How to Optimize Google My Business Listing

Google My Business is key to any business’s local SEO strategy. Verifying your business on Google My Business can increase your chances of showing up on Google Maps, Local Finder, Google’s Local Park, and organic searches as well. Read further on how to optimize your Google My Business listing just by following these simple steps.

But first…

What is Google My Business?

A free tool that allows business owners to manage how their business appears on Google Maps and Search. Details that can be included (and should be included) are a business name, location, hours, monitoring and replying to customer reviews, adding photos, and so much more.

How can Google My Business help my property?

Effectively managing your business account translates into helping travelers quickly find relevant information about your property. Optimizing your placement on search engines through Google my Business can directly impact your revenue. The more views of your business profile can lead to increase traffic to your website and ultimately drive more direct bookings.

How to Optimize Google My Business Listing

Once you have verified your business it is time to optimize your listing by doing these simple steps:

Current and accurate info

Under your Google My Business dashboard, fill out as much information as you can under “info”. Provide information like your phone number, physical address, business profile photo, hours, and a website URL, just to name a few.

Google my Business photos

Recently reported from Google, businesses with photos see 35% more clicks to their website. Photos should include your cover photo, profile photo, plus other business photos like the interior and exterior of property and food and drink photos. See Google’s full list of suggested photos here. 

Add videos

Recently, Google has now added the ability to upload videos to appear Google Maps and local search listings. Videos will help to add variety to your page and help you stand out from the competition.

 

  • Maximum video length is 30 seconds or shorter
  • 100MB or smaller
  • 720p resolution or higher

Respond to reviews

Responding to both good and bad reviews is critical in your overall online reputation. Responding to positive reviews shows your appreciation for what is being said and also makes that review stand out on your listing. And just as you respond to positive reviews, it is equally important to respond to negatives ones as well. It helps to show your concern and that you take their review seriously.

Direct messaging

The more opportunities you can provide your customers with ways to contact you, the better. Customers want to feel connected and responded to quickly with their questions. By setting up messaging you can allow customers to directly text you. If you don’t want text messages sent directly to your phone, use Google’s Allo App, and have messages sent through the app.

What else you need to know about Google…

There is also a whole host of features to know about Google that are useful for business owners. Use our reference guides below for some additional things you should know about Google:

If you are curious about other social media platforms that could help grow your business, be sure to read our other educational blogs on social networking. 

Published: June 22, 2018