Maximizing Local SEO with a Strong Google My Business Listing

New to local SEO? Begin by focusing on your Google My Business (GMB) listing. When potential customers search for products or services in their area, they're often ready to make a purchase. In fact, 50% of local searches result in a same-day store visit. That's why it's crucial to have accurate, complete, and optimized information on your GMB listing. Follow these steps to create and strengthen your GMB account, verify your business, and optimize your listing for better local SEO results.

Verification is a crucial step in managing your business on Google. You have various options, including postcard, phone, email, instant, or bulk verification. Begin by creating a GMB account by logging into your Google account or creating a new one. Next, visit google.com/business and click "Start now" in the top right corner. Enter your business details, such as name, address, category, and contact information. Then, choose your preferred verification method, such as postcard, phone call, or email.

• For postcard verification, double-check your business address and click "Mail". A postcard should arrive within five days with a five-digit verification code.
• If you prefer phone verification, Google will call the number provided and give a verification code to enter.
• Other options include instant and bulk verification.

A complete and accurate GMB listing can significantly impact your local SEO and attract more customers to your business. Follow these steps to create a strong and reliable GMB listing that represents your brand.

Easily Verify Your Business via Phone or Email

If your business meets the criteria, Google allows you to verify your location through phone or email. Here's how:

Phone Verification:

Step 1: Log into your GMB account and select the business you want to verify.

Step 2: Confirm your phone number is correct and click "Verify by phone".

Step 3: Enter the verification code you receive via text message.

Email Verification:

Step 1: Log into your GMB account and choose the business you want to verify.

Step 2: Ensure your email address is correct and click "Verify by email".

Step 3: Open the email from Google My Business in your inbox and click the verification button.

Instant and Bulk Verification Made Simple

If you've already verified your business on Google Search Console, you may qualify for instant verification. Here's how to check:

Step 1: Log into your GMB account with the same Google account used for Search Console. Note that some business categories may not be eligible, and you may need to use a different method.

For businesses with over 10 locations and not managing multiple entities or service locations, you may be eligible for bulk verification. Here's how to apply:

Step 1: Log into your GMB account and select the location you want to verify. Click "Get verified" next to the location's name.

Step 2: Click "Chain".

Step 3: Complete the verification form with all required information, including your business name, parent company (if applicable), operating countries, contact names, phone number, business manager email, and your Google Account Manager's email address.

Step 4: Submit the verification form. It may take up to a week for Google to review and process your application.

Optimizing Your GMB Listing for Better Local SEO

Once you've verified your business, it's essential to ensure your GMB profile is complete and optimized for better local SEO results. Here are some ways to do that:

• Include accurate, up-to-date business information, such as address, phone number, website, and business hours.
• Add high-quality photos of your business or products to showcase your brand.
• Regularly update your profile with new products, promotions, or events to engage with customers.
• Encourage customers to leave reviews, respond to them promptly, and address any negative feedback professionally.

A robust and optimized GMB listing can make a significant impact on your local SEO and attract more customers to your business. Follow these steps to ensure your business stands out on Google and reaches potential customers in your area.

8 Steps for a Strong and Successful Google My Business Listing

If you want to enhance your online presence and attract more customers, optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) listing is crucial. Fortunately, the process is simple and can be done through the GMB dashboard. Follow these steps to create a listing that showcases your business's image.

1. Choose and Update Your Listing

Start by selecting the desired listing on the dashboard and clicking on the "Info" tab. Here, you can fill out or update all the necessary information about your business, such as the profile photo, service area, business hours, attributes, and establishment date. Don't forget to include a phone number and website URL for easy customer contact.

Add High-Quality Photos for Better Engagement

According to Google, businesses with photos on their listing experience a 35% increase in website clicks and a 42% increase in requests for directions on Google Maps. Make sure to upload high-quality photos in JPG or PNG format, with a minimum size of 720 pixels by 720 pixels.

Your cover photo is the most important as it appears prominently on your listing. Meanwhile, your profile photo is the image customers see when you upload new content or respond to reviews. In addition to these, you can and should also upload other photos to make your listing more informative and engaging.

• Exterior: Include photos of the outside of your business from various angles, taken at different times of the day. This helps customers easily recognize your establishment.
• Interior: Give customers a glimpse of your interior decor and ambiance with at least three photos. This accurately represents the inside of your business to potential customers.
• Products or Services: Showcase your top-selling items or services with high-quality photos. Aim for at least one photo per product or service to give customers a good idea of what you offer.
• Employees at Work: Action shots of your employees delivering your services add a personal touch to your listing. Try to capture satisfied customers in the photos.
• Food and Drink: If your business includes food or beverages, entice potential customers with photos of your most popular menu items. Google recommends at least three pictures for the best results, and you may consider hiring a professional food photographer.
• Common Areas: Provide photos of areas where customers can spend time, like a lobby or lounge. One photo per common area highlights the amenities you offer.
• Rooms: If applicable, include pictures of your different room or suite options. Aim for at least three photos and be transparent in your representation of both budget-friendly and high-end options.
• Team: Show off your management team and staff with a group photo. At least three pictures highlight your unique culture and team personality.

Utilize Videos to Stand Out

In addition to photos, you can also add videos to your GMB listing. Remember to keep videos 30 seconds or shorter, under 100 MB in size, and at least 720p resolution. While videos add variety to your profile, they are not a requirement.

Respond to Reviews for Better Engagement

One of the most effective ways to encourage customers to leave positive reviews is by responding to current ones. This not only shows your appreciation for their support but also highlights their review on your listing and encourages others to leave their own.

For satisfied customers, respond with a personal touch, such as: "Thank you for choosing us, [name]! We're delighted you enjoyed [product, e.g. "the blueberry pie"] - it's one of our favorites too. We look forward to seeing you again at [business name]!"

Don't neglect negative reviews. Respond in a courteous manner, acknowledging their feedback and offering a resolution or apology. Mention any steps taken to improve the situation to show that you value their experience and strive to provide the best service.

Enhance Your Business's Online Presence with the Google My Business App

Thank you for your feedback, [name]. We apologize that your recent product or experience did not meet your expectations. In response, we have implemented a new double-check system to ensure that everyone receives exactly what they asked for. We value your business and would be happy to offer you a complimentary product as a gesture of our commitment to providing exceptional service. Thank you for giving us another chance.

Simplify Business Management with the Google My Business App

The Google My Business app is available for both iOS and Android devices, making it easy for you to manage your listing and make updates on-the-go. Keep your business information up to date and engage with your audience wherever you are.

Take Control of Your Online Presence with Google My Business

Google My Business is a comprehensive platform that allows you to manage how your business appears on Google Search, Maps, and Google+. From updating important information to engaging with your audience, this tool is essential for any business looking to establish a strong online presence.

A Google+ account is not required to use Google My Business, but it offers additional benefits such as niche group interaction and the ability to share updates and photos specific to your business. Accessible through your Google My Business dashboard, a Google+ account is a valuable asset for your business.

What You Can Accomplish with Google My Business

With Google My Business, you can:

• Update Business Information: Keep your customers informed by regularly updating your business hours, location, contact details, and a brief description of your business.
• Engage with Your Audience: Interact with your audience by posting statuses and pictures that showcase your business and its offerings.
• Gain Valuable Insights: Access important search data to better understand your audience and their behavior.

What You Can't Do with Google My Business

Although Google My Business offers a wide range of useful features, it does have limitations:

• Delete Your Business Listing: If you need to delete your business listing, please contact Google for further assistance.
• Change Your Account Settings: You cannot make changes to your account settings through the app. Please access your account through a web browser to do so.
• Transfer Ownership: If you need to transfer ownership of your listing to another user, please contact Google for further assistance.