Getting more local leads and Google My Business go hand in hand. When people search for a product or service near them, they are generally looking to purchase something. In fact, 78% of local mobile searches lead to a purchase in-store or online according to Search Engine Land. These are the people you want to attract to your business. In this guide, you will learn what a Google My Business listing is, how it helps your local SEO, how to set it up, and how to optimize it.

What Is Google My Business?

Google My Business (or GMB) is a local business listing service powered by Google. It is completely free to use and the only requirement for using it is you must have some form of face-to-face interaction with your customers. Basically, if you are 100% online you can’t really have a Google My Business listing. If you’ve ever performed a local search, you will have seen it show up in Google search results. It looks like this

Optimizing Your Google My Business Listing

1. Claim and Verify Your Listing
   Start by claiming your business on Google My Business and verifying the information. This step is crucial for gaining control over your listing and ensuring accurate details are displayed.
2. Complete Your Business Profile
   Provide comprehensive and accurate information about your business, including your business name, address, phone number, website, business hours, and a brief description. This information helps customers find and contact you easily.
3. Select the Right Business Categories
   Choose relevant categories that accurately represent your business. Google uses these categories to understand your services and display your business in relevant search results.
4. Add High-Quality Photos
   Visual content is essential for attracting potential customers. Upload high-quality photos of your business, products, services, and the team. This not only enhances your profile but also builds trust with customers.
5. Collect and Respond to Reviews
   Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your GMB listing. Respond promptly to reviews, whether they are positive or negative. This shows that you value customer feedback and are committed to customer satisfaction.
6. Utilize Google Posts
   Keep your customers informed about promotions, events, or updates by using Google Posts. These short updates appear in your business listing and can significantly impact customer engagement.
7. Optimize for Keywords
   Incorporate relevant keywords into your business description and posts. Think about the terms your customers might use when searching for products or services similar to yours.
8. Monitor Insights and Analytics
   Regularly check the insights provided by Google My Business. This data offers valuable information on how customers find and interact with your business online, helping you make informed decisions to enhance your online presence.