Standing out in a Google search result list is a difficult feat that few master. Search terms can be broad or oddly specific, making it important to focus the brand and business in order to stand out. A tool many businesses use for this is Google My Business.
- What’s That?
If this is the thought in your head right now, you are not alone. Many business owners are discovering the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and how Google can be a tool rather than an endless vortex of search results.
Google My Business is a free tool that allows you to control how your business appears to searchers. This can mean adding the business name, address, hours of operation, and highlighting a few key photos.
- How Do I Use It?
To create a Google My Business account and make the listing as strong as possible, follow these steps:
- Create an account to claim the business or login into an existing business Gmail account
- Verify by going to google.com/business and selecting “Start Now”
- Optimize and customize the listing by adding details, photos, and linking to reviews
- Why Does It Matter?
In the world of searching for a service or business, it is hard to stand out. Simply repeating a keyword on a website doesn’t make it populate to the first page of a Google search. Adding information and details helps with SEO results. This way, when users search, “coffee shop near me,” your business is more likely to show up in the right-hand Google My Business column over other competitors.
The more details you have, the more likely Google is to match you with what a user is searching for. This gives you a competitive edge as well as SEO optimization.
- It’s More Engaging
Appearing in search results utilizing this tool encourages clients to read reviews, leave reviews, make comments, and ask questions. All of these are forms of engagement that can help foster a relationship with a potential or current client. Users are very likely to engage in online reviews and depend on them in making decisions. It also helps you pinpoint any issues and potentially address client grievances.
- Analytics Always
On top of being a free service, this tool gives insight into the customer actions. What do they click on? What images are viewed the most? Did any customers try to call? All these questions, and more, can bring answers that help to improve marketing, customer engagement, and overall business model.
- Tips to Successfully Use Google My Business
Claim the page, especially if you haven’t yet. Google may have created bare bones listing for you, so get in there and customize it.
Fill out everything and improve the likelihood of appearing in search results. There is no such thing as too much information in a GMB posting. Periodically revisit the listing to update hours, services, contact info, and more to ensure customers receive the correct information.
Picture it and add images. Show customers exactly what they are missing out on if they select elsewhere. Visual images are likely to stick with a potential client and can even help in locating the business.
Add it to the marketing plan and treat it like social media. Again, keep it updated. Respond to customers and engage with them. The more effort you put into this resource, the better the results will be.
Keep Going
Google My Business is such an easy (and free) tool to use that it is a great stepping stone to understanding SEO and creating an SEO strategy. Take this even further and learn more about how to make the Internet a useful tool rather than a business chore. There are many companies that specialize in understanding analytics, SEO, and marketing, like BCC Interactive Philadelphia SEO Agency. These companies can help you stand out, not just from a GMB perspective but even more. They can help you outrank the competition and generate more business, just by understanding the power of Google.
