Creating & Optimising Your Google My Business Listing

Why Google My Business matters

Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. A well-optimised GMB listing can significantly enhance your local SEO efforts and improve your chances of appearing in local search results. According to research, businesses with complete and accurate GMB listings are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers. 

Key benefits of a Google My Business listing 

Setting up and optimising a GMB listing for your business provides a range of benefits including: 

Increased visibility 

A well-optimised GMB listing helps your business appear in local search results and on Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find you. 

Enhanced customer engagement 

With features like reviews, Q&A, and posts, GMB allows you to engage with customers directly. 

Improved local SEO 

GMB listings contribute to your local SEO efforts, helping your business rank higher in local search queries. 

Valuable insights 

GMB provides analytics on how customers find your listing and what actions they take, allowing you to refine your marketing strategies. 

Step-by-step guide to creating your Google My Business listing 

Step one: Set up your Google My Business account 

1. Sign in to Google: Use your business email address to sign in to Google. If you don’t have a Google account for your business, create one. 
2. Visit the GMB website: Go to the Google My Business Website and click on “Manage Now”. 

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3. Enter your business name: Enter the exact name of your business as it appears on your signage and other branding materials. 

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Step two: Enter your business information

Next, you’ll need to enter your business details. Your business address should match anything you have on your website or other profiles. If you don’t have a physical location and offer services in a specific area, you can list your service area instead. Provide your business phone number and website URL. Consistency is key here. 

Choose the most appropriate category for your business. This helps Google understand what your business offers and match it with relevant searches. 

Step three: Verify your business 

Google requires verification to confirm you are the rightful owner of the business. You can verify your business by: 

• Postcard: Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address. 
• Phone: Some businesses are eligible for phone verification. 
• Email: Certain businesses can verify via email. 
• Instant verification: If you’ve already verified your business with Google Search Console, you might qualify for instant verification. 

Step four: Optimise your Google My Business listing 

1. Complete every section: Businesses with complete listings are 70% more likely to attract local visits, so make sure you fill out every section of your GMB profile. 
2. Add high-quality photos: Listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites. Include images of your business interior, exterior, team and products or services. 
3. Write a compelling business description: Use this section to describe what your business offers, its unique selling points, and any other information that potential customers might find useful. 
4. Regularly update your information: Ensure your business hours, address and contact information are always up to date. If you have special houses for holidays or events, make sure to update these as well. 
5. Utilise GMB posts: Share updates, offers, events and news through GMB posts to keep your audience informed and engaged. 

Step five: Engage with customers 

Once you have your profile set up, make sure you engage with customers through it to show them that you’re an active business, and they’re likely to get a response when they interact with you. 

Engaging with reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value customer feedback. According to a study by BrightLocal, 89% of consumers are ‘highly’ or ‘fairly’ likely to use a business that responds to all of its online reviews. 

You can also use the Q&A features to address common queries and provide helpful information. 

GMB also offers valuable insights into how customers find your listing and interact with it. Use this data to refine your marketing strategies and improve customer engagement.

Encouraging customer reviews 

Positive reviews can significantly boost your credibility and attract more customers. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews by: 

• Asking directly: Ask customers to leave a review after a successful transaction or service. 
• Email campaigns: Include a link to your GMB listing in your email newsletters and ask for feedback. 
• Incentives: Offer discounts or small incentives for customers who leave a review. 

Key takeaways 

By following these steps and continuously optimising your Google My business listing, you can significantly enhance the presence of your business in local searches, attract more targeted customers, and drive growth. 

Contact us today for a free digital marketing audit. We’ll evaluate your current online presence, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide actionable recommendations to enhance your digital marketing strategy. Let us help you grow your business and reach more customers through an effective local SEO strategy.