Technology has worked its way through the smallest cracks in our lives. Information has never been so readily available as it is today, and this has forever transformed business-customer relationships. Gone are the days when road signs and word of mouth meant everything to a business. Now, if someone wants to know what an organization does, they try a quick Google search. If you still find it difficult to optimize your GMB listing after reading this article and applying the tactics, you can always hire Web 2.0 Ranker for help. Learn more about their services.
ContentsGoogle My Business (GMB)GMB Listing Optimization GuideEnter Complete and Accurate DataTagsManage Business HoursPhoto UploadRespond to ReviewsEnable MessagesAdd a Unique LogoA business that has the slightest hope of growing to an impressive scale has no choice but to establish a formidable online presence, which provides the comprehensive information the reader needs with a single click. How are you doing that? Use tools like Google My Business, which are programmed to help users find everything they want to know about a business. GMB functions as an online database where businesses can register if they want to be found. The marketing wing has a new task to perform, to take full advantage of GMB for more visibility.
Although GMB is free, you need "SEO Expert", a paid tool to manage your position in its list. A GMB listing is essentially the front page of your business newspaper; it includes all the superficial details a user needs to know, your name, what you do, and contact details if they decide to contact you.
The key ingredient is clear and concise information; a glance should be enough to know what services you offer. Your GMB page serves as the interface between you and your potential customers. It should provide them with addresses, reviews, photos and descriptions of your business. Think of it as your organization's public resume, open for everyone to judge.
Not sure what millions of strangers might think of your business? Here's a quick guide on how to make your GMB listing the best it can be.
Fortunately, there is a strategy to optimize your GMB performance. Follow these steps and increase your chances of appearing at the top of the list as quickly as possible.
Probably an obvious stepping stone, but if you get complacent now, you'll struggle to meet the bigger challenges. When a customer searches for a specific product or service, a list of nearby businesses and businesses are displayed, offering the service they need. To earn a rank in this list, you must enter all relevant information. Leave nothing to the imagination.
Keywords, keywords, keywords! They are essential to propel you on any Internet platform; The GMB listing is no exception. They go in the ‘description’ section of your page. Fill it with enough thought and conviction, and it will become that much easier to be found in a search.
Business hours tell a user when they can contact you. Mention when you'll be on your phone or available to text. In the same vein, let them know when you're off or have days off. Keeping this section up-to-date explicitly tells the user that you are direct in communicating with customers.
Have you ever felt uncomfortable receiving a friend request from someone without a profile picture? This is an important part of your GMB listing; if you have images, you make it clear to the user what exactly you have to offer and be transparent to build trust between you. Limit yourself to five photos per product, a mix of photos of your product and your workspace. Research has proven that a potential business relationship is more likely to sprout from a profile that contains pictures just like a potential friendship.
Customers decide the success of your business. Don't go deaf once you make a deal with them. Taking criticism in a positive way maintains your image as an organization that is not afraid of criticism. If you approach a negative review from a place of curiosity and learning, you can build on the suggestions you receive and start generating positive reviews. With a growing number of positive reviews online, Google will have no problem pushing you to the top.
This one might seem a bit personal, but we recommend enabling messages in the app. It allows customers to message you directly and formulate their questions, comments and complaints without an intermediary. Their convenience comes first. Studies show that a majority of customers prefer a quick text message conversation over a phone call. If you stay attentive to their messages and respond as quickly as possible, you will generate buzz as a reliable and responsive company and be much more likely to move up the ranks.
Your logo is the face of your business; this is the image you want the spirit to create when your name is spoken in public. In your GMB listing and standard business practices, ensuring you have a strong logo is a must. Your logo should represent who you are; it must exude originality, uniqueness and attractiveness to generate maximum visibility for your business. Your GMB listing gives you tons of options to visually personalize yourself; you can choose your logo, create a header photo, upload a set of photos, and even include a small video demo. It's no surprise that companies with attractive logos and striking visual personas have more exposure on GMB than those that haven't worked on their visuals. Appeal to the eye and they will act faster.
These hacks are sure to put you on your way to the top of your GMB list. However, if you still find that you are not able to elevate, you can always hire the services of a company to do so. Several companies specialize in managing the GMB and SEO statuses of other companies.