
No local business can afford to keep any tool idle in the competition for winning and retaining customers in the present digitized world. One of the most potent yet highly underutilized tools is Google My Business. A well-optimized GMB profile will help small businesses improve visibility, drive traffic, and keep them engaged. Here are some key strategies that will keep small businesses making the most out of Google My Business.
1. Claim and Verify Your Business Profile
Before one could optimize the profile, the most important thing that had to be considered initially was ensuring your business profile had been claimed and verified. In turn, it saves you not just from losing control of the listing but also protects your customers’ view on incorrect details about you.
How to claim and verify a company:
- Log onto the website google.com/business/
- Log into the google account
- Find the name of the Business and Claim, if found end.
- Follow the verification process as guided by Google; this largely involves receiving a postcard with the verification code.
2. Optimize Your Business Information
Accurate and complete information builds trust and encourages customers to do business. It is very important that information about your business is accurate and up to date on all sites.
Key Areas of Emphasis:
- Business Name: This is to be your branded name.
- Address: The address is to be full and complete.
- Phone Number: A local number, if possible.
- Website: Link directly to your homepage or a landing page specific to local customers.
- Hours of Operation: Keep your hours current, especially during holidays or special events.
3. Choose the Correct Categories
The right choice of primary and secondary categories will help Google understand what your business does and match you with the right audience. Be as specific as possible so that you can appear uniquely in search results.
Example:
Instead of “Restaurant, ” go for “Italian Restaurant” or “Vegetarian Restaurant.”
4. Use Google Posts
- Google Posts: You can also publish updates, offers, and events inside your business profile. They show up in search results and can inspire customers to do something.
- Best Practices:
- Use high-quality images.
- Compose clear, concise text.
- Include a CTA like “Learn More,” “Call Now,” or “Visit Us.”
- Keep updating posts so that your profile does not get stale.
5. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos
The customers take major decisions considering the visual content. A good photo and video gallery will definitely make your business look more beautiful and reliable.
Visual Content Tips:
- Include interior and exterior shots of your business.
- Display products, services, or menu items.
- Add photos of your team for personal touches.
- Keep visuals fresh with current offerings and seasons.
6. Encourage and Respond to Reviews
Customer reviews build trust and will improve your local search ranking. It is necessary to encourage happy customers to leave reviews and to professionally respond in a timely manner to all reviews, good or bad.
How to Encourage Reviews:
- Provide great customer service.
- Ask for reviews via email or in-person.
- Give them a direct link to the review page of your GMB.
- Response to Reviews:
- Thank customers leaving positive feedback.
- Respond to negative reviews constructively with solutions.
7. Highlight Special Amenities Using Attributes
Attributes are special amenities that give a way for businesses to highlight distinguishing facts such as “Women-Owned”, “Pet-Friendly” or “Outdoor Seating.” This can help attract customers for which the attribute pertains.
8. Keep an Eye on Your Insights
Google My Business lets you know how people find your business and how they interact with it, based on which you can build new strategies.
What to Monitor:
The total views and clicks.
What search queries appeared for your profile.
Customer’s actions such as calling, visiting the website, requesting direction.
9. Keep Your Profile Active and Updated
An inactive or irrelevant profile will discredit you. In that respect, make sure your listing is updated regularly to show changes and new content, not to mention customer interaction.
10. Integrate GMB into Other Marketing Channels
Google My Business is part of one great big marketing campaign. Alone, it doesn’t work; it needs to be put together with social media, email newsletters, and website functions when creating the so-called customer journey.
Conclusion
Google My Business is a free set of tools that helps showcase your local presence and better connect with your customers. Implement these power-packed strategies into your GMB profile and watch it become a lead-generating powerhouse. Get optimizing today and see for yourself how it will boost your local presence!
More Stories
Tips and Tricks How to Minimize Google Ads Cost Per Click without Losing Quality
Google Adwords or SEO: Which Approach is Best for Your Business?
The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Google Ads Success