What is Google My Business? Think of it as a shop window Google opened up for your business. It displays your details details in their search results, meaning some great FREE benefits ready to use today.

How? We’ll explain.

A growing number of businesses are attempting to improve their search results, and no search-engine company is more important than Google.

This company remains the industry leader and is the most visited and used website in the world. 

As a result, most people who are involved in the process of SEO are attempting to impress Google’s search algorithm and get their business noticed and rated highly.

Featured image for an article explaining what google my business is.

One way that these businesses are achieving this goal is by having, and making the most of, a listing on Google My Business.

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, local businesses face the challenge of standing out and attracting customers in a sea of online competition. Google My Business (GMB) emerges as a powerful tool that empowers businesses to manage their online presence, enhance visibility, and connect with local customers seamlessly.

GMB serves as a comprehensive platform that allows businesses to create and maintain a detailed profile, providing essential information such as name, address, phone number (NAP), website, hours of operation, and services offered. This information serves as a cornerstone for local search optimization, ensuring that businesses appear prominently in search results when customers are looking for their offerings in a specific area.

Beyond simply listing basic information, GMB offers a range of features that enable businesses to engage with their audience, manage their online reputation, and track their performance in local search. Engaging posts, timely responses to customer reviews, and insightful analytics provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of local SEO efforts.

Here’s how.

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What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a service that allows you to list your business with Google and to get it included in searches. 

With this service, you can add your business name, your phone number, the address, your email, and various other elements to your listing to attract more attention to your business. 

Here’s ProfileTree’s Google My Business as an example:

An example of a well optimised Google My Business listing
Google My Business allows business owners to claim a spot on the list which provides the searcher with information such as the address, ratings and opening hours. Credit: ProfileTree.com

However, this service also provides you a variety of other benefits that are worth understanding. Before moving onto those benefits, it is crucial to examine a variety of other aspects of this service. 

For example, it is essential to understand various options, such as labels, claiming your business on this service, and many other elements that can be confusing if you have little to no experience with online business marketing.

By better understanding this service and its benefits, you can get a feel for whether or not it is right for you. Honestly, companies that rank higher in Google search engines are going to be more successful than those who do not. 

So even if you have never used a search engine in your life, it is critical to invest in this service and to understand it fully.

How to Set Up a Google My Business Listing | Google My Business | Google for Business | Google

What are Labels in Google My Business?

The labels on your Google site are significant to understand. They let you organise your business information in a way that makes it easier to find on Google. 

Beyond that, you can integrate data from Google AdWords to improve your presence. You can add up to 10 different labels to your business to make it easier to find. Each tag is up to 50 characters long and must be carefully chosen to get noticed.

For example, the type of business you operate should be included in the search. So if you run a tax preparation company, you should have a label like “professional tax preparation” for your business. 

It is also critical to include the city and the state in a tag. In this way, you can catch people who are searching for your site and help them find you more easily.

If you find that your labels are not attracting business the way that you would like, it is always possible to adjust them. Just delete a tag that you don’t like and add another one to your business. 

If you aren’t sure what to include, Google AdWords can give you an idea of what kind of keywords are converting for your industry. Once you find these keywords, integrate them into your label to increase your search success.

Label example in Google My Business
Labels are an optional tool to organize your locations into groups. Credit: ProfileTree.com

How Do I Get My Business on Google?

The next step is to claim your business on Google My Business. It is nice to know that the process is relatively simple. If you are doing it on a desktop or laptop computer, you can follow these basic steps:

  1. Open up the Google My Business website,
  2. Search the site for your business name and address,
  3. Enter your business information after being prompted,
  4. Click “Submit” to create your page,

Now you can tweak your site to improve its appearance and make it more effective. 

However, you can also download the Google My Business app and use these steps to create a site:

  1. Open the app and sign in with a Google account,
  2. Click on “Create new business” to get started,
  3. Enter your business name and information,
  4. Click on “Continue” to start adding listings,
  5. Claim your business on Google Maps when prompted.

How Do You Get Reviews on Google?

Reviews on Google are a critical way of improving your online presence. Getting good reviews is a tricky process because it requires making sure your customers know about your site, as well as providing high-quality service. 

Frankly, the best way to get good reviews is to ensure customers are satisfied with the services that you are offering. However, you can also improve your chances of good reviews by:

  • Promoting your Google page on your social media
  • Linking to your page with every post you make online
  • Including page information throughout your business building
  • Asking customers to review you on a receipt
  • Reaching out directly to satisfied customers and asking for a review

Thankfully, Google My Business allows you to access your reviews and highlight ones that you want to be shown. 

And while you cannot hide or delete negative reviews of your business, you can highlight reviews that you like and use these to showcase your business in a favourable light.

What Benefits are Available From Google My Business

There are many exciting benefits to consider when using this service. 

For example, you have direct control over your page and the way it is presented. This control allows you to adjust the various ways your company listing is showcased and improves your online presence at the same time.

However, you can also respond directly to reviews and create a positive interaction with them. Don’t be like those companies that insult and belittle negative reviews. Positively address them and try to open up a line of communication. 

Even if it doesn’t change the person’s mind about your business, it will show others that you read your reviews and that you take them seriously.

Beyond that, it also allows you to get your business listed on Google Maps. This service is critical because a vast majority of people use Google Maps when using GPS services. 

As a result, your business will be easier to find and will stand out against companies that didn’t bother with this process. Even better, it makes your company seem hipper and with the times. As a result, more people will trust your service and consider trying it out. 

Other exciting benefits and features that you can get with this service include:

  • Common links that are important for your business
  • Insights that showcase various elements of your company
  • FAQ sections that are based on real customer questions
  • Site-tracking software that showcases what kind of hits you are getting
  • Call-tracking services that manage who is contacting you
  • Keyword-adjustment capability to improve your online presence

What is Google My Business? Things to Know

While Google My Business is reasonably easy to use once you get started with it, there are several other considerations you must make before using it. 

The following are a few critical aspects of this service that didn’t fit in anywhere else on this article but which are essential to know:

  • Google My Business Dashboard – This management tool is a great way to integrate new concepts, ideas, and information to your Google+ page. It can also be used to manage your customer reviews and provide you with information on your site’s online presence.
  • Verification Benefits – Getting your business verified helps you stand out from other local shops and allows you to track your metrics in a streamlined way. Just as importantly, it gives you control over your online presence that you wouldn’t have had otherwise.
  • Information Critical for Your Profile – Beyond a phone number and email address, you need a mailing address for your profile. Without this information, your company may seem less reliable and may get downgraded in Google’s search algorithm.
  • Free to Use – Google does not accept any payment for listing your site. As a result, you can use this service for free without having to expand your marketing budget. That said, it is a good idea to pay for their AdWords program to increase your marketing success.
  • Quality Does Matter – While Google doesn’t ask you to pay anything for this service, they do expect you to stick to their quality standards. These standards include presenting your information in a meaningful way, avoiding lousy content, and behaving respectfully.

Google My Business Listing Options: Enhancing Business Visibility and Engagement

Google My Business (GMB) offers businesses a powerful platform to manage their online presence, connect with potential customers, and enhance local search visibility. Beyond the basic information such as business name, address, and phone number (NAP), GMB provides a range of detailed listing options that allow businesses to showcase their unique offerings and services.

1. Services:

Businesses can list their services prominently on their GMB profile, providing clear descriptions and pricing information. This helps potential customers easily understand the services offered and make informed decisions.

  • Service Categories: Categorize services to enhance searchability and organization.
  • Service Descriptions: Provide detailed descriptions of each service, highlighting key features and benefits.
  • Service Pricing: Display pricing information where applicable, offering transparency and convenience.

2. Products:

Businesses can showcase their products directly on their GMB profile, allowing customers to browse, learn about, and even purchase products online.

  • Product Categories: Organize products into categories for easy navigation and discovery.
  • Product Descriptions: Provide comprehensive product descriptions, including specifications, features, and benefits.
  • Product Images: Display high-quality product images that capture attention and entice purchases.
  • Product Pricing: Clearly display product pricing, offering transparency and value perception.

3. Menus:

Restaurants and food businesses can streamline their online ordering process by uploading their menus directly to their GMB profile.

  • Menu Categories: Organize menu items into categories for easy navigation.
  • Item Descriptions: Provide detailed descriptions of each menu item, including ingredients, preparations, and options.
  • Item Images: Display mouthwatering images of menu items to entice customers.
  • Item Pricing: Clearly display pricing information for each menu item.

4. Appointments:

Businesses that offer appointment-based services can integrate their scheduling system with GMB, allowing customers to book appointments directly from the profile.

  • Appointment Types: Specify the different appointment types offered, such as consultations, checkups, or specific services.
  • Appointment Availability: Display real-time appointment availability to optimize scheduling efficiency.
  • Appointment Booking: Enable seamless appointment booking through GMB, eliminating the need for phone calls or emails.

By effectively utilizing these detailed listing options, businesses can enhance their GMB profiles, improve their local search rankings, and attract more customers. These options provide a comprehensive way to showcase a business’s unique offerings, services, and products, making it easier for potential customers to find, understand, and engage with the business.

How to Use Google My Business: Wrapping Up

The integration of Google My Business is a critical step that can help your company stand out from its competitors. So don’t be afraid to try out this service as soon as possible. While it is probably best to have a professional help you set it up, using it can give you the upper hand you need to either catch up with your competitors or even pull ahead on Google!

The importance of Google My Business (GMB) for businesses seeking to enhance their online presence and connect with local customers:

Local Search Adoption Statistics:

  • Local search accounts for nearly half of all online searches. According to BrightLocal’s 2023 Local Search Consumer Survey, 46% of all Google searches are for local information.
  • Mobile local searches have surpassed desktop local searches. Google data indicates that mobile devices now account for 58% of all local searches, while desktop devices account for 42%.
  • GMB is the most popular local search platform. According to Search Engine Land, GMB is the most used local search platform, with 90% of businesses listing their information on the platform.
  • Local search is driving business growth. BrightLocal’s survey found that 73% of local consumers say that local search influences their purchasing decisions.

Key GMB Metrics for Local Search Success:

  • Profile completeness: A complete GMB profile with accurate and up-to-date information is essential for local search visibility.
  • Positive reviews: Positive reviews from customers can significantly boost a business’s local search rankings.
  • Website traffic: GMB can drive traffic to a business’s website, increasing overall online visibility.
  • Lead generation: GMB can help businesses generate leads and inquiries from potential customers.
  • Customer engagement: GMB provides a platform for businesses to interact with customers and manage their online reputation.

Optimizing GMB for Local Search:

  • Regularly update profile information: Ensure that all business information, including NAP, hours, and services, is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Encourage positive reviews: Actively solicit positive reviews from satisfied customers.
  • Respond to reviews promptly: Respond to both positive and negative reviews in a timely and professional manner.
  • Optimize content for local keywords: Incorporate relevant local keywords into profile descriptions, posts, and responses.
  • Monitor local search rankings: Track GMB’s impact on local search rankings using tools like Google Search Console.

Comparison of Google My Business (GMB) to other local SEO tactics:

FeatureGoogle My Business (GMB)Other Local SEO Tactics
Ease of UseEasy to set up and manageVaries depending on the tactic
CostFreeCan range from free to expensive
Impact on Local Search RankingsSignificant impactCan have a significant impact
ReachReaches potential customers searching on GoogleReaches potential customers on various platforms
VersatilityCan be used for a variety of local SEO purposesSome tactics are more specialized
ControlBusinesses have a lot of control over their GMB profileBusinesses have less control over other platforms

Google My Business is a powerful tool for local SEO that can be used to significantly improve a business’s online visibility. It is easy to use and free, and it can have a major impact on local search rankings. However, it is important to note that GMB is just one part of a comprehensive local SEO strategy. Businesses should also use other local SEO tactics, such as building backlinks, optimizing their website for local keywords, and managing their online reviews.

Other Local SEO Tactics can also be very effective, but they may be more difficult to implement and manage. For example, building backlinks requires a lot of time and effort, and optimizing a website for local keywords can be complex. Additionally, some local SEO tactics, such as managing online reviews, can be time-consuming.

In general, businesses should use a combination of GMB and other local SEO tactics to achieve the best results. GMB is a great foundation for a local SEO strategy, and other tactics can be used to supplement and amplify its impact.

A table that summarizes the pros and cons of each approach:

ApproachProsCons
GMB-focusedEasy to use, free, significant impact on local search rankingsCan be limited in reach
Other local SEO tactics-focusedCan reach a wider audience, more specializedCan be difficult to implement and manage, time-consuming
Combination of bothReaches a wide audience, easy to implement and manage, effectiveRequires more effort and time

The best approach for a business will depend on its individual needs and resources. Businesses with limited time and resources may want to focus on GMB, while businesses with more time and resources may want to use a combination of GMB and other local SEO tactics.

Additional factors to consider when choosing an approach:

  • The business’s industry: Some industries are more competitive than others, so businesses in these industries may need to use more aggressive local SEO tactics.
  • The business’s location: Businesses in rural areas may need to focus on different local SEO tactics than businesses in urban areas.
  • The business’s target audience: Businesses that target local customers will need to focus on different local SEO tactics than businesses that target a wider audience.

Optimizing for Different GMB Data Fields

Google My Business (GMB) offers businesses a comprehensive platform to manage their online presence and enhance their local search visibility. To maximize the effectiveness of GMB, it’s crucial to optimize each data field carefully. Here’s a breakdown of optimization strategies for key GMB data fields:

1. Name:

  • Accuracy: Ensure the business name matches exactly with its legal name and is consistent across all online platforms.
  • Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords that accurately represent the business’s core offerings or services.
  • Clarity: Keep the name concise, clear, and easily searchable, avoiding unnecessary abbreviations or symbols.

2. Address:

  • Accuracy: Verify the address is accurate and matches the physical location of the business.
  • Completeness: Include the complete address, including street number, street name, city, state, ZIP code, and country.
  • Consistency: Maintain consistency of the address across all online platforms and directories.

3. Phone Number:

  • Local Number: Use a local phone number with the appropriate area code to ensure accurate call routing.
  • Click-to-Call Functionality: Enable click-to-call functionality on the GMB profile for easy customer contact.
  • Call Tracking: Implement call tracking to measure the effectiveness of GMB in driving phone inquiries.

4. Website:

  • Mobile-Friendly Website: Ensure the website is optimized for mobile devices, as a significant portion of local searches occur on mobile.
  • Relevant Content: Provide relevant and informative content related to the business’s offerings and services.
  • Clear Call-to-Actions: Include clear and compelling calls-to-action to encourage visitors to take the desired action.

5. Categories:

  • Primary Category: Select the primary category that most accurately represents the business’s core offering.
  • Additional Categories: Choose relevant additional categories to enhance searchability and reach a wider audience.
  • Category Research: Conduct thorough research to identify the most relevant and effective categories.

6. Business Description:

  • Keyword Optimization: Incorporate relevant keywords that accurately describe the business’s offerings and services.
  • Engaging Content: Craft an engaging and informative description that highlights the business’s unique value proposition.
  • Local Context: Emphasize the business’s local presence, including location, neighborhood, or regional specialties.

7. Services and Products:

  • Comprehensive Listing: List all relevant services and products accurately and with detailed descriptions.
  • Category Organization: Organize services and products into relevant categories for easy navigation.
  • High-Quality Images: Include high-quality images of products or service highlights to enhance visual appeal.
  • Pricing Transparency: Display pricing information where applicable to provide transparency and value perception.

8. Posts:

  • Regular Posting: Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep the profile active and engaging.
  • Varied Content: Create a mix of content, including promotions, updates, announcements, and local events.
  • Visual Appeal: Utilize high-quality images and videos to capture attention and enhance engagement.
  • Community Interaction: Respond to comments and messages to foster connections with potential customers.

FAQ

Q: What is Google My Business (GMB)?

A: Google My Business is a free tool that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. It allows businesses to create and manage a profile that includes their name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and other important information. Businesses can also use GMB to post updates, respond to reviews, and track their performance in local search.

Q: What are other local SEO tactics?

A: Other local SEO tactics include building backlinks, optimizing a website for local keywords, managing online reviews, and submitting to local directories.

Q: Which approach is right for my business?

A: The best approach for a business will depend on its individual needs and resources. Businesses with limited time and resources may want to focus on GMB, while businesses with more time and resources may want to use a combination of GMB and other local SEO tactics.

Q: What other factors should I consider when choosing an approach?

A: Other factors to consider include the business’s industry, location, and target audience.

Conclusion

Google My Business is a powerful tool for local SEO that can be used to significantly improve a business’s online visibility. However, it is important to note that GMB is just one part of a comprehensive local SEO strategy. Businesses should also use other local SEO tactics to achieve the best results.

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