Boost Your Business with a Well-Optimised Google My Business Listing
A well-optimised Google My Business listing is one of the fastest ways for a local business to appear in Google Maps and local search results. Viva Digital is a Sunshine Coast digital marketing agency specialising in SEO and Google Ads, and the steps below cover picking the right categories, keeping your listing accurate, and using photos, posts and Q&A to stand out.
Choose Relevant Categories for Your Business
When setting up your GMB listing, selecting the right categories is essential. Google allows up to 10 different categories, but remember that the primary category holds more ranking weight. Choose the primary category wisely, as it will significantly impact your visibility on Google. You can also consider swapping out the primary category based on the season or any changes in your business focus. Don’t worry about category dilution; as long as they’re relevant, add all the categories that apply to your business.
Check for Duplicate Listings
To avoid confusion and ensure accurate information, it’s crucial to check for duplicate listings. Start by searching your business name on Google Maps and see what populates. Pay attention to listings created by Google for practitioners associated with your business, such as real estate agents or lawyers. Check for current and former employees as well to claim and monitor their listings. By maintaining control over your listings, you can manage reviews and enhance your online reputation effectively.
Address Section Optimisation
If you’re adding a business or listing close to another one you own, be mindful of potential cannibalisation of your existing listings’ efforts. Evaluate whether an additional listing is necessary by considering the ranking of your current listing in that area. For service area businesses, fill in the areas you serve to provide customers with a clear understanding of your service range.
Accurate and Detailed Business Hours
Ensure that you fill out your business hours accurately to avoid Google prompting users to provide potentially incorrect information. Incorrect hours can lead to negative reviews and customer dissatisfaction. Be sure to include special hours for holidays or any temporary changes in your operating schedule to avoid customer disappointment.
Optimise the Website Field
The website field, also known as the GBP landing page, plays a significant role in your ranking on Google. For most businesses, the default option should be linking to the homepage of your website. However, consider linking to a specific page if it better aligns with your business goals. Take advantage of additional links based on your business category, such as menus, appointment URLs, or booking links. Adding UTM codes to these links allows better tracking in Google Analytics.
Leverage Attributes for Enhanced Ranking
Attributes are vital details about your business, and Google frequently updates them. Carefully select relevant attributes based on your business categories, as they can impact your ranking. For example, adding the “woman-led” attribute can improve your visibility for searches related to women-owned businesses. Stay informed about attribute updates and optimise them to enhance your ranking on Google.
Optimal Opening Date Display
When adding your business’s opening date, consider how it will be displayed in the knowledge panel. Rather than using the date a specific location opened, enter the date when the entire business came into existence. This ensures that Google accurately reflects your business’s longevity and experience.
Utilise the Messaging Feature
If you’re committed to responding promptly to customer inquiries, take advantage of the messaging feature on Google. Actively monitor this section and avoid adding too many managers and owners to your listing. Keeping the number of people responsible for messaging to a minimum reduces potential liabilities and streamlines customer communication.
Optimise Your GMB Cover Photo
While Google allows you to specify your cover photo, remember that Google ultimately decides which image to display. To increase the likelihood of showcasing your desired photo, provide an appealing exterior image of your office or storefront. Service area businesses can opt for a picture of their company vehicle. Additionally, include other relevant photos, such as team pictures or interior shots, to create a comprehensive visual representation of your business.
Manage Questions and Answers
Don’t underestimate the importance of actively monitoring the questions and answers section on your GMB listing. Respond promptly to inquiries and report any inappropriate content to Google. Encourage positive engagement by getting users to upvote the questions and answers you want to display in the knowledge panel.
Highlight Products and Services
Even if your business primarily offers services, utilise the product section on your GMB listing. Google provides predefined services that impact your ranking, so it’s crucial to take advantage of this feature. You can also add custom services and make your listing visually appealing by using emojis. This helps your business stand out from the competition and attracts potential customers.
Engage with Google Posts
Google Posts are a powerful way to engage with your audience and promote your business. Our research shows that offer posts generate the highest user interaction. Aim to post at least once a month, but feel free to post more frequently if your business has regularly changing offers or events. Utilise Google Posts to announce special events, share promotions, and provide valuable information to your customers.
Establish Authority and Accelerate Business Growth
Optimising your Google My Business listing is essential for establishing authority, gaining customer trust, and accelerating the growth of your business in 2024. Follow the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide to set up and optimise your listing effectively. Take advantage of the features and functionalities offered by GMB to engage with your audience, manage your online reputation, and improve your local search rankings. Stay informed about updates and trends in local search optimisation to stay ahead of the competition. With a well-optimised GMB listing, you’ll enhance your online presence, attract more customers, and drive the success of your business.
