A Step-by-Step Guide to Optimizing Your GMB Page

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Google My Business (GMB) is an online listing that allows businesses to publish their contact information, posts, reviews, and more. These pages make it easier for customers to search for a specific business and reach out to the company of their choice.

As any pages on the web, Google indexes GMB pages across its search engine, Google+, and Google Maps.  The end-product is the right sidebar result on SERPs containing the business’ complete info.

 

So how can you optimize this to increase your business’ visibility? Here’s what you can do:

Claim your GMB short name

After verifying your Google Business account, it’s time to claim your GMB short name. It’s a custom name designated to make it easier for searchers to find your business. Google actually requires this part so they can easily crawl and rank your pages.

 

For businesses with multiple locations, you have the option to claim a short name for each but with the location added on it.

Keep your information up-to-date

To ensure that your GMB has a good standing, make sure that you keep your NAP accurate. NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number. It should also be consistent with all the business citations in place for your company.

 

If your NAP doesn’t correspond to the business citations, your GMB ranking will be jeopardized. The crawlers will find the mismatching information as a red flag.

Write a business description

Google allows you to write up to 750 characters on your GMB page. It’s a crucial part of optimization, so make sure that you use easy-to-search keywords.

 

It allows users to know more about your brand’s story, what you offer, and who you cater to. Take note that Google doesn’t allow any promotional content or links on this portion.

Use your best business photos

About 60% of local customers say that they prefer business listings with good pictures. It all boils down to the fact that humans are visual beings. If you can show them your business in the best way, they’re likely to be converted into customers.

 

Aside from the typical JPEG files, you can also use 360 images. This is ideal for event venues, restaurants, hotels, and more.

Always set the right categories

There are millions of businesses listed on Google. So if you don’t categorize yours well, it will be floating in uncertainty. Always set the right categories and sub-categories that suit your business.

 

According to Moz, these categories are actually strong ranking signals on local locations. Always keep the categories specific and relevant to your business.

Create a Google Q&A

Google’s Q&A portion allows customers to get instant answers from typical questions. Also, it will enable them to drop a question on this feature and the business owner will send a response.

Take note that when using this feature, you’re supposed to reply to any customer who sends a query. If not, you’re just wasting a very powerful engagement tool.

 

When creating questions, always focus on your services, what you offer, how customers can avail it, average costs, and more. It should always be practical, useful, and concise.