Optimising your Google My Business (GMB) profile is crucial for improving local SEO and driving more foot traffic to your business. Whether you're a small shop or a multi-location enterprise, a well-optimized GMB listing can boost your visibility in local searches and Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to fully optimize your GMB profile for maximum effectiveness.
The first step in optimising your GMB profile is claiming and verifying your business listing. If your business is already listed but unclaimed, claim it via your Google account. Google will guide you through the verification process, which often involves receiving a postcard with a verification code. Verifying your business ensures that only you can manage your listing and provides you full control over the information displayed.
An optimised GMB listing is one that’s fully complete. Google favours complete profiles when ranking local businesses, so fill in every detail meticulously. This includes:
Additionally, double-check your hours of operation and ensure your business hours are updated during holidays or special events.
Your business description is an opportunity to tell potential customers what you do, what sets you apart, and why they should choose you. Write a concise and informative description, keeping it to around 750 characters. Be sure to include relevant keywords that people may use when searching for your services but avoid keyword stuffing. Google scans descriptions for relevance, so include essential services and offerings, while keeping the tone natural.
Google My Business listings with quality images get 35% more clicks than those without. Ensure you have a selection of high-quality photos that represent your business well, including:
You can also upload short videos to give users a virtual tour or showcase your services. Google recommends videos up to 30 seconds long and no larger than 100 MB.
Customer reviews are vital for local SEO, as they signal trustworthiness and engagement to both Google and potential customers. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, especially on Google. To maximise your GMB optimisation:
Positive reviews not only improve your local SEO rankings but also build credibility with potential customers.
Google Posts allow you to share promotions, news, and updates directly on your GMB profile. These posts appear in your business’s knowledge panel and in Google Maps. Regularly publishing Google Posts can improve engagement and keep your listing fresh. You can use posts to:
Each post can include an image, call-to-action button, and up to 1,500 characters of text. Post regularly to keep users informed and engaged.
Google offers a messaging feature that allows customers to contact you directly from your GMB listing. Turn on messaging through your GMB dashboard and ensure someone from your team is available to respond to inquiries promptly. This feature is especially useful for answering quick questions or booking appointments without customers having to call.
The GMB dashboard offers insightful data on how people are interacting with your listing. Use these insights to understand:
Regularly reviewing these insights can help you refine your GMB optimisation strategy and identify which elements are most effective in driving traffic to your business.
Finally, ensure that your business information is consistent across all platforms, not just on Google My Business. Consistency builds trust with both customers and search engines. Verify that your name, address, phone number, and website URL match what’s listed on your social media accounts, directories, and other online platforms.
Optimising your Google My Business profile is an essential step in any local SEO strategy. By completing your profile, engaging with customer reviews, regularly updating with posts, and utilizing features like messaging and insights, you can improve your visibility and attract more local customers. Remember, an optimized GMB listing not only enhances your presence in local searches but also builds credibility and trust with potential clients.
