What is Google My Business?
Found within Google Maps and on the front page for local queries, Google My Business is a profile that small business owners can use to display information about their business location.
Business owners are able to display their hours of operation, a description about the business, reviews from customers and more. A Google My Business profile is a quick way to inform potential customers about your business and it’s key to a local SEO strategy.
Local SEO & Google My Business
Local SEO is the process of improving organic search results for queries focused on local intent. The results for these queries trigger Google’s local listing three pack of results where locally focused business’s information is display. Most often, a local SEO program addresses queries like “city” + “service” with a variety of examples:
- Phoenix chiropractor
- Denver roofing company
- Sacramento dentist
- Houston construction company
You may also see the three-pack of local results triggered for queries with “service” + “near me”. To get into these local packs, a business must have a claimed and optimized Google My Business profile.
Name, Address, Phone
A local SEO strategy is also comprised of directory listings and citations using the same information found on a Google My Business profile. Specifically, it’s vital to list the same Name, Adress and Phone number. Without these pieces of information being consistent, Google may choose to not rank your Google My Business profile. In addition to these fields, it’s important to list a business’s website, its operating hours, a description about the business, the categories a business belongs to and any promotions / coupons the business may be offering.
A Mobile Must-Have
Considering how much search traffic Google sees from mobile devices, it’s a must to have a Google My Business profile properly built out for anyone looking for your business on their smartphones. The listing will not only display in Google’s local three-pack of results, it will also show up in Google Maps. Be sure to have a listing for your business and a mobile-friendly website to send people to.
Getting Started with Google My Business
Knowing the right categories to list, the right keywords and writing an impactful business description is easier said than done and is why will want to consider an SEO agency.
We offer a one-time claiming and optimization service for Google My Business at $99 with each additional location at $59. We’ll claim your business listing if you haven’t already done so, make sure all of the information is accurate and in line with other business directories, optimize the content with intent-rich keywords about your business and provide training for you to maintain the listing.
Listings Management
In addition to a well-developed Google My Business profile, creation of accurate listings on additional directory sites is vital to success with local organic rankings. Commonly known as citation building, these listings are used by Google to better validate your business’s location and information. We offer listing creation and management for a variety of citation sources like Yelp, Yahoo Local, Bing Places and dozens more. Please contact us for a customized listings management quote and to learn more.
