Tips to Optimize Your Google My Business Profile for Maximum Free Traffic
In our website services business, we understand the need to drive traffic without always having to pay for ads. One free tool, perhaps among the most powerful and greatly underutilized, is Google My Business. If you aren't optimizing your GMB profile to the fullest, then you're allowing potential customers to slip through the cracks, customers who are actively seeking the same services you provide.
So, how do you get the most from your GMB profile and actually use it to drive traffic? Let's dive into some easy-to-understand tips that will help you optimize your profile and get the most out of that free traffic!
Complete Every Section of Your Profile This might sound pretty rudimentary, but you'd be amazed at how few businesses actually take the time to fill out their Google My Business profiles. As you're setting up your profile, remember to: -Add your correct business NAP (Name, Address and Phone Number) -Choose the right categories for your business -Upload photos and videos of your services and location -Include your business hours and holiday hours of operation -Write an accurate, compelling business description Google just loves complete profiles, and, as a bonus, it usually grants them higher ranks in the search list. A fully filled-out profile makes you look professional; also, it will be easy for customers to get all their required details from there.
Keep Your Info Up-to-Date and Accurately Ever call a business, only to find out they changed their hours? It's frustrating, and it might make you think twice about calling them again. The same works for your Google My Business profile: Make sure its information is always accurate. If you change your services, change your hours of operation, or if you are changing addresses, immediately reflect these in your GMB listing. It's all about making sure that when people find you, they get the right information.
Opt for the Right Business Categories In Google, you can select a primary category and a secondary category. Choosing the right categories is so important because that is how Google knows in what searches your business should appear. For example, if you are a web development agency, your primary category should be something like "Web Developer." But you can add in other categories like "Marketing Agency" or "Software Company" if those fit the bill for your services. Not sure what categories to pick? Check out the competitors in your industry, or use Google's suggestions when you set up your profile.
Use Keywords in Your Business Description Your description is a great place to hide some relevant keywords. That doesn't mean keyword stuffing-that'll only hurt you in the long run. Instead, think about how your customers search for your services and sprinkle in a few strategic phrases. For example, if you were a web development agency specializing in eCommerce solutions, mention it in your description. But make sure to do this in a natural way. Here's a quick example: Basically, it goes like this: "We're a full-service web development agency specialized in eCommerce solutions, responsive web design, and SEO optimization. Based in [Your location], we are committed to helping brands grow their online presence." Notice how it's simple, conversational, and still keyword-rich.
Encourage Customer Reviews Reviews will change the game for your Google My Business profile. First, they build credibility, but in addition, they are going to boost your ranking in local search results. The businesses that get loads of positive reviews are much more likely to show up in that "Local Pack" way higher up-in that box of local businesses Google shows toward the top of the results page. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews by asking them directly. You can also put a link to your GMB review page in follow-up emails at the end of a project. But here's the thing-don't forget about your reviews! Respond to each and every one of them, whether positive or negative. It simply shows future customers that you are active and care about their customer experience.
Post Regular Updates One of the most unused resources with Google My Business is updating it like a social networking platform. You can add to it by posting: -New products or services -Specials -Company news -Blog posts/articles -Events Posts will increase visibility and engagement with prospects. Google loves new, relevant content; frequent updating of your profile keeps you on their radar.
Add High-Quality Photos and Videos First impressions matter, and your GMB profile's photos and videos can play a huge role in whether or not someone will click on your listing. In fact, profiles with high-quality images tend to get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their website. Here's what you should include: Photos: Interior and exterior shots of your business, team photos to humanize your brand, action shots of products or services Short, snappy videos of what you do. Bear in mind that these visuals not only tell Google your business is active but also build trust with potential customers.
Use the Q&A Feature There is a question-and-answer feature on Google My Business where people can ask about your business. Again, you shouldn't wait for anyone else to begin populating this for you-you can lead the charge by adding your own list of questions and answers. Think about some of the questions you get asked most by prospective clients. Maybe they ask about your pricing, specific services, or what really sets you apart from the competition. Add these into your Q&A so you can add value pre-emptively. It's also a very good practice to keep track of this section from time to time and to provide timely responses as users keep asking you questions. This does so much more apart from ramping up engagement; it shows you're responsive and very helpful.
Monitor the Performance with Insights GMB offers some pretty useful insights that could help you see how your profile is performing. You can monitor: -Search queries people are using to find your business -How many times has your profile been viewed -The number of calls and direction requests you've received -Which photos get the most attention Use this information to your advantage. If you see that a certain keyword is bringing in visitors, for example, use it in your business description, or in posts in the future. If people like a photo you put up, post more of those types.
Don't Neglect Google Maps A high volume of traffic to your GMB profile will come from Google Maps, mostly from people searching using their mobile phones. Make sure your business appears in Google Maps by verifying your address and location. Add geotagged photos that will help your listing's visibility inside the map results.
The optimization of your Google My Business profile is among the easiest and most affordable methods of driving free traffic to your website. The better your profile, the better the chances of showing up in local searches, attracting clicks, and even converting curious searchers into actual customers.
Need help setting up or optimizing your GMB profile? As a web development agency, our experts are all about optimizing the online presence of businesses. Contact our team today, and let's work together to increase your visibility and bring in that free traffic!