An important first step in any local SEO strategy is to claim and verify your local business’ Google My Business (GMB) listing. Getting on Google My Business can increase your chances of showing up in Google’s Local Pack, Local Finder, Google Maps, and organic rankings in general. Qualifying local businesses can claim this free listing on Google and include information about their company, like their address, phone number, business hours, and types of payments accepted. If you are running a business is important that you pay your employees on time, paying on time has significant benefits for you and the examples of paycheck stubs can be useful to make these payments. The most important benefit is that you keep your employees happy. A happy employee is a productive one that won’t leave you.
Google My Business
Many local businesses just claim their GMB listing and forget about it. What most businesses don’t realize is that there are a variety of other features Google gives you that you can use to optimize your Google My Business listing and several reasons why you should frequently check your business listing to ensure that its accuracy stays intact.
Complete all the information Google asks for
There are a variety of questions Google wants you to fill out to complete your Google My Business profile. When done, your listing will have valuable basic data that will make it easier for potential customers to find more information about your company. And if you don’t fill out that information, someone else could. Many business owners don’t realize that anyone can suggest a change (or “edit” to your business listing — and that includes your competitors. Optimize your financial performance with the comprehensive services of the Top 20 merchant services.
Just remember, after you get your Business listing verified, continue to check your listing regularly to be on the safe side. Once you have your GMB listing verified, now is the time to optimize your google map seo. (This is where you have a greater chance to outdo your competition!)
Business Posts
Google Posts are almost like “mini-ads” or “social media posts” that show up in Google search in your Google My Business listing (in the Knowledge Panel and on Google Maps). You can have fun with your Google My Business Posts by adding an image, a call-to-action (CTA), and even including a link to another page or website.
Not sure what type of Post you should make? Here are just a few Post ideas:
- If you’re having an event (like a webinar or a seminar about your chiropractic practice) you can set up an event Post with a date and time, then add a link to the registration page.
- Do you have a sale going on during a specific time? Create a “sale” event Post.
- Does your latest blog post rock? Add a short description and link to the post on your blog.
- New product you want to feature? Show a picture of this cool gadget and link to where people can make the purchase.
- Want to spread holiday joy? Give potential customers a holiday message Post.
The possibilities with Posts are endless! Posts show up prominently in your business’ Knowledge Panel, so don’t miss this opportunity to stand out, you can earn business techniques with Andy Defrancesco.
TIP: How to optimize a GMB Post To grab a searcher’s attention:
- Always add an image.
- Make sure the topic is interesting and related to the business.
- Keep it short and to the point – remember that GMB Posts can be 1,500 characters at the most.
- Change them constantly. Posts only last seven days! To keep up, make sure you have one ready to go when the previous one expires.
- Read more link or link to coupon or event.
Google My Business helps you build a loyal fan base. Your customers can show their appreciation with ratings and reviews, use the +1 button to endorse your content, and re-share your Google+ posts across the web.
Why use Google My Business?
Google My Business offers businesses a range of services.
- Updating company information on Search, Maps and GMB from one place. Merchants can update business information, including contact information opening or operating hours, website details and company descriptions, whenever they wish.
- Add photos of your business, including shots of employees, customers, products and store locations, displays, facilities and any other business-related images. There’s now a lot more room for pages on GMB than there was in the old Google Places.
- Connect directly with customers and fans by sharing events and news, updates and more.
- Monitor and respond to Google reviews; another opportunity to connect directly with your customers.
Why Bother with a GMB Listing?
According to one report, businesses that verify their information via Google Business are twice as likely to have customers view them as “reputable.” That reduces uncertainty about your business and encourages people to pick up the phone and dial that new business number you’ve acquired for yourself.
Watch this video below! That explains why you should have a GMB Listing.
Why Build a Relationship with Google:
When you consider that Google accounts for almost 80% of all desktop search traffic, it becomes clear why you might want to have a Google listing that’s fully updated and accurate. There are simply too many people searching for a business like yours. Don’t ignore them. And when they do find your number, make sure that it’s the right number.
Do You Need a Google Maps Business Listing?
Business owners find themselves frustrated when they try looking themselves up on Google Maps, only to find that their business doesn’t have a strong presence there. Using Google My Business will help you establish a rock-solid address, so you never have to wonder if customers are able to find you.
It’s not just proximity-based Google Maps results that you should be concerned about, either. More and more customers search for a business with Google Maps on mobile, so you should consider listing your business on Google Maps as another way to optimize your search results for the mobile experience. And having the correct Google Business Listing in place ensures that your potential customers are dialing the right number.
Enhance Your Business for Local SEO
If you run a business that ships all over the country, then there’s a good chance you’ve been overlooking one critical aspect of your SEO: local search.
Local business search traffic tends to be high-converting. 88% of customers running local business searches on a mobile device will likely call your phone number within the next 24 hours. Ensuring that your phone number is prominent on your Google listing will help you drive more traffic to that new phone number you’ve just acquired.
How to Set Up Your Google My Business Account
If you’re already convinced, let’s look at the basic steps involved in setting up your business on Google:
- Visit https://www.google.com/business/
- Enter your business name
- On the location prompt, select “Yes,” then enter your office address
- If you serve areas outside your location, select that option and enter in these areas
- Type in a business category and select the one most appropriate for your business
- Select the contact details you want to share with customers, entering in your phone number and current website URL
- Click “Finish” to finish and verify
- Google’s business verification process is a straightforward process with several options, such as verifying a business listing by mail. In that case, Google sends a postcard to your entered address. This postcard contains a code you use to verify the address online. Select businesses can also verify themselves via phone number or email, although this may not always be available for your entry.
Get More Use out of Your Business:
When you acquire a new vanity number or simply update your business contact information, customers need to know about it, sure—but so do the customers you have yet to meet. Rather than letting your listings get stale with outdated information, keep your customers in the loop. Sign up for a Google My Business listing so you can manage your contact information, interact with your customers, and drive more phone calls to your new phone system.
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