The Ultimate Guide to Google My Business

Everything You Need to Know About This Essential SEO Tool

Google My Business makes it so much easier for potential customers to find you online – so how do you use it to your advantage?

As the SEO agency Essex clients recommend, we have plenty of experience when it comes to Google My Business. Formerly known as Google Places, Google My Business (GMB) is an invaluable tool for maximising the online impact of your company. On search results, it will allow you to place above number one ranking on SERPs. So you will technically occupy position zero. However, to really get the most out of your newfound visibility, you will need to include the right information on your Google My Business profile.

The Importance of GMB

First of all, why is Google My Business so important?

Well, there are a number of reasons as to why it is such a vital tool for your business, including:

No More Misinformation

Misinformation is the enemy of any business, and in today’s online age it is so easy for customers and clients to come across incorrect and conflicting information online. This can lead to missed opportunities and/or real anger on a customer’s part. They could travel to you based on the opening hours that are listed for your business online, only to find that you are closed. Or if they cannot find any information in the first place, they may decide not to bother as they do not want to take the risk. Having a complete Google My Business profile will give them all the information that they need.

Putting You in Control

Secondly, Google My Business will give you control over how your company comes across online. You will be able to list the information that you know is correct, and quickly edit it if anything changes. So if you are going to make any changes such as reducing your opening hours, potential customers will be able to see that right away. You will also be able to respond to reviews that people leave, allowing you to further cement your reputation as a business that wants to connect with and listen to their customers.

Build Trust With Your Customers

Thirdly, a Google My Business profile will allow you build something that is truly essential with your clients: trust. Customers are much more likely to visit a business if it has a Google My Business listing. The reviews that other customers leave on your profile can influence their decision too. These days, customers can trust online reviews just as much as they do word of mouth recommendations. A recent study also found that businesses with complete listings are twice as likely to earn the trust of customers. Trust improves confidence, and the more confident a customer feels, the more likely they are to invest in your products or services!

What to Include in Your GMB Profile

Not sure what to include in your GMB profile? Do not worry, we have you covered!

For the best possible results, we recommend including the following:

• Up to date business information
• Photos
• Your company logo
• Your company website
• An in-depth description of your business
• Your current opening hours
• Your telephone number and any other contact information
• Reviews
• Regular posts – these are great for keeping your business up to date on Google

A lot of businesses are not sure what to do if they have more than one address. Whether you have two branches or a large number of business premises, if you have multiple business addresses you need to have a separate GMB profile for each location.

The Local Search Test

Here is something that you can try right now. Think of a service and a location, for example ‘florists Essex’. This is known as a local search. The GMB profiles will always be at the top of the page before the search results. Whatever business Google deems as having the best GMB will appear at the top of this list. You will see that there are plenty of businesses vying for that number one spot. So how can you boost your chances? Well, your ranking is down to Google and their algorithm. So the more information you provide and the more reviews your business has, the higher you will rank. So it is really important to cultivate your GMB profile.

We are Here to Help

If all of the above seems a little daunting, then there is no need to worry as we are here to help you. We have plenty of experience when it comes to Google My Business, and we will be able to help you build a profile that sees your company rise through the Google rankings. We will liaise closely with you to make sure that we always have the correct information, and if you have multiple sites then we’ll dedicate the same care and attention to detail to each of their GMB profiles. You really could not be in safer hands.

Get in Touch Today

If you want to find out more about GMB and how it could help you and your business, please do reach out to a member of our friendly team today. We would be delighted to answer your questions and give you the assistance that you need.