How to Optimise Your Google My Business Listing for Local SEO Success
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for local businesses. One of the best ways to enhance your visibility is through Google My Business (GMB). This powerful tool not only helps you connect with potential customers but also plays a significant role in improving your local SEO. Did you know that businesses with complete GMB listings are 70% more likely to attract local visits? Let’s go through the steps to optimise your Google My Business listing so you can reap the rewards of increased local traffic and better search rankings.
Claiming and Verifying Your Listing
Before you can start optimising your GMB listing, you need to claim and verify it. Head over to the Google My Business website and follow the prompts to find your business. Once you’ve claimed it, you’ll need to verify your listing, usually via postcard or phone. Verification establishes credibility and ensures you can manage your business information. Remember, accurate information is the foundation of a great GMB profile, so double-check that everything is correct before moving on!
Optimising Business Information
Your business information is the first impression potential customers will have, so make it count! Start with your business name—ensure it matches your branding to avoid confusion. Next, accurately enter your address; this is essential for local searches. For your phone number, use a local contact rather than a centralised line. Finally, don’t forget to link your website URL for customers to learn more about your offerings. An optimised listing begins with correct and consistent information. If you need help with SEO, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced team at ClickSlice.
Choosing the Right Categories
Selecting the right categories is critical for helping customers find your business in local searches. GMB allows you to choose a primary category that best represents your business and up to nine additional secondary categories. Take some time to research what categories your competitors are using and select ones that accurately reflect your services. The right categories will improve your chances of appearing in relevant searches and boost your visibility.
Crafting a Compelling Business Description
Your GMB description is your chance to shine! Write an engaging and informative description that tells potential customers who you are and what you do. Aim for around 750 characters and include relevant keywords naturally throughout the text. Keywords are essential for improving your SEO, so think about what customers might search for when looking for your services. Avoid jargon; instead, keep it conversational and relatable. Your description should give visitors a reason to choose your business!
Uploading High-Quality Photos
Did you know that listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites? High-quality images can significantly impact customer engagement. Include a variety of photos—interior and exterior shots, team photos, and pictures of your products or services. Ensure your images are clear and visually appealing. Don’t forget to optimise your images by naming them with relevant keywords and using alt text to describe what’s in the photo. Great visuals can set you apart from the competition!
Google My Business – Why You Want to Have It
Better Engagement
Something you want to make sure of is that customers find it easy to interact with you. This is one of the great things about Google My Business. It’s a way to provide your address and telephone number, as well as other contact details. Then, people can ask questions, get in touch with the team and make purchases. Some people prefer to use this through Google rather than visit websites. What’s more, you have the ability to add images, which is always going to have a positive impact on credibility and excitement.
Easy Directions
Can your business be complicated to find? Whether you’re down a backstreet or customers comment on how tricky it was to get there, you need to do everything you can to make sure your local business is simpler to locate. Thankfully, this is something that Google My Business can help with. When you’re on here, it allows customers to find your business easier. You’re going to appear on Google Maps, which will pinpoint your exact location. This feature alone encourages people to find you, whether they’re seeking you out or are curious when they’re passing.
Visible Reviews
Let’s remember the power of reviews. When you have a lot of positive feedback from customers, you want others to see this. It can encourage them to make a purchase or find out more about your services. When you have Google My Business, this is going to allow people to leave reviews on your profile. Indeed, when people are viewing the information, they can also see the positivity from others. This all helps in making a connection with them.
Conclusion
Optimising your Google My Business listing is a crucial step in boosting your local SEO efforts. By claiming and verifying your listing, providing accurate information, and engaging with customers, you can significantly increase your visibility and attract more local traffic. So, roll up your sleeves and start making these improvements to your GMB listing today!
