How To Optimize Your Google Business Listing
If consumers can’t find your business online, they could be significantly less likely to visit your business in person.
That’s why it’s important your business can be found in search results, because it can make a big difference for your business’s foot traffic.
One way to do this is by creating and optimizing a “Google My Business” listing. These listings appear within local Google searches and Google Maps, and they can provide relevant information about your business to consumers.
So if you want to increase your online visibility, here’s how you can promote your business with “Google My Business”:
Claim and Set Up Your Business Listing
First thing’s first, you’ll need to claim your business listing if you haven’t already. Google may have already created a listing for you but it hasn’t been claimed yet. Once you claim your listing you can provide important information about your business
If Google hasn’t created a business listing already, then you’ll need to set up a brand new listing. When you create a listing you can provide information such as business location, phone number, hours of operation, website, photos and more.
Image Credit: Google
Set Business Hours
It’s important that you set your hours of operation so consumers know when you’re open for business. If your business hours change on different days (weekdays vs weekend) or promotional periods (i.e. the holidays) your consumers will definitely want to know.
Image Credit: Google
Spruce Up Your Business Listing With Photos
Window shopping doesn’t only happen at the mall, it happens online too. That’s why you should include relevant photos with your Google business listing.
Google Business listings with photos get 42% more requests for driving directions than those without. Listings with photos also get 35% more click–through to their business website than those without. With compelling photos you can captivate shoppers before they click to your website and even entice them to drive to your store.
Image Credit: Google
Make Sure Your Business Listing is Accurate
When consumers review your Google business listing they expect the information to be correct. One in four shoppers say they’ll steer clear of a business altogether if they feel uncertain about the accuracy of a listing. That means if your listing is not accurate you could be losing potential business.
Review your business listing to ensure details such as your phone number, address, hours of operation, website, and photos are accurate.
Image Credit: Google
Respond to Reviews
According to Jay Baer, online customer service expert and author of “Hug Your Haters”, 80% of Americans trust online reviews as much as personal reviews. Google My Business allows consumers to leave reviews on your business listing. It’s important that you respond to every kind of review that’s provided. It doesn’t matter if it’s positive or negative.
By publicly engaging with consumer feedback you’ll fill new consumers with confidence, in both the services and products you offer, and in your attention to customer satisfaction.
Image Credit: Google
Conclusion
The great thing about having a “Google My Business” listing is that it will be optimized for mobile searches. According to Google, 76% of people who perform “near me” searches on their smartphone visit a related business that same day, and 28% convert into a purchase.
That’s why it’s crucial that your business show up when people search on mobile devices to find products and services like yours. Having a “Google My Business” listing puts you in position to capitalize on this, so don’t neglect creating and optimizing your business listing.
Do you have a question about Google business listing strategies? Please ask your questions below.
Do you need help optimizing your “Google My Business” listing? We can help, especially with our Google Street View Trusted Photographer. Contact Belo Media Group to get started today.
