Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that allows you to manage how your business appears in Google search results, Google Maps and other local Search features.
GMB is one of the best ways to boost your local SEO efforts and thus crucial for your SEO strategy. It is a proven, tried and tested way to generate customers and to get your business on to the first page of the search results.
The details you provide in your GMB profile are used in a number of different ways:
- populating the knowledge panel
- filling out the local pack
- populating Google Maps
- providing voice search results
- assisting with Google App search results
The value of an optimised GMB listing cannot be underestimated. Google has around 90% of the worldwide search engine market share and according to Google, four out of five people use search engines to find information like a company’s business hours, address, phone number, online reviews and more.
Setting up your GMB listing is quick and easy, and once it is done, you can begin the optimisation process to improve your search presence. Similar to other online tools it is not a one-time effort and requires maintenance and optimisation.
- No matter the size of your marketing budget, GMB helps balance the visibility between big and small businesses.
- A detailed and complete listing enhances your reputation giving consumers confidence that you are a reputable business.
- A fast and easy way to start showing up in local Google search results.
- Allows individuals to find your business without having to visit your website.
Google My Business will provide you with valuable data and insights, such as:
- How customers search for your business
- What queries they use to find your business
- What actions customers take after finding your listing
GMB listings influence is growing year on year, with it being one of the defining factors for local search. Completing the listings correctly and optimising them regularly can help you gain advantage over your local competitors and fuel growth.
Google regularly release updates to help further promote your business. Keep a close eye on these updates and utilise them where possible.
Aside from the COVID-19 kits, below are some other updates Google has released in the past:
- Four new online attributes: online care, online appointment, online estimates and online classes
- Online appointment – route users directly to a landing page for booking an appointment, this allows for direct interaction with your schedule
- Request a quote – customers can request quotes for services listed and you can review and reply directly through the GMB app
- Three new attributes added: no contact delivery, curbside pickup, dine-in
- A new accessible places feature in Google Maps, users can turn this on and identify accessible places with the wheelchair icon
- Add more hours, delivery, pickup, takeout, drive through, senior hours, happy hours, etc.
- Short name and URL, people love to type short names in Google Maps to find the businesses they like. Make sure you chose your short name as soon as possible.
- Welcome offers, once a customer follows your business, they can receive automatic offers. This feature is great for local businesses and incentives customers to follow your business.
- Q&A – customers directly ask questions. Not only will this help others searching for similar products or services it will help you improve your offerings. You can respond to the questions from the GMB app and also flag non-legitimate complaints or comments.
At first glance GMB is simple but there is much more on offer which can help you connect, engage and grow.
If locality is important GMB is great platform to bolster your local businesses’ online visibility. Do it well and it will ensure your business is visible at all times and help you get ahead of the local competition.
If you would like an audit of your GMB account or would like to discuss having Izam manage your GMB listings, please get in touch today!