Increase Your Google My Business Rankings
Increase your Google My Business (GMB) rankings is crucial for local businesses to be seen by potential customers in local searches. Here are some strategies to help improve your GMB rankings:
1. Complete Your GMB Profile:
Ensure every section of your GMB listing is complete. GMB includes your business name, address, phone number, website, business hours, and description.
2. Add High-Quality Images: Upload sharp, high-resolution images of your business. High-Quality Images can include the storefront, interior, products, staff, or any other relevant images that portray what your business offers.
3. Collect and Respond to Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. All time respond to reviews, whether they are positive or negative. Your responses should be professional and courteous.
4. Use Accurate and Consistent NAP: Your business Name, Address, and contact number (NAP) should be consistent across all online directories and platforms.
5. Optimize Your Business Description: Incorporate keywords relevant to your business in the description, but ensure it reads naturally and is not just a string of keywords.
6. Regularly Post Updates: Use the ‘Posts’ feature on GMB to share updates, promotions, or events. The regular post shows Google that you’re actively engaging with your listing.
7. Add Services/Products: If relevant, detail the services or products you offer directly in your GMB listing.
8. Enable Messaging: Engage with potential customers by allowing them to message you directly from your GMB listing.
9. Accuracy in Categories: Select your business’s most accurate primary category. You can also select additional classes if they apply.
10. Embed Google Maps on Your Website: Embedding your GMB map on your contact page can signal to Google about the legitimacy and relevance of your business.
11. Build Local Citations: Ensure your business is listed on reputable online directories, especially local ones. The more high-quality directories you’re listed on, the better.
12. Create Local Content: Publish relevant content to your local audience on your website. Local content can be news, local events, or any other content that local users find valuable.
13. Engage with Q&A: Use the Q&A section of GMB to answer queries by potential customers. You can also proactively add commonly asked questions and their answers.
14. Monitor and Fix Duplicate Listings: Duplicate GMB listings can confuse Google and dilute your rankings. Use online tools to identify any duplicate listings and get them removed or merged.
15. Analyze Insights: Google provides insights on how people found your listing and what actions they took. Regularly review these insights and optimize your listing accordingly.
Finally, remember that SEO, including local SEO for GMB, is ongoing. Regularly check and update your listing, continue to garner reviews, and stay updated with the latest GMB features and best practices.