Importance of Google My Business Listing

If you own a local business, then it’s imperative for you to understand the importance of your Google My Business listing. You see, every day, more people are using Google to find local businesses and products.

Benefits of Google My Business Listing

First of all, your Google My Business listing is absolutely free. Secondly, with an Alexa rank of number one, Google has immense clout. By utilizing it properly, it can significantly increase your online presence.

List all pertinent information regarding your business, such as:

• Phone Number
• Website Information
• Business Address
• Hours of Operation

Additionally, your business location will show up on Google Maps, which then includes you in the local search results. It also displays your busy times and reviews.

Optimizing Google My Business Listing

Optimizing your Google My Business listing is critical for local SEO. You can almost be certain that if you don’t have a listing, then your business will be left out of the featured list of businesses when someone does a local search. Here are some steps you can take to properly setup your business listing.

Step 1

Create and verify your business location. Google provides the option of either receiving a postcard in the mail with a code or you can receive an instant phone call to your business location for verification.

If your business is already listed you will need to claim it and then verify it. If someone else has claimed your business then you will need to request ownership of the business listing. In order to manage your listing, you will need to claim and verify it first.

Step 2

Fill out everything completely. Use your business’s name and correct business categories. As indicated by Google, local results with thorough information will match more accurately. Even if you think it’s precise, double-check the information anyway. Think of it like this, the more accurate information you provide, the better off you will be.

Step 3

Upload current photos of your business. Don’t just include images of your products and the inside but also of the outside of your business. Consider creating regular posts for fresh content on your listing to increase your digital footprint and show up in search engine results.

Step 4

Ask for reviews, not just on your Google listing but also on other relevant review sites. When someone leaves a review, it’s essential to respond professionally and quickly. Receiving excellent reviews increases your credibility and boosts your visibility.

Step 5

Always make it a priority to update your operating hours, including hours for holidays and special events. There is nothing more frustrating and disappointing for a potential customer to travel to your business only to find it locked up tight.

Step 6

Consider using paid advertising such as a PPC campaign to drive traffic to your listing. Establishing effective ad campaigns and content marketing strategies for your business are just as important as your Google listing.

 It’s Not Calculus

Setting up and optimizing your Google My Business listing is not difficult. It is a key component to the success of your local business. If you don’t have a business listing, we suggest you create one today. Because, even if you don’t, your competitors certainly will.

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About 4 Step Studio

4 Step Studio is an online marketing agency that specializes in website design and redesign, SEO, social media and more. Our team of experts focuses on helping small business get found online, while educating them on what will make them successful in the digital world. To learn more about what we can do for you, visit our website at www.4StepStudio.com