Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. Optimising your GMB listing is crucial for local SEO and can help attract more local customers. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Business
The first step is to claim your business on Google My Business. If you haven’t done this yet, go to the GMB website and follow the instructions to claim your business. Once claimed, Google will send a verification code to your business address. Enter this code to verify your business.
Step 2: Complete Your Profile
Make sure your GMB profile is complete and accurate. This includes:
- Business Name: Use your official business name.
- Address: Enter your full business address.
- Phone Number: Add a phone number where customers can reach you.
- Website: Link to your website.
- Business Hours: Include your regular business hours and update them for holidays or special events.
- Category: Choose the most accurate category for your business. This helps Google match your business with relevant searches.
Step 3: Add Photos
Photos make your listing more attractive and can help you stand out. Add high-quality photos of your business, products, and services. Include:
- Exterior Photos: Show what your business looks like from the outside. This helps customers recognize your location.
- Interior Photos: Give a glimpse inside your business to show what customers can expect.
- Product Photos: Highlight your best products to attract customers.
- Team Photos: Introduce your staff to make your business feel more personal.
Step 4: Write a Compelling Description
Your business description should be clear and concise. Explain what your business does, what makes it unique, and what customers can expect. Use keywords naturally in your description to help with local SEO. For example, if you’re an SEO agency in Oxford, mention how your services help local businesses improve their search rankings.
Step 5: Collect and Manage Reviews
Customer reviews are crucial for your GMB listing. They build trust with potential customers and can improve your search rankings.
- Encourage Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews. You can do this in person, through email, or by providing a link to your GMB page.
- Respond to Reviews: Always respond to reviews, both positive and negative. Thank customers for their feedback and address any issues raised in negative reviews. This shows you value customer input and are committed to improving your business.
Step 6: Post Regular Updates
Keep your GMB profile active by posting regular updates. This can include:
- Special Offers: Share any discounts or promotions you’re running.
- Events: Announce upcoming events or activities.
- News: Update customers on any important changes or news about your business.
Regular updates keep your profile fresh and engaging, encouraging customers to visit your business. This is a strategy that Semrank, a local SEO agency, often recommends to businesses.
Step 7: Use GMB Insights
Google My Business provides insights into how customers find and interact with your listing. Use this data to improve your profile:
- Views: See how often your listing appears in search results.
- Search Queries: Find out what keywords customers use to find your business.
- Actions: Track customer actions like visits to your website, phone calls, and direction requests.
By analysing these insights, you can make informed decisions to enhance your listing and attract more local customers. This is part of the SEO services in Oxford offered by Semrank.
Step 8: Optimise for Local Keywords
Ensure your GMB listing includes relevant local keywords. This helps your business show up in searches for your services in your area. For example, if you’re a local SEO agency in Oxford, include keywords like “SEO services Oxford,” “Oxford SEO,” and “serving clients in Oxford” in your business description and posts.
