Google My Business -- Best Practices for Local Business

Google My Business -- Best Practices for Local Business

The way businesses do marketing has changed as the years go by. In the last years, online marketing has emerged as the best way to get customers’ and potential clients’ attention. However, not all businesses are interested in investing in digital marketing because of the costs. 

Here are some of the most notable practices for local businesses to use:

1. Google My Business - Google My Business is an online tool by Google that helps small businesses get visible in Google Search and Google Maps. This platform is free and has proven to be powerful because it can turn tables if your business appears on the Google local three-pack.

Pros:

• No Fees - Google My Business is not asking for any subscription fee, so it is best to take advantage of this one. 
• High Google Rank - Most companies outsource SEO companies to increase their Google Search and Google Maps rank. However, the result is not an assurance. But with Google My Business, you have the chance to appear in the local listing and be on the first page of Google, and all you need to do is optimize your profile. 
• Local 3 Pack - Google suggests the top three listings as customers search using a keyword. The goal of the business is to appear in the first three results. According to studies, clients do not want to browse the next pages.
• Brand Awareness - It is a fact that Google is the widely used search engine in the whole world. Once your business appears in Google, clients and potential clients will remember your name.

Cons:

There aren’t any disadvantages with Google, but if you are the business owner who has not optimized your profile, it could be a disadvantage. Once a GMB profile is not verified and optimized, it rarely has the chance to be seen on the top page of Google.

How can you start?

1. Prepare your Google mail or register if you do not have one.
2. Go to Google My Business.
3. Register using your Google Mail.
4. Complete the information asked (name, address, phone number).
5. Verify (This takes about two weeks, depending on the option you have chosen. Options include email, text message, video call, phone call, and postcard).
6. Claim Your business.
7. Manage your listing and optimize it.

How can I optimize my Google My Business Listing?
​
The key to using Google My Business is by optimizing it. When your listing is optimized, you meet the requirements of Google, and you are making Google understand that your business is still in the works. Here are simple tips for optimizing your listing:

• Complete your Profile - Make sure that you have indicated your business name, address, and contact number. Do not disappoint your clients by putting details that are not true at all.
• Have your profile verified - As mentioned above, verification takes time. It is essential to get verified because you are convincing Google that your business is real and legit. Unverified businesses will not have a chance to go higher in the ranks.
• Regular posts - When you post regularly, you are keeping your clients updated about your business. Include good photos to feast the eyes of your clients, tempting offers, high-quality videos, and so on.
• Encourage your clients to leave reviews - Reviews matter to businesses because they can encourage potential clients to use your services or avail of your goods. In fact, most customers check on star ratings and reviews before buying online. So, if you have loyal clients, encourage them to leave reviews and make it easy for them. In addition, answer reviews with a good note. 
• Q and As - This is like the FAQs portion in GMB that helps potential clients find out more about your business. Make sure that you check questions frequently so that you can inform your future customers about your business. 
• 
  

How regularly should I post on Google My Business?

It is important to keep your audience updated about your business. There are different posts that you can choose from, and their longevity depends on the kind of post. Once or twice a week, it is best to display photos not only of your products but also about your façade and your staff. You can also have monthly or weekly offers and contests just to keep the engagement going.

Can I use Google My Business as a freelancer?

Yes, you may use GMB as a freelancer, given that you have an address in your profile. Google requires the business to have basic information such as name, address, and contact number. Freelancers can make the most out of GMB because it is free. 

2. Social Media Platforms

These days, people use social media for so many reasons: entertainment, connection, and business. Local businesses should use social media platforms to be known to their local service area. 

Here are the top social media platforms that customers use:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube

These five giant social media platforms can help your local business get the recognition it wants from your target audience. Make sure that you are aware of what common platform is used in your area.
Pros:

• Everybody has a social media account - People are so into social media, and they post everything they see. If you can grab your client’s attention and use your brand, it is a high chance for you to get more clients in the future.
• Free - Social media accounts are used for free. If you make the most out of this, you can get your clients.
• Interlinkage - These days, the social media platform can be seen in another platform. You can increase your visibility if you utilize different platforms at one time. For instance, you can use Instagram and Facebook together. Moreover, you can link your social platforms to Google My Business as well.

Cons:

• Upset customers - The disadvantage of using social media is that you can’t filter what they can say, and they may harm your brand.

3. Search Engine Optimization

SEO has proven to be an effective way of increasing leads. The business’s goal is to get the highest search engine position when a client searches for a service or certain goods. Is it impossible to rank higher in search engines? 

The answer is no. You can still rank higher mainly if you use the right keywords. Choosing uncommon but specific keywords that match your business gives you a higher chance of being on every search engine’s first page.

Pros:

•  Less Budget - You do not need to spend a lot of money on SEO, given that you have to choose good keywords.

Cons:

• Competition - You are not the only business using this strategy. So with higher competition, the success rate could be lower.
• Requires Time - Planning this strategy requires time as you have to choose your keywords well. You also need another team to think of good keywords that are catchy.

Local businesses should start using these top three marketing practices for their business. To start things, it is highly recommended to have a Google My Business account and listing to maximize the other strategies.

​