​Google My Business

Chances are you already know about Google’s free listings for businesses (officially called Google My Business). These local business listings appear in google search results. Be sure to claim yours, or create your own if one does not already exist for your business.

​If you’ve already claimed your listing, there’s more you can do to enhance it and increase your chances for higher positioning within google.

1. Claiming Your Listing
If you haven’t claimed or created your business listing, it’s easy to do. There may be a listing for your business already online. To claim your listing, visit https://www.google.com/business.

Any eligible business can have a Google My Business listing. See this google my business help page for more information on eligibility.

2. Add a Description for your Business  
Your business description area is an opportunity to present your business the way you’d like potential customers to see you, and include information you want them to know about your businesses products or services. Tip: use searchable keywords within your business description to help increase your chances of ranking higher for those search terms. Don’t forget to include hours your business is open for every day of the week and link to your website.

3. Add Photos
An image can spark a viewer’s interest more than words. According to a BrightLocal study, 60% of consumers said local search results with good images pushed them towards a decision. You don’t have to limit your photos to exterior and interior business photos, although you should include those types of photos if you have them. You can also include a photo of the business owner, your staff or team, a logo graphic, and more.

4. Post Frequently 
Create posts that will appear with your free business listing. Think of these as promotions or social media posts. They’ll show up in Google search along with your listing. When posting, think of content that will appeal to your audience – existing customers or your ideal potential customer. Here are some ideas for posts:

• Sales & Promotions
• Events (link to a registration page or event detail page)
• Blog Post Content (link to your blog page)
• New or Featured Products & Services
• High Energy, Seasonal, or Inspirational Messages

 
You can add buttons and links within your posts. The posts expire after 7 days, so consider adding new posts frequently. If you don’t have new content to share weekly, consider simply reposting content from your latest post before it expires.

5. Encourage and Respond to Reviews
Google encourages business owners to ask their customers or clients for online reviews (when done ethically). Google reviews will show up next to your listing in Google maps and within your business listing in search results.  Online reviews can help your business stand out, and impact search rankings. According to BrightLocal’s 2017 Consumer Review Survey,97% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses. And 95% of consumers trust online reviews as much as they do a personal recommendation.

You can encourage reviews by sending a link to current customers or clients. Google also recommends responding to reviews that are posted about your business. Here’s a guide for responding to reviews.
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Have fun with it! Hopefully you’ll enjoy sharing information about your business and posting topics that are of interest to your clients or customers.
 
Let me know if I can answer any questions by sending me an email or commenting on this post. Thanks!

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