How To Optimize Your Google My Business Listing

How To Optimize Your Google My Business Listing

Online marketing is the key to sales as customers rely on what they see online. So, if you have a business, you should never hesitate to make your own Google My Business account.

Google My Business is a free tool offered by Google which enables businesses to manage their business listings to be readily seen in Google search and Google map. Using Google My Business has proven to work for many enterprises because most clients check Google before making purchases. When a client sees your business online, it gives them a chance to interact with your business, or they may contact you immediately.

If you are still hesitating in making your own Google My Business account, here are the 4Fs that would help you change your mind. 

1. Free - A lot of businesses spend money on marketing, but Google My Business is free. So why do you need to waste money where you can get something free of charge and effective?
2. Firm Standing - By using Google My Business, your business looks firm and reliable in the eyes of the clients. Most clients who search businesses in Google go for that business. This means clients trust what they see in Google. 
3. Frequent Website Visits - When your business is visible in Google, you will be surprised with the visits from your clients to your website. High website traffic means that there is more opportunity for sales.
4. Feedback - Feedback or reviews are essential for businesses because clients read reviews before purchasing any good or service. When you get feedback from your clients, and you give them a reply, your SEO ranks will increase.

The reasons above should convince you to start making your Google My Business Account. The steps are very easy.

1. Sign Up - Sign up to Google My Business to make your Google My Business account. All you need to do is to create a Google account. If you already have one, then it should be easy for you.
2. Complete Your Business Profile - A complete Google My Business profile includes your Business Name, your address or location, your phone number, the operating hours of your business, and your website if you have one.
3. Verify Your Account - The verification process takes about two weeks, depending on the chosen way of verification for you. Once you have received the verification PIN, make sure you enter the numbers correctly.
4. Add Or Update Your Listing - You can now start posting a business listing for your business. Update your listing by adding photos or any relevant information about your business.

What Is Business Listing?

Business listing is like a directory set by Google for local businesses. When clients type in keywords of the goods or services that they are looking for, Google gives them three suggestions that match with the keywords that were inputted. 

Your goal is to be one of the three businesses to show up when clients type in the keywords. Being in the Google three-pack is highly important. When your business is listed, your business performs well by getting more website visits, calls, and potentially increased sales.

What Is GMB Optimization?

Google My Business optimizations are the process of making the most out of your GMB profile. When your GMB profile is  optimized, you increase your visibility on the different search engines but most especially in Google. 

Your goal as the business owner is to have your Google My Business account optimized soon. How can you do that? The steps are very easy:

1. Make sure that your profile is complete. As mentioned above, a complete profile has the NAP or name, address, and phone number. Once you have these basics, then you are good for optimization. Why is a complete and accurate profile needed? 

Your profile is the first one that your client sees. Once it is opened, it would be frustrating for a customer who wants to buy a new sofa but cannot see any address or phone number in the “best furniture” shop in town.

1. You can fully optimize your business listing by putting in good images of your business. You just do not need to post about the products and services but you can also include the ones behind your business like your staff. Good images draw in more clients especially those who rely on what they can see.
2. Reviews are important as mentioned above. When clients leave good reviews they bring more clients to your business. Politely ask for reviews especially those customers who keep on coming back. 
3. Choose the Right Category of your Business. By doing so, you are not misleading your clients about the services that you are offering. 
4. Frequently post updates and offers for your business to grow. You need to catch and draw in the attention of more clients.

So, how can your business rank higher in the Google Local Listings?

The answer is very simple and that is optimize your Google My Business. Make sure that you follow the steps that were given above.

How to change a business listing on Google?

Updating your business listing is a good way of getting more clients. You can do frequent updates especially when it comes to business hours and even adding photos and events. So if you want to change something, here are the steps:

1. Log In to your Google My Business Account - You have to make sure that you still remember the Google email address that you used in making the business listing.
2. Go to your Information by clicking INFO found in the left hand menu.
3. Update or Change the Listing

    
    What can you update?

    3.1 Category - the business description. You can add a subcategory to make your services more specific.
    3.2 Location - Choose the right location where you can serve your clients and where customers can find you. You can also set up your Business service area so that you are not going to be limited.
    3.3 Hours - Choose the right time where your business operates.
    3.4 Contact Information - Update the phone numbers for your clients to contact you
    3.5 Website - Include the URL of your website so that customers can check it out.
    3.6 Photos - Add photos to entice your customers about the goods and services that you have.

Conclusion

​Improve your local ranking with Google My Business. This free Google platform allows you to manage your business online and your visibility. Your goal is to reach the Google three pack and you can do that optimizing your Google My Business profile. 




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