As a local or small business, visibility is essential for attracting customers in your area. One of the most powerful (and free!) tools you can use to boost your local visibility is Google My Business (GMB). When set up and optimized correctly, it can put your business on the map—literally! Whether you're trying to reach local customers or drive foot traffic to your store, GMB is key to enhancing your online presence.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Google My Business to its full potential and boost your local visibility:
1. Create and Claim Your Google My Business Profile
The first step is to ensure your business is listed on GMB. If your business already exists on Google Maps or Search, you'll need to claim it. Here’s how to get started:
Visit Google My Business and sign in using your Google account.
Enter your business name and details to either create a new listing or claim an existing one.
Verify your business through the provided methods (via mail, phone, or email). This is crucial for ensuring your business appears on Google.
Once your business is verified, you'll be able to manage your profile and make updates.
2. Complete Your Business Information
Having an incomplete profile can lead to lost customers. Provide as much information as possible to help Google and potential customers understand what your business offers. Key details include:
Business name (accurate and consistent with other listings)
Address and location (for Google Maps visibility)
Phone number (for easy contact)
Website URL (for potential customers to learn more)
Business hours (including special holiday hours)
Business category (choose the most accurate category)
The more information you provide, the easier it is for customers to find and choose your business.
3. Optimize Your Business Description and Categories
Your business description plays a key role in helping customers understand what you do. Write a clear, concise description that includes:
What your business offers
Your unique selling points (what makes you stand out)
Relevant keywords related to your services
For example:" BootDevs is a Winnipeg-based web design and branding agency specializing in helping small businesses increase their online presence through creative and innovative design solutions."
In addition, choose a primary category that best describes your business, such as “Web Designer,” “Bakery,” or “Hair Salon.” You can also add secondary categories if applicable.
4. Add Photos and Videos
High-quality images and videos help showcase your business and attract attention. Google’s algorithm also favors listings with more visuals. Consider adding:
Photos of your storefront or office (to help with recognition)
Photos of your products or services (give people a preview of what you offer)
Videos of your team at work or testimonials from happy clients
Listings with photos receive 35% more clicks than those without!
5. Encourage and Respond to Customer Reviews
Customer reviews play a major role in local SEO and trust-building. Positive reviews can help attract new customers, while responding to negative reviews shows that you value feedback and are committed to improving.
To encourage reviews:
Ask satisfied customers to leave a review after a purchase or service.
Share your Google review link via email or social media.
Responding to reviews (both positive and negative) is equally important. Engage with customers, thank them for their feedback, and resolve any issues mentioned in negative reviews. Businesses with active engagement in their reviews tend to rank higher on Google.
6. Post Regular Updates and Offers
Just like on social media, you can create posts on your GMB listing to keep customers updated. These posts appear in your business profile and can include:
Special promotions or discounts
Upcoming events or announcements
New products or services you've added
COVID-19 updates (such as changes in business hours or safety measures)
Regularly updating your profile with fresh content keeps it active, which signals to Google that your business is engaged, potentially boosting your local search ranking.
7. Utilize Insights to Track Your Progress
Google My Business offers an “Insights” feature that gives valuable data on how customers are interacting with your listing. You can track:
Search queries customers use to find your business
How many people called you from your GMB listing
How many people requested directions to your location
How many people visited your website through the listing
Use this information to improve your SEO strategy and learn more about what’s working and what’s not.
8. Leverage Google Q&A
Google My Business includes a Q&A feature where customers can ask questions, and you (or others) can answer. Regularly monitor this section to:
Provide clear answers to common customer inquiries
Add frequently asked questions yourself to offer more information
Ensure no misleading or incorrect information is being shared by others
This is a great way to improve customer service and boost your credibility.
Final Thoughts: Why GMB is a Must for Local Businesses
Google My Business is more than just a directory—it’s a powerful tool to help local businesses get found by more customers. Optimizing your profile increases your chances of appearing in local searches, driving traffic, and improving customer engagement.
By fully utilizing GMB, your business will show up in more relevant search results, bringing you more visibility and, ultimately, more customers.
Comments