Google Local, also known as Google My Business, is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Google Search and Google Maps. More and more people will Google local businesses to find suppliers near them. Ignoring this powerful local SEO feature means you could be losing out massively.
By creating a Google Local listing, businesses can provide important information about themselves, such as their address, phone number, hours of operation, and website URL. You can also upload photos, respond to customer reviews, and add special features like promotions and events.
Google My Business is essential for businesses that rely on local customers, such as restaurants, retail stores, and service providers. When someone searches for a business on Google, the information from its Google Local listing is often the first thing they see, along with reviews from other customers. By keeping their Google Local listing up to date and engaging with customers, businesses can improve online visibility and attract more customers to their physical locations.
How to optimise for Google Local Businesses
Here are some tips for optimising your Google My Business listing:
Claim and verify your listing.
First, claim your business on Google My Business and verify that you own it. This will allow you to manage and update your information.
Complete your profile.
Fill out all the information that Google asks for, including your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. Add photos and videos to your listing to make it more visually appealing.
Use relevant categories.
Choose the most appropriate categories for your business. This will help Google understand what your business is all about and show your listing to relevant searchers.
Encourage reviews.
Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your Google My Business listing. This will help improve your ranking and provide social proof to potential customers.
Respond to reviews.
Respond to both positive and negative reviews. This shows that you care about your customers and can help improve your overall rating.
Use posts.
Use Google My Business posts to share updates, promotions, and other news about your business. This will keep your listing fresh and engaging.
Monitor insights.
Monitor the insights section of your Google My Business listing to see how many people view your profile, how they find you, and what actions they take. Use this information to improve your listing and your overall marketing strategy.
Final thoughts.
Optimising your site for Google Local businesses is straightforward. However, it does take some time and effort to get it right. If you don’t have the time, we’d be delighted to help you with this essential revenue-boosting search tool. Get in touch right now.