How To Optimize Your GMB Listing

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Claiming and verifying your local business’ Google My Business (GMB) listing is a vital step in any local SEO strategy if you want to achieve digital marketing success. Generally, GMB can help your local business create a public identity and presence on Google. You can increase your prospects of appearing in Google’s Local Pack, Local Finder, and Google Maps when you get on Google My Business.

What many local businesses don’t realize is that there are a lot of things you can do to optimize your own Google My Business listing. Some basic but essential tips to optimize your listing:

Enter Complete And Accurate Information

Local search results prefer the most relevant results or searches. Local businesses that provide the most thorough and precise data are also simpler to serve in search. So when you want to optimize your GMB listing, don’t leave anything to be speculated: create a listing that tells your prospects about your business’ operation, location, and product offerings.

The local number that you listed should match to the number shown on the landing page that you link. It’s also important to utilize the actual business name and select the right categories as well. Rather than using general terms, like “Groceries”, select a specific category, like “Fresh grocery store”.

Incorporate Keywords

Google utilizes a lot of signals to serve search results just like the conventional website SEO. Since your business site is listed directly within your GMB listing it’s very helpful that you incorporate relevant keywords and search phrases to your business listing.

Always Update Your Business Operating Hours

It’s very important that you keep your business operating hours precise. Whenever there are any changes at the operating hours, don’t forget to update. During holidays and special events, Google allows you to customize the hours so you can keep your accurate and your customers satisfied.

Add Images

Images can boost the performance of your business listing more than you probably expect. According to Google, businesses tend to receive 42% more requests for driving directions on Google Maps and 35% more click-throughs to their websites when they post images on their listings.

The images that you may include in your business listing are a business logo, a cover photo that shows your brand’s personality, and images to highlight your business features. Also, consider using higher resolution images for a better appeal.

Interact With Your Customers

Communicate with your customers by responding to their reviews. This may show that you value your customers as well as their feedback. Positive reviews will bring a good reputation of your business to potential customers and increase your business’ presence in search results. You can ask your customers to give feedback by making a  link.

You can also manage the Q&A feature. As suggested by its name, Q&A allows visitors to ask questions and you can answer them too. However, this feature isn’t shown in the mobile GMP app. You can’t monitor the questions unless you have an Android phone.

If you need help optimizing your Google My Business Listing, get in touch today for a free consultation.