What is Google My Business?

Google My Business definition can easily help in understanding the meaning- 

It is a tool that helps in managing and optimizing your business profile on Google Search and Google Maps. It serves as one of the many important business directories that provides essential information to users who are searching for services, products, or even locations related to the business. 

The purpose of Google My Business (GMB) is to let businesses post up-to-date and accurate information related to their business such as their company name, address, contact number, operating hours, and website URL. With the help of this, businesses can engage with customers and keep them informed about their current news. 

So why is GMB important for local businesses? 

One of the most important reasons for creating a GMB account for local businesses is that it allows their businesses to appear in Google search results and Google Maps. It works like an online signboard that showcases important details such as phone number, website URL, and direction which makes it easier for people to find and reach the business. 

People can also leave a review which can result in the business reaching more customers. It also helps businesses to share news and special deals with the local folks. Local businesses can be seen, trusted, and found by people easily. 

Now, what are local listings?

Local listings can be compared to phonebook pages but online. They provide important information regarding businesses like their name, address, phone number, and even pictures. It helps people to search and find your business, especially if they’re looking for something nearby. 

For example, if you’re searching for the best Italian restaurant near you then local listings can help you find the best Italian place near you. You can search for anything you need and it will give you the filtered result right on your phone or computer. 

Benefits of local listings for businesses

When a local business is listed on GMB, it shows up when anyone searches for things nearby. The benefits of local listings can be checked below- 

• Increased visibility: Businesses that have local listings are more likely to be found by potential customers when they’re looking for products or services nearby. 
• Easy contact: Local listings include important business details like their address and phone number, making it easier for customers to reach and contact them respectively.
• Map directions: In most business listings, customers can see how to reach the business on a map, which makes it easier for them to locate it. 
• Cost-effective: The majority of local listing platforms are free, giving businesses a low-cost way to boost their online presence. 

How do I create a GMB account? 

A step-by-step guide for creating a GMB account can be found here- 

• Visit the Google sign-in page or click here. 
• Click on “Create account”. 
• From the drop-down menu, select the “To manage my business” option. 
• Once you have signed up for a GMB account, click on “Manage Now”. 
• Provide all the information that Google asks for. 
• You can add more details if required. 
• That’s it! Your account has been set up. 

Before doing this, make sure to have a Google Business Account which is different from Google My Business. If you already have a business account, then search the name of your business and select it. If your business name populates with an address then it shows that your business profile exists. 

How do I verify my GMB listing? 

Google needs to verify if your business is legitimate or not. The GMB verification process is really simple. There will be two verification options- email, or phone number. Once you choose any of the options, you’ll receive the verification code which you have to enter in the given space. Submit the verification code to verify your GMB listing. 

Information to optimize GMB listing

Optimizing GMB listing info is crucial for your business to stand out and provide correct information to potential customers. 

• Complete business information including name, address, phone number (NAP), and website. 
• Choose the right category that best describes your business. 
• Write a concise and compelling business description that highlights your business’s USP. 
• Upload high-quality images of your products and services. 
• Specify your operating hours including special hours for events and holidays. 

All about Google My Business Features

GMB on Google Maps- 

During a Google Map search, your GMB listings appear as a location marker, also known as a "pin." Relevant GMB listings will appear on the map when someone searches for specific business categories, services, or keywords related to your business in a specific area. 

GMB requires you to provide your business's physical address when creating or claiming your listing. On Google Maps, this information is used to place a pin indicating where your business is located. 

Searchers looking for businesses related to your industry or location can find your business on Google Maps. From their current location, they can get directions to your business via a variety of modes of transportation, including walking, driving, and public transportation. 

Customer reviews and ratings- 

Managing customer reviews GMB and rating features is like a space where customers can share their thoughts and feelings about the business. They can write about what they liked or disliked about the product or service of the business. They can also give a score known as ratings out of five stars. Businesses can also come up with strategies for positive reviews. 

These reviews can help other people decide if they want to try the business or not. It is like feedback to the business where they can check the reviews and work on it. Customers and businesses can indirectly talk about it and make things better. 

Posting updates and offers-

GMB post feature usage is a powerful tool that allows businesses to share information regarding any update or offer with their audience. Promoting events and products becomes easier with the help of this feature. Businesses will be able to publish posts about upcoming events, new products or services, special promotions, and more. 

Time-sensitive announcements, like limited-time offers or seasonal promotions, can benefit from this feature. To drive more foot traffic and online interaction, businesses must regularly update their Google My Business listing with relevant and captivating content. 

 

Local SEO and Google My Business 

Impact of GMB on Local SEO 

Local SEO and GMB work together to help local businesses become more visible in their neighborhoods. With Google My Business listings prominently displayed in local search results, businesses can increase their visibility to potential customers by having an accurate and complete listing. 

Customers trying to find nearby services can often find GMB listings on maps and search results. A good GMB profile also generates positive reviews and pictures, which can enhance businesses’ trustworthiness. Businesses can increase their search rankings by engaging with customers through GMB features like posts and updates. 

Related: Key SEO Statistics, Facts & Trends You Must Know

How does GMB affect search rankings? 

GMB acts as a boost for search rankings. Businesses that use GMB well will end up in Google's search results. This is because Google My Business gives them important information they can use to match businesses with what people are searching for. Additionally, GMB listings appear on maps, which customers find useful when looking for nearby businesses. 

In other words, Google sees accurate and active GMB profiles as a good match for users' searches, which is why they show up higher in searches. 

NAP consistency and citation building-

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number which acts like a business’s ID card. Having the same information everywhere online along with websites helps Google trust that the business is real and reliable. Citation building is another thing that is like collecting references from different websites. It shows Google that the business is legit and shows it to more people.  

GMB insights and analytics-

GMB insights and analytics are like secret tools that help businesses understand how well their GMB profile is doing. It shows valuable information about what’s happening with the listings. With the help of GMB listings, you can check how many people have viewed your profile, where they’re from, and how they found you- either through searches or maps. 

Understanding GMB analytics reveals what actions people took, like clicking on the website URL or making a phone call to your business. This statistic is super useful as it helps one understand what’s working for them and what might need more improvement. 

Make data-driven decisions-

GMB provides you with essential data that can help in making data-driven decisions. With this, you can check if your post got any attention or if they clicked to call your business. In short, it helps you figure out what’s working for your business and make it shine. One can make a smart move based on the real data. 

 

How to deal with common GMB issues? 

Duplicate listing-

Identifying duplicate listings requires a strategic approach to maintain the online presence and credibility. Duplicate listings can confuse customers and impact your search engine visibility. 

To resolve and prevent duplicates, first, you need to look at your GMB page and find if the two listings look the same. If you find two listings, choose the correct one after rechecking all the details and try to delete the duplicate using Google’s tools. Keep checking your GMB account to avoid this again. 

Suspended or Flagged listings-

When there’s something not right according to Google’s rules, that’s when your GMB gets suspended or flagged. 

There might be various reasons for GMB suspension. Maybe it’s due to wrong information or something else- figure it out first. Then follow Google’s instructions to fix the problem. This can be through providing accurate information, checking your business category, or removing any content that goes against the rules. 

 

Integrating GMB with local marketing strategy- 

GMB and online visibility- 

GMB helps people to find your business online. When you integrate GMB with your local marketing, it boosts your online visibility by showing your business information on Google Maps and search results. It’s like putting a signpost on a digital map, making it easier for the customers to spot you. When you coordinate GMB with other platforms i.e., syncing your GMB info with other websites, and social media. 

Promoting GMB offline- 

Placing GMB information on physical stores, business cards, brochures, and flyers bridges the gap between your digital presence and physical storefront. By holding your marketing materials or walking past them, potential customers will be directed seamlessly to your online profile, which includes contact information, location, and hours. Your credibility and accessibility are enhanced by this cohesive approach. 

You can drive traffic, boost brand recognition, and nurture customer relationships by merging the strengths of offline and online realms.

 

Advanced GMB strategies

Multiple locations and chains 

Businesses with multiple locations and chains need to toil on their online presence through GMB. With advanced GMB strategies, people can find you easily both online and offline. These tactics include combining data from multiple sources like locations, and local content, and staying on top of reviews and updates. 

Several strategies can be employed to achieve these goals, including centralizing management, curating localized content, and optimizing individual listings. The online presence of a business becomes stronger by doing this. 

Insights into competitor GMB listings- 

By analyzing GMB’s presence, one can gain a clear picture of the online strategy. This process helps in identifying areas where the competitors are excelling and pinpointing opportunities for your own improvement. Maybe they’re acing reviews or posting engaging content. By leveraging their strengths while making your unique mark, you can optimize your own GMB profile. Seeing your online presence through a window of possibilities can help you achieve more success. 

Ensuring GMB compliance and policy adherence- 

 

Google My Business guidelines- 

Navigating GMB is smoother when you understand the guidelines that keep things fair and square. These policies help create an equal level ground for businesses and users. Your online presence is protected when you follow the rules to avoid penalties and violations. By adhering to GMB guidelines, you ensure a positive experience for everyone, whether it's accurate business information or genuine reviews. 

Staying updated with GMB changes- 

Online businesses must ensure compliance and follow policies to make the most out of Google My Business listings. Staying informed about the GMB changes, you can keep your business profile updated and optimized. Keeping your information updated, including business hours and contact information, will keep your business operating smoothly. Your listing will be visible and credible if you follow the GMB policies, allowing potential customers to find you easily. 

Conclusion

GMB or Google My Business stands as a vital tool for local businesses as they offer unparalleled opportunities for visibility and growth in the digital landscape. 

Compliance, policy adherence, and staying well informed about GMB's dynamic changes must be paramount to any business. 

Your GMB information should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure accuracy and reliability, establishing your business's reputation and bringing in more customers. By actively engaging with the customers through the platform, a strong online presence within the localities can be established.