Google’s business platform is invaluable for any business owner or entrepreneur – and it’s FREE! So, if you have a solar, HVAC, or construction company, sell real estate or are a mortgage lender, Google My Business should be a pivotal part of how new clients find you.
Read on for everything you need to know, how to optimize your Google My Business listing, and pro tips.
And for help setting up or optimizing your Google My Business listing.
You can also download the full report or just contact me at norm@yourgreenmarketing.com.
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- The setup process can sometimes be a little intensive for some businesses and Google actually mails you a physical postcard with a code on it for verification. But it’s well worth it, as all of the time and energy you invest into GMB at first will offer a competitive advantage for your business.
- When setting up your GMB profile, make sure to fill in all of your business information. That includes your address (if you have an office or storefront), hours of operation, description of who you are, your products or services, contact info, social media, and your website, and more.
- Take your time and be thorough, filling out anything that Google prompts you. This is the information Google will use to list and rank your business, with GMB listings that are optimized ranking higher in Google Searches than third-party websites! That presents the best organic SEO opportunity your business will ever get.
- To simplify, when someone goes into Google (or Google Maps) and does a search for your product or service they need, Google ranks your business based on:
· Relevance
· Distance
· Prominence
- Therefore, you’ll want to claim your business’ location on Google Maps. That’s huge because when someone is looking for a product or service in their local area, your business will pop up on their map.
- It also will show up on Google Search and potentially on Google Shopping.
- Remember that you can message with clients and customers directly through GMB (Google Business Profile).
- Google My Business hosts client reviews based on a star rating from one to five. You can’t turn off the ratings, but you can (and should) respond to comments, which people will read. You can also flag a review and protest it with Google if you feel it’s inappropriate or illegitimate.
- But don’t worry about a perfect 5-star rating or 100% positive reviews – Google actually looks for a balanced, realistic spectrum of reviews, allowing you to rank higher because Google will see your listing as more authentic and helpful.
- You can manually upload photos and videos to Google My Business like other social media platforms. GMB also integrates with social media sharing platforms like Hootsuite, Sendible, etc., although it will only allow scheduling of photos and written content – not videos.
- Either way, make sure you post a lot of high quality, helpful, and on-brand content to your Google My Business page frequently!
- For the description, Google Business Profile (GMB) offers up to 750 characters. Make sure to utilize it with key words, benefits to your consumer, and other important specifics. Use simple, direct language to maximize those 750 characters.
- GMB will ask you for your Service Areas, so input all of the zip codes you work in. Don’t leave any out!
-Norm Schriever
