Helping Small and Medium Businesses Achieve Their Full Marketing Potential | Digital Marketing Expert
How to Improve Your Local SEO with a Google My Business Profile
Boosting your local SEO game is like being a movie villain. Only this time, you’re conquering the world… wide web. In this post, we’ll explore the realm of Google My Business profiles and answer a common question: What is local SEO? This post is a straight-talking action for everyone to understand and 95% SEO jargon-free!
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is like being in a spot in the neighbourhood where everyone likes to hang out. Instead, it’s on the internet. It’s about the optimisation of your online presence so that you can attract people into your area. What local SEO strategies do is they ensure that when someone in your particular area searches for products or services similar to the ones that you offer, your business pops up at the top of the search results for them. Additionally, local SEO helps to build trust and credibility with customers because they will be more likely to trust businesses that appear locally. A direct benefit of this is a rise in conversion rates, as local searchers often have a higher intent to purchase. Ultimately, what this allows is for local SEO to be your ticket to becoming the go-to destination for your product or service because more foot traffic is driven to your business, which fosters a stronger connection with the community.
Setting Up Your Google My Business Profile: Easy-Peasy
First, you want to set up your Google My Business account. Think of this as your digital store. But instead of worrying about your windows being dirty, you’ll wow users navigating the internet with your dazzling online presence. Follow these steps to get your Google My Business (GMB) profile set up in no time. You’ll be done faster than you can say SEO strategies!
- Head to the Google My Business website and click the “Sign Up” button.
- Fill in your business details.
- Verify your account to prove you’re not a robot (sorry Wall-E, not this time!)
- And voila! Your Google My Business profile is ready to go.
Get Verified
Just like showing your ID at the club, getting verified on Google My Business is the exact equivalent. It’s like a digital badge of honour. It shows that you are who you say you are and have good intentions, so wear that badge proudly!
Craft a Business Description: Time to Show Off
Now that you’re up and running, it’s time to show off. Your business description allows you to tell us what your business is about. Channel your inner wordsmith and craft something that screams, “Pick me!” SEO is about standing out amongst many competitors, so don’t be afraid to show some personality.
Name, Address, Number: Up Close & Personal
Many businesses overlook the importance of consistency. You want to be as consistent as your morning coffee order regarding your name, address, and phone number. Whether it’s your website, social media profile, or GMB profile, ensure you use the same information. Avoid confusing Google and your potential customers!
Photos and Videos: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Clicks
In the world of local SEO, pictures are worth a thousand clicks, not words! This is the part where you get to shine. Like social media management, add photos of your latest creations, behind-the-scenes content, or even visual content with your team. All of these are worth uploading to GMB to capture your audience’s attention.
Customer Reviews: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Customer reviews – the digital equivalent of word-of-mouth marketing. One day, you could be experiencing someone singing your praises, and the next day, you could see someone airing their grievances with your company for everyone to see. Regardless, every review is a chance to demonstrate exceptional customer service. Embrace the good, the bad and the ugly with open arms and respond with grace and empathy for their situation, whatever the review!
Kill ‘em with Kindness
Kindness can go a long way when dealing with customers, especially in the digital world. People assume that good customer service is reserved for those who have had bad experiences with your company, but it should also be implemented when dealing with those who are pleased with your product or service as well. Whether you’re thanking a satisfied customer for a fantastic review or turning a negative experience around, always respond with warmth and empathy.
Updates & Offers: The Icing on the Review Cake
Your GMB profile should have garnered people’s attention everywhere by now. But that doesn’t mean stopping; it’s time to keep the momentum going. You can use negative reviews to your advantage by announcing the launch of a new product relevant to them or tempting them with an exclusive discount, keeping them coming back for more. None of us can resist a good bargain!
SEO Commandment: Know Thy Customer
Lastly, one of the most important commandments in your SEO Bible is to know your customers! This is your secret weapon. These little pieces of data will give you insights into your customers’ behaviour, preferences, and demographics that might help you tailor your products and services to their needs. So get a nice digital shirt on with a pair of shoes, and get to know them as if it were a first date with someone you were trying to impress.
There you have it – your ticket to local SEO success awaits with a Google My Business profile. What are you waiting for? Let’s get local!
