Local customers more than likely make up the majority of your business. For this simple reason, finding ways to position your business online so that you can more effectively reach the local market is a good use of your time and energy. Over the years, Google has created numerous business tools that are free, easy to use, and effective. Google My Business is one such tool. Profiling your business using this tool is important for local SEO and it will help to maximize your local outreach.
The Advantages of a “Google My Business” Listing
Google’s many business tools are designed to work together seamlessly to boost your overall business efficiency. The primary advantage of you becoming “friendly” with Google is that as a result of using Google tools, your business will rank higher than other businesses in Google searches.
Creating a Google My Business listing plugs you into an array of valuable tools, including the ability to update your listing, track customers, and manage your reviews and reputation. Your Google My Business profile gives you a listing that enables prospective customers to find you in Google Search and Maps. Without a “Google My Business” listing, your business won’t appear in any local map listings in the search engine results page (SERP). Your Google listing thus increases your visibility in both mobile and desktop searches, with mobile searches yielding organic results.
Customers who find you through Google Search and Maps see your most important contact information immediately, such as the hours you’re open today and every day. Customers can also choose among several “calls to action” to connect with you or others about your business, including, “Call,” “Share,” “Directions,” and “Website.”
Like most of Google’s business tools, a Google My Business listing is free and comes with surprising features, like website building and posting capabilities. Managing your customer reviews is easy, as you’re immediately notified of reviews so that you can respond or take prompt action. And by the way, Google ranks businesses that have consistent, high-quality reviews as being higher (i.e., positions them higher in search results) than businesses with low or no reviews.
Finally, with a Google My Business listing, you have ongoing access to important analytics that keep you informed about your customers’ experience so that you can continually improve your interaction with them. Your “Google My Business” listing is truly as powerful as having a website with lots of content!
Tips on Creating Your “Google My Business” Listing
Creating your listing will be one of the easier things you do today! Here’s are the basics steps and a few important tips:
- Google “Google My Business,” to create your profile and claim your listing.
- Be sure to enter your current business details correctly, especially your operating hours and phone number(s). Always keep this information updated, especially during all holidays!
- Be sure that the phone number(s) you list on your profile matches the phone number(s) displayed on your website landing page.
- Important: Use your actual business name in your listing so that there is a direct match.
- Be sure to choose the correct category(ies) to describe your business.
- Add some images that will give prospective customers a closer look at your business and make them feel more connected. Keep these images updated.
The value of your local business cannot be overstated and should never be taken for granted. It always makes sense to use every opportunity to draw in customers from your local community, and a Google My Business listing is definitely a great way to do just that!
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