crucial tips for optimizing your listing:
Complete 100% of the information in your GMB Profile
Being close to the point of search isn’t the only thing Google considers when showing business locations in Google Maps. It’s also important to fill out 100% of your Google My Business profile. Doing so makes sure Google has all the information it needs to display the correct data in your listing.
Build Quality Citations and Links
Important local ranking factor in this 2018 Moz study was the consistency of citations and the quality of the inbound links.
The more authoritative and relevant the citation sources are to your business, the more punch they will give you in boosting your Google Maps rankings.
Quality links pointing to your website (especially if they are coming from local sources) will help to improve your chances of appearing higher in Google Maps.
Niche Directories for local business
You can amplify and expedite the growth of your location authority by submitting to niche business directories and resources.
You can utilize services like Yext, or Bright Local or you can Do-it-yourself by following this great collection of niche citation directories at Moz.
Ads on Google Maps
If you are using Google AdWords to manage PPC ads, you’ll be happy to know that you can also promote your local business in Google Maps.
The Maps Ads will appear before the rest of the organic listings in the left side of the screen. They will look different from the rest of the listings as they’ll appear with a purple pin instead of the normal red one. The Ad label appearing next to the rating also uses the same color:
Website and Article Reviews
Another important element you should consider if you want to appear higher in the Google Maps results is the number and rate of your reviews, particularly Google reviews. It’s quite simple, the more reviews and the higher rating you have the better.
NOTE; Bing pays attention to and list your YELP Reviews in their Map & Local Listings.
Go out and get those Reviews!
Optimize Your Website Homepage
When you create your Google Maps business listing, one of the sections you need to fill out is your website URL. When you add your website URL to your Google business page, you are creating what amounts to the “landing page” to your Google Maps listing. It plays an important role in your overall local SEO strategy.
The website you associate with your Google Maps listing will directly influence the ranking and authority in the local search results. Google uses your website to make key associations with your Google Maps listing such as keyword targeting, business category relevance, and domain authority – all of which impact your rankings.
Start with Full Website On Page and Off Page Optimization
BONUS Tips – The following on-page & off-page SEO factors will help you better plan your Google My Business strategy for local SEO and get your business in the Google Maps “Snack Pack” results.
Contributing SEO Factors within your website:
- adding your NAP (business name, address, phone #) to your website wrapped in Schema, and preferably JSON – LD Schema. (We recommend this WP Plugin.)
- adding photos to your website with embedded meta data.
- including outbound links from your website to local business resources such as using the Google Maps “Nearby” recommended businesses, which typically consists of restaurants, bars, and hotels.
- adding outbound links to local and state government websites that are related to your specific industry. These could include: Industry licensing authority and business associations.
- include an instance of your exact business address, the one that matches your GMB listing, in the sidebar or footer of your website so that it’s published across all pages of your websites. (i.e. site wide)
Important SEO Factors within your Google My Business Listing:
- using keyword rich content in the “About Me” description section of your business Google Plus profile. Be Careful, don’t spam Google.
- adding your primary targeted keyword phrase in the Tagline of the Story section, which is basically the description of your website profile.
- if appropriate, add your business category to the title of your GMB listing title.
- properly categorizing your GMB listing by picking the right primary category, and then including all relevant secondary categories. (make sure you do not go overboard with this by including irrelevant business categories)
- filling out your GMB listing to 100%
Factors outside of your website and GMB listing:
- building highly authoritative and relevant links back to your website, location pages, and your GMB / Google Maps listing.
- distributing NAP citations throughout the web, focusing on major local business data hubs such as Acxiom, Localeze, Neustar, Factual, Infogroup, and Foursquare.
How do I create More User Engagement in GMB?
Your customers are ready to connect. GMB offers numerous ways for them to engage you. Calling, Messaging, or leaving reviews are the basics.
Now Let’s discuss some of the different elements that will help users engage with you through your Google My Business listing.
Lets start with Google Maps Images.
Google My Business allows you to add images to your listing that will appear in Google Maps. You can upload images that show the interior and exterior of your business. Add images of your team, the work atmosphere and even identity images such as your logo, Google+ profile and cover pictures.
Want a great option to show your users what they can expect when they visit your business?
Pros Pointer; Hire a trusted photographer to create an internal tour. Then change the See Outside link showing your business from Google Street with a See Inside link, showcasing your internal tour. This will appear in Google Maps and in Google Search results.
Add Google Posts - It's FREE
Google Posts is a feature that allows businesses to share content directly from their Google My Business profile. These posts were previously only available to specific industries. Google recently made the feature available to all Google My Business users.
If you’re looking to attract more web traffic and customers then Google My Business Posts are a great way to do that!
Use Google My Business Insights
Remember to use Google My Business insights to see how many people are using Google Maps to find your business.
See how your customers engage with your Business Profile. Google My Business insights will track clicks, calls, bookings, follows, you name it.
Insights can also give you valuable information when planning your PPC Ad strategy on Google Maps.
Ready to make the most out of your GMB listing? Fully optimize your Google My Business profile and start generating more local leads
OK, that’s all for now. If Google My Business, Google Maps or any other Local SEO technique is still a bit confusing don’t hesitate to contact us.
If you want to talk directly to the SERP Sniper give me a call.
