How to Optimise Your Google My Business Listing to Rank Higher in Local Search

Are you thinking about optimising your Google My Business listing? Your Google business listing highlights your best features online and entices people to click on your profile and is one of the most valuable local citations you can create.

If you’d like to increase your click-through rate on your listing, then take a look at the tips featured in today’s article. We’re going to discuss how to fully optimise your Google My Business listing so you can rank higher in local searches.

The Most Common Mistakes that Affect Your Ranking

With 93% of online experiences beginning with a search engine and Google occupying a majority of the search engine market share, it is incredibly important to ensure your business has a fully optimised listing on Google My Business. People rarely go to the second page of Google when searching for businesses online. The only way for your profile to be seen is by getting onto the first Google page.

Google My Business is an incredible online tool that could place your business on the first SERP. This tool is the ultimate way to optimise your local Search Engine Optimisation strategy. But there are common mistakes business owners make when using Google My Business such as the following:

• Not claiming your listing: Surprisingly, some business owners don’t claim their Google My Business listing. Without this Google tool you’re unable to manage your profile to add pictures, edit your website, location and phone number or reply to reviews.
• Missing information: Locals won’t be able to contact you if you don’t include your email address or phone number on your listing. Make sure you complete all the information on your listing so people can contact you easily. What’s most important is including your business’s URL so people can visit your website.
• Not including map pins: Some business owners don’t include map pins on their listing or it’s been misplaced. The missing pin won’t help potential local customers if they want to visit your business premises. Make sure you add a pin, so your customers are directed to the correct location when using Google maps.

How to Set Up Your Google My Business Listing

Setting up your Google My Business profile is easy and it’s free! First, claim your business profile so you can edit information and don’t forget to add high-quality images of your company. Now follow these easy steps to optimise your Google My Business listing:

1. Complete every section on the profile. Make sure all your details such as phone number, address and website are 100% accurate.
2. Add primary and secondary categories that fit the niche of your business. The Primary category is the most important (and the only one the users can see) so make sure you use the most suitable one here.
3. Mark your attributes that include what you can offer your customers. For example, do you have free Wi-Fi? Wheelchair access? Do your staff wear face masks? Be sure to add all your special attributes to entice customers to want to visit you.
4. Write a business description and add an opening date.
5. To optimise for local searches, add your business address. You can also use a map pin so locals can find your building using Google Maps. If you are an outbound service, add your relevant service areas.
6. Add your products and services to your profile.
7. If you are a business with multiple locations, add labels in your dashboard to help you organise your listings from the backend.
8. Verify your profile. Google will prompt you on how to do this.

Optimise Your Google My Business Listing to Win in the Local Searches

Use Location Keywords

The best way to optimise your Google My Business listing for local searches is to use location keywords. Include important search phrases next to your business name or niche. You can do this by posting Google posts weekly and include the keywords in your content. Just ensure they are naturally placed.

Answer Questions and Reviews

Additionally, you should always answer questions from visitors and respond to reviews regularly to increase your ranking.

Add a Local Telephone Number

To increase your local searches, add a local telephone number instead of an international or call centre one.

Add Your Company’s Availability

Does your business operate 24/7 or do you have specific operation times? Be sure to add your times to your profile so locals know when they can visit your facilities or when to call. Also add special hours, such as whether you’re open on public holidays.

Obtain Customer Reviews Frequently

Don’t be scared to ask your customers and clients for a review! It’s important to obtain quality reviews on your Google My Business profile as it can help to improve your local SEO, and peer reviews also help to show your customers why you should be their top choice. It’s also essential that you respond to the reviews you receive (good or bad), as this humanises your business and shows your care for your customers.

Add Photos and Videos Periodically

Adding photos and videos regularly to your listing allows you to show off your business. Google’s own data shows that businesses that add photos to their profile ‘receive 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps, and 35% more clicks through to their websites than businesses that don’t’ (support.google.com).

Optimise Business Description

This is your opportunity to tell potential customers what you do and what you’re about. It is best to write this as if the reader knows nothing about your business. This is also a great opportunity to use keywords that users might be searching. Remember: place them naturally and do not keyword stuff!

Add Profile Short Name

Google My Business profile short names make it easier for customers to find, share and review your listing. If possible, use the same short name as your social media handles.

Example: https://g.page/digital-insider

Final Thoughts

Are you struggling to find the time to optimise your Google My Business listing for local searches? Then let Digital Insider do it for you! We have the technical skills and marketing experience to get your business profile to rank high on Google.

Contact us today on 0459 845 633 or send us an email at [email protected] for more information about our digital marketing services. We’re here to help you increase your online visibility!

Reference

https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038063