Digital marketing doesn’t mean being present on the virtual. Creating your identity is just the beginning. Making yourself visible the right way to the right people is the real challenge. When we speak of visibility, it is SEO that puts you out there.
When we speak of an SEO, the key element of the SEO strategy is to claim and verify your business on the listing. In simple terms, it is the process of being listed in the virtual space, so that you appear in the search more pertinently. That’s where the Google My Business (GMB) listing comes.
With its entry, Google has become synonyms for “search” and therefore, Google search is the best and by far the most organic way of gaining visibility in the virtual space. Considering, the benefits of the listing, we bring you some tips on how to optimize your listing for better results:
- The first step is to fill in all the information that “Google My Business” profile is asking for. This basically encompasses everything about your business i.e. name, address, what business/product/service you deal in, your USP or service points etc. These are essential for Google to group you into the search category that will make you visible to your target audience. Also, you need to keep checking these details as google search allows others to edit the information.
- Keep it active and buzzing. The listing can also be used as a social media handle. Google loves when you keep your listing vibrant with updates like sale offers, new webinars, product launches etc.
- If you want to be visible, do show off. In other words, Google listing appreciates businesses who post photos and videos about their business. This AV content actually gains good traction and visibility. For example, if you are a restaurant upload your property’s photos, special dish photos etc.
- Explore the features of Google. Google has added many new features that are highly beneficial for businesses. For example, add the book now button to your listing. This is very useful for immediate sale. Google now also has a feature called, “Messaging.” This feature allows your customers and potential customers to message you directly to seek information. Similarly, call now allows them to call.
- Crave for reviews. Last but definitely the most impactful is ” reviews.” Google loves when businesses add reviews to their profile. Reviews not only gets you more visible in the Google search but also helps attract more client. A survey says that most online buyers shop based on reviews. Therefore, asking your buyers to review you and responding to reviews irrespective of good or bad is a very good strategy to win your clients’ heart.
With the above broad pointers, you can be assured of getting maximum mileage from your listing. However, while you adhere to these pointers, they are some mandates that you must follow:
- While entering all the listing information, do remember to infuse keywords in the content. These keywords are the magnets that will attract the attention of your prospective clients. Know the details required for listing and collate them before you actually start the process of entering them.
- Ensure that all the information you share are authentic and close to what you are in real. For example: if you are a restaurant and if you are sharing pictures ensure to take pictures that reflect the real facility. With photoshop and other photo editing apps, the aim should enhance the pictures but not in a way that they are misleading.
- Lastly, constantly review and update the information that you have shared in the listing. This ensures that all the information shared is authentic and latest. For example: if you are a restaurant and shared on your listing an offer or food festival. Then post the event or offer is over, updating it on your GMB profile is necessary.
GMB listing is very simple and self-explanatory. However, if you think you are unable to or are finding it difficult, then you can do a simple online search and you shall get the details of the listing procedure. However, for businesses that have hired SEO service providers, you need not worry about this, as the agency would offer this as a part of the package.
