Having a strong online presence is crucial for small businesses, and Google My Business (GMB) sits at the heart of that presence. Yet, many businesses are yet to unlock the full potential of their GMB profiles. From setting up your profile to harnessing the power of reviews and improving your search ranking, there’s a lot to cover.
So, let’s look into how you can make GMB work harder for your business.
Why GMB Matters
Google My Business is more than just a directory; it’s your digital storefront. It’s the first thing many potential customers will see when they search for your services. A well-optimized GMB profile can improve your visibility, help you share important information about your business, and allow you to connect with customers directly from the search results.
Setting Up Your GMB Profile
Getting your Google My Business profile up and running involves a few key steps that are essential for making your business easily discoverable online. Here’s how to get started:
- Claim Your Listing: Search for your business on Google to see if it already exists. If it does, you can claim it as your own. If not, you can easily add your business to Google.
- Verify Your Business: Google needs to verify that your business is legitimate and that you’re the owner. This is usually done through a verification code sent via postcard, phone call, or email.
- Complete Your Profile: Fill in every detail about your business. Start with the basics: your business name, address, and phone number (NAP). Then add your website, business hours, and a detailed description of what you offer.
- Add Photos: Visuals are key. Upload high-quality images of your business, including your logo, the exterior and interior of your location, and any products or services.
- Choose the Right Categories: Select categories that best describe your business to help Google match your profile with relevant searches.
By breaking down the setup process into these manageable steps, you can ensure your Google My Business profile is accurate, comprehensive, and ready to attract customers.
Harnessing the Power of Reviews: Reviews are a goldmine for small businesses. They not only build trust with potential customers but also signal to Google that your business is reputable, which can boost your search ranking. Encourage satisfied customers to leave a review by making the process as easy as possible. This could be through follow-up emails, links on your website, or even a gentle nudge at the end of a service. Remember, a healthy number of reviews (more than 10) adds legitimacy to your business in the eyes of both Google and potential customers.
Improving Your GMB Ranking: To climb up the search rankings, you need to optimize your GMB profile with relevant keywords, regularly update your information, and post fresh content through GMB posts. Additionally, responding to reviews and questions shows that you’re active and engaged with your customers, which Google favours.
A Quick Guide to Getting Reviews
- Use email marketing tools to send automated requests for reviews post-purchase or service.
- Include direct links to your GMB review form in your email signatures, on your website, and in any communication with customers.
- Offer simple instructions or tips on leaving a review, such as mentioning specific services or their experience.
Google My Business is an invaluable tool for small businesses looking to enhance their online visibility and attract more customers. By setting up your profile correctly, actively seeking out and managing reviews, and employing strategies to improve your ranking, you can significantly impact your business’s online success.
Ready to boost your local presence but not sure where to start? In The Willow is here to help optimise your Google My Business profiles, craft strategies to gather more reviews, and improve your overall online visibility.