Getting great visibility on Google as a local business has never been more essential for maintained growth and success. It has been revealed that 46% of all Google searches are searching for local information and that 4 out of 5 consumers use search engines to get local information, meaning that if it is not your business that is showing, it is one of your opponents. And for this purpose, you must put in a position a reliable local SEO strategy.
Local search results are not just the regular search results we are all used to noticing. They also incorporate a local pack that is powered by Google My Business (GMB).
To witness success through SEO as a local business, you require to have great visibility on Google My Business. This complete guide will show you how to use GOOGLE MY BUSINESS to generate sales in 2021. But before that, know about what actually Google My Business is?
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business (which used to be recognized as Google Local and Google Places) is the platform that powers Google’s business listings and that allows your business to present on the local pack, as well as arrive in several different results and control how their information is presented on each.
It is a platform that every local business owner should be knowledgeable of and use, given that information that you present to your listing can rise in a number of different ways on the search engine, such as the knowledge panel, the local pack, and maps. Let’s know each of these.
1. Google Knowledge Panel
Google Knowledge Panel is the information box that rises to the top-right of search results (desktop) or near the top of the page on mobile when someone runs a search, particularly for your business. It is apprehended as the knowledge panel because it presents essential information, including your address, timing of work, phone number, website, link to directions, and other necessary information depending on your industry.
2. Google Local Pack
These three business listing results appear under the map when a user runs a localized search.
3. Google Maps
Google Maps (both the app and desktop and mobile web versions) is designed to help those looking for ways as well as to find businesses and locations.
The Advantages of Google My Business:
Google My Business brings with it a complete pack of advantages that local businesses require to be aware of, helping them to get new customers, improve their overall visibility and assure that their customers can find information as effortlessly and as quickly as possible.
- Show Your Presence
Whether you are looking for foot traffic or web traffic, Google is the absolute search referrer. A Google My Business account assures that when someone glances your company up on Google Search and Google Maps, they see your presence. Once they do, your listing shows searches where and how to tour your shop, whether you have a web or physical address.
Google My Business accounts also enhance your local SEO. Even if you already have a web presence, a Google business account assures you get top results. Accounts also provide access to analytics, enabling you to fine-tune your paid and organic advertising techniques.
- Keep Customers Notified
Your Google My Business listing incorporates information of the contact, business timings, and other important details. You can post updates to share that you have enhanced services, temporarily closed, or completely reopened. Google business accounts have strong local SEO, so the information you share will rank above other sites.
A Google My Business account allows you keep customers notified about your activities.
- Boost Consumer Confidence
A Google My Business profile gives credibility to your company. Shoppers are 70% more inclined to visit businesses with a Google My Business listing.
Another research shows that businesses with complete listings on Google are twice as prone to get trust from customers.
Trust is a key component when it comes to making purchase conclusion. The more optimistic a consumer feels, the more chances are there that they buy. Credibility earned from Google is sufficient to influence people to be 38% more inclined to tour your store, and 29% more probable to purchase something.
Google My Business reviews support to build confidence, too. Research by Think With Google finds that 88% of buyers trust online reviews as much as personal suggestions.
How to set up Google My Business Profile?
Follow these steps to create your Google My Business profile.
Step 1: Sign in to Google My Business
Go to the website www.google.com/business to sign in. You can either sign in with a pre-existing Google account or make a new one. If you are already signed in, jump ahead to the second step.
Tip: Make sure you sign up with your business email area.
Step 2: Add your business
Enter your business name. If it does not seem in the drop-down menu, click Add your business to Google. Then choose the appropriate category for your business.
Step 3: Enter your location
If you have physical location buyers can visit, select Yes. Then put in your address. You may also be requested to set a marker for the location on a map. If your business does not have a location customers can see but requires a service or delivery, you can list your service area.
Step 4: Fill in your contact information
Add your business phone number and website address so customers can keep on touch with you. If you have a Facebook page rather than a website, you can add that instead.
Step 5: Finish and control your listing
Check Yes if you would like to get updates and notifications. Then click Finish. You will then be asked to confirm your business.
How to verify your business on Google
Now that your account is set up, here are few steps to know how to verify your Google business. For most businesses, Google verification implicates requesting a postcard.
Step 1: Sign in to Google My Business
Go to the website www.google.com/business to sign in.
Step 2: Hit Verify now
If you have numerous Google My Business accounts, make sure you select the correct one.
Step 3: Pick a way to verify
Postcard by Mail is the default confirmation option. If your business is competent for other procedures, such as phone or email, select the one you like. Fill in the mandatory information. Double-check to make sure you have correctly added it, then submit the form. It can take only a few days to two weeks for the postcard to come. When you get your postcard, sign in and click Verify location from the list. Enter the five-digit confirmation code from your postcard.
Note: It may take a few weeks for your business listing to emerge on Google. While you wait, download the Google My Business app so you can operate your account.
7 ways to use your Google My Business for Generating Sales
Add polish to your business on Google with these advice.
1. Fill out your full profile
Provide as much information to Google about your business as feasible. Because It makes it lenient for Google to compare your business to customer searches. In other words, it boosts your search ranking.
As Google explains, “Local results favor the most relevant results for each search, and businesses with complete and accurate information are easier to match with the right searches.”
That means you should fill out contact information, category, attributes, and more. Make sure to use the correct keywords where possible.
Google defines local ranking based on three factors:
- Relevance: How well your listing relates a search
- Distance: How remote your location is from the search or searcher
- Prominence: How well-recognized a business is (based on various other factors)
Using the correct keywords will enhance relevance.
For example, if you operate a vintage clothing shop, search “vintage clothing” in your area. Look at relevant topics and terms people are using for keyword inspiration.
2. Add photos:
Support people to see what your business is all about.
When you make your Google My Business profile, you will be able to add your company logo and cover photo—similar to your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Pinterest profile. Without these images, it will be difficult for people to identify your brand online.
Do not quit there. Present your location, products, or handiwork by adding more photos. If you own a restaurant, show images of your meals, menus, and dining room. Be certain they look attractive, professional, and are not low rates. According to Google, businesses with images gets 42% more requests for directions, and 35% more clicks through to their websites.
If you can, contract a professional photographer. It will make a difference. And it pays for itself in the end.
How to add images to your Google My Business profile:
- Sign in to Google My Business.
- Open the location you would prefer to manage.
- Click Photos from the menu.
- Select the type of photo that you would comfortable to add.
- Upload your image from your computer or select from where you have already uploaded it.
3. Post news, updates, and special offers
Some essential information about your business on your Google my Business profile such as your address, hours, and contact info, should always be valid and up-to-date. Make sure to edit this information if it gets changes. You can also make posts for your business to notify customers of updates, new products, offers, and occurrences. Depending on your purpose, these posts can keep your profile decent, generate sales, and promote visits to your physical or digital storefront.
How to create a post on Google:
- Sign in to Google My Business and open the location you would like to work.
- From the left side menu, click Posts.
- Select the type of post you would like to create from the given options.
- Enter the essential information in each field. Copy should include necessary details and be short. Do no user commercial slang and too much punctuation.
- Click Preview to double check formatting and spelling. If you wish to make an changes, click the back arrow.
When you are done, click Publish.
If the type of post you have selected includes an option to add rich media, make most of the opportunity. According to Google, people connect more with posts that have photos, videos, or GIFs in them.
4. Add special features and characteristics
Special features are accessible for Google business accounts, depending on the category you have selected.
Here is a rundown of category-specific features available:
- Hotels can show class ratings and offer amenities list.
- Restaurants and bars can upload menus, show appetizing dishes, and add a link for online orders and reservations
- Service-oriented businesses can show a service menus and add a booking button
- Small and medium-sized companies can add product lists
If you believe your business is capable for one of these features, but you do not see them, you may have selected the incorrect category. You can choose up to 10 categories for your business.
You can also add factual characteristics to your profile to share more information your customers may care about. If you run a shop or restaurant, you may want to share that its wheelchair availability, offers free Wi-Fi, or outdoor seating. You can even share if your company is Woman-Led.
How to add or edit attributes:
- From your account dashboard, click Info.
- Look for Add Attributes and select Edit. Search for the attribute you want to add, or scroll through all the given options for your business.
Click Apply.
5. Ask customers to leave reviews
People tend to trust other people more than they trust business. A good review can be the deciding factor that tips prospective customers in your favor. Reviews also increase your Google ranking.
The reasonable time to ask for a review is after giving them a good experience. Whether in store or online, consider sharing a card or e-receipt that asks for a review. Google give businesses access to a free marketing kit with stickers, social posts, and printable posters.
You can also create a custom shortlink to make leaving a review easy. It will look like: g.page/[yourcustomname].
How to get a custom URL for your Google My Business account:
- From the dashboard, click Info and then Add short name.
- Enter your short name which can be up to 32 characters. You may require to come up with alternatives if the name you want is taken.
- Click Apply.
When it is ready, your short name will appear on your business profile.
6. Show acknowledgment by responding to reviews
Show current and future customers that you give importance to their feedback by responding to reviews. According to an analysis by Google and Ipsos Connect, businesses that acknowledge to reviews are regarded 1.7 times more trustworthy than those that don’t.
Positive communication build dedication. Remember to respond through your brand voice, and stay respective and professional. That goes for negative reviews, too. Do not avoid them. Turn things around by listening and dealing with the issues.
Be truthful and be sure to submit an apology when it’s warranted. If the issue is sensitive, ask them to send you a private message.
Make sure to answer queries, too. Anyone can respond to a customer question left on your Google My Business profile. Try your best to make sure you answer first. Show people that you have an active and reliable business, and protect from the potential spread of misinformation.
7. Refine paid and organic reach with insights
Another benefit of having a Google My Business profile is that it gives you with availability to insights. These insights go above and beyond Google Analytics.
You can track how many customers look for you, call your business, ask for directions, click on your photos, and many more. Understanding what keywords, photos, and actions are most famous can help you modify your profile—and even inform the content you build for social media.
Google My Business insights come in helpful with Google Ads, too. With a Google Business account, you can use local extensions in your ads. These extensions display ads with clickable location details. Incorporate this feature with insights to improve engagement and drive down the cost per click. Google My Business is free but highly beneficial tool to generate sales in 2021. To make the most of Google My Business is a must for any business on social media, but iI is more important for the small businesses owner. We hope this article able to remove all the confusions that you had before going through this.