Google Maps SEO and optimization have transformed over the past few years as Google continues to make changes to its algorithm to provide users with a high-quality experience. While Google is still rolling out updates and few know what the next ones will bring, you can prepare now by getting ahead of the game.
As Google’s understanding of your business grows, so does the possibility of generating traffic and leads. It’s my opinion that GMB is one of the most under-utilized tools available to businesses today, and it can be leveraged in countless ways to drive traffic to a website.
Businesses that leverage the platform are one step ahead of the competition. With Google My Business, you can create a free Google+ Local listing for your business and respond to customer reviews. You can also create and publish a Google+ Local page for your business to help customers find you on Google Maps.
Google My Business helps businesses communicate their whereabouts to their target audience and improve relationships with them. Whether it’s through enhancements to the platform itself or incorporating new techniques into your content strategy, there are myriad ways to make your GMB presence even better.
Firstly, Claim your Listing
As a business owner, it’s important to claim and control your Google My Business listing. You will be required to add information about your business and videos, photos, and other things that can help people find out more about your business. To create a Google Business Profile simply sign in to Google My Business and follow a series of steps. You can also search for your business on Google and click on the listing. If you see the “Own this business?” link, click it to begin the process of claiming your listing. You will have to verify your listing, which is usually done via mail or phone.
Optimize Your Listing Information
After you’ve verified your listing, you’ll be able to manage all of your business information directly on your Google My Business dashboard. From the dashboard, you can answer customer reviews, update information about your operational hours, and add photos. You can geo-tag your photos or add a 360-degree photo to your profile to increase engagement. Try to add to the collection of photos regularly. Make sure to use your company logo as the thumbnail picture. Check out photo guidelines here or talk to a GMB optimization service for help.
Ensure you select the right business category as this can contribute to the overall ranking. Also, make sure the format of the URL is correct. If your website is secure and it has an SSL certificate, then add https:// otherwise, add http:// if the site doesn’t follow any security protocol. To ensure you see how many leads arrive from the Google My Business profile, simply add a UTM tracking code to the URLs from Google Analytics.
Ensure Accuracy of the Listing
Once you have claimed your listing, take some time to update the information and make it as accurate and engaging as possible. Don’t frustrate customers with incorrect information about your business, as this will hurt your reputation and lead to customers turning to your competitors. This helps customers find you and allows you to control how your business appears in search results.
To make changes to the listing information, just go to the dashboard after logging into your account and update. Be sure to include accurate and detailed information about your business, as well as engaging photos and videos. These will help potential customers learn more about what you have to offer. If you find Google My Business optimization to be too overwhelming, you can always take the help of a reputable marketing company.
Optimize Location Pages
A website for a business is its digital storefront, so they need to make location pages on them so that customers can get the information they require, such as operational hours, contact information, and directions.
By writing unique and engaging content, you can inform your target audience about what makes you special and different from the competition. Include relevant keywords to help people find your page. Also, add photos and even videos to give potential customers a sneak peek of what to expect. Also, write original and informative descriptions about your products or services being provided at the location listed. Also, use concise and simple-to-understand language so there are no chances of people getting confused.
Some things to keep in mind while creating location pages are to make sure they are unique, engaging, and informative. A lot of businesses make the mistake of just copying and pasting their About Us page onto their location pages, but this isn’t going to cut it. Each page should be specifically tailored to that location. Talk about the attributes being provided at your location, such as seating outdoors, restroom facilities, and wheelchair accessibility.
Try to tell a story about your business and the location, for example. A brief history of the area or some fun facts about the area. You can also talk about the best things to spend time doing in the area and how your business fits in the picture.
By creating interesting and unique location pages, you’ll be able to communicate to your target market that you’re knowledgeable about the area and that you care about providing them with a great experience.
Joseph Dyson is a highly experienced marketer working for a reputable SEO management services provider in San Diego, Search Berg. Through their SEO service for websites, they help small businesses improve their search engine rankings.