Optimise Your Google My Business Listing

The Benefits Of Google My Business

Google My Business offers the highest impact advertising for businesses who are seeking local exposure to the right audience. It taps into and delivers all the information that a customer needs to know, including address, contact information, reviews, and opening hours - all within a very short and visual display which is linked to Google Maps and other platforms.

The main benefit is of course the exposure that businesses get to potential customers in their area.

If your business relies on footfall and a physical presence, then a strategy which allows you to capitalise and build your online presence around your storefront is key - and will help you to get seen by all the right people.

Another benefit is the reliability and credibility that a Google My Business profile gives to your business. When looking for somewhere to visit or eat out, consumers are driven by reviews, aesthetics, and the reassurance of quality that comes from a well-constructed online profile - all things which are optimised through Google My Business.

Other benefits include the link between Google My Business and Google Maps, the advertising of contact numbers and other information which gives the customer direct contact with the business, and the super easy-to-use platform which makes it all possible.

Harness Google My Business - Reap The Benefits!

Once you understand the benefits of Google My Business and have made the decision to build your profile to support the physical footprint of your store or business, we advise following the list below to ensure that every touchpoint of your profile is optimised to achieve the best results.

Before we get started, a quick word of advice. Google My Business is a powerful tool which can contribute towards your presence in search results, particularly for local searches. However, it is not and should not be considered an alternative to a fully functioning website.

STEP ONE: Before you dive in and create a GMB listing, check your business doesn’t already have one.

The weird thing about GMB is that it isn’t just the business that can create a listing - other people can do it on your behalf too. What this means is that if your business has been around for a while, you might already have an active listing which you then need to claim and optimise with up-to-date and relevant information.

STEP TWO: Don’t bypass the Business Category section - this is key!

This is what tells Google where your business focus lies and in what industry you operate in, linking your profile to relevant searches. It asks for a main category and subcategory, so be specific and realistic about where your business falls.

STEP THREE: Offer as much information as you can.

The more information your listing provides, the more chance you will be ranked higher.

STEP FOUR: Include your keywords.

Don’t forget your overarching digital strategy and those SEO keywords you used to build your website. Your GMB listing will include your website link, so tying the two together with relevant keywords will show Google that you are operating in the right space and will prove that you do what you are claiming to do.

STEP FIVE: Photos!

When it comes to optimising your listing, you can never have too many high quality photos - both uploaded by you as the business and by users. Encourage users and customers to leave reviews with added photos, as consumers react strongly to businesses with a visual presence that they can recognise and aspire towards.

STEP SIX: Respond to Customers on all platforms.

From replying to their reviews to enabling direct messaging, if you are going to create a GMB listing then you need to be active and responsive when customers use it to get in touch with you. We particularly recommend responding to any negative or constructive feedback as this demonstrates a willingness to improve and take customer feedback on board.

STEP SEVEN: Create a presence that supports your business.

Whatever your business is, Google My Business is an opportunity to optimise and bring your online presence to a niche market of local consumers, who are seeking a nearby solution to their needs.

Your Google My Business profile should be approached in the same way as any other online touchpoint - as a crucial part of the customer journey, designed to guide your customer towards the actions that you want them to take.

Everything you can do to optimise and support that journey is encouraged - from photos to information and more!