Avoid These Common Mistakes on Google My Business
Not every Google My Business tip is worth following. This article debunks five common myths that waste time without improving your ranking. Viva Digital is a Sunshine Coast digital marketing agency specialising in SEO and Google Ads, and these are the specific tactics we tell business owners to skip.
Avoid Expanding Your Service Area
One common mistake is believing that expanding your service area on your GMB listing will automatically improve your ranking on Google Maps. While it’s beneficial to specify the areas you serve for better user understanding, this field has no impact on your rankings. Google primarily considers the proximity of your business to the searcher when determining local search results. Adding numerous locations to your service area won’t influence your ranking and may result in customer dissatisfaction due to long travel times.
Avoid Geotagging Photos for Higher Ranking
The idea of geotagging photos before posting them on your GMB listing to improve your ranking sounds intriguing. However, this practice is unnecessary and ineffective. Most smartphones automatically embed location data (latitude and longitude) into photos by default. Google My Business will geotag your uploaded photos to your listing’s location, eliminating the need for manual geotagging. Save your time and skip this step, as it won’t impact your ranking.
Avoid Adding Keywords to Your GMB Description
Contrary to popular belief, adding keywords to your GMB description does not directly influence your ranking. Google clarified that the description field does not impact rankings, debunking the misconception that keyword inclusion would improve visibility. Focus on crafting a compelling and accurate description that effectively communicates your business’s unique value instead of obsessing over keyword placement.
Avoid Creating a Second Website Using GMB Free Version
While the option to create a website using the Google My Business free version may seem enticing, it’s not a recommended strategy. Running multiple websites with identical business information can confuse both Google and your potential customers. Duplicate content issues and the extra workload involved in managing two sites outweigh any potential benefits. Stick to one website and invest your time in optimising it effectively.
Avoid Building External Links Directly to Your GMB Listing
Backlinks are valuable for website ranking, but building external links directly to your GMB listing is not a fruitful approach. Numerous experiments have shown that this tactic provides minimal or temporary benefits, and in some cases, rankings may even decline. Instead of focusing on link-building to your GMB listing, prioritise local backlinks to your website for stronger organic ranking results.
Steer Clear of Misguided Advice
By avoiding these five misleading Google My Business tips, you can save time and effort while optimising your online presence effectively. Remember, expanding your service area, geotagging photos, keyword stuffing, creating duplicate websites, and building direct links to your GMB listing offer little to no real benefit. Instead, concentrate on proven strategies like
providing accurate information, gaining positive customer reviews, and actively engaging with your audience through Google My Business features. Stay informed about best practices and focus on optimising your GMB listing with reliable tactics to achieve long-term success.
