How to Boost Local Rankings Through Proactive GMB Management
For any business trying to gain visibility in local searches, claiming your Google My Business (GMB) profile isn’t enough. You must proactively manage your GMB listing to outrank competitors and stand out.
From adding accurate information to uploading high-resolution images to choosing the right categories, it includes various steps. Let’s dive in to find more!
1. Ensure All Business Information is Up-to-Date
An updated profile with correct information is the simplest strategy to boost your business’s local rankings. Outdated or inconsistent information confuses the search engine and users, reducing rank and visibility.
Ensure current business name, address, phone number (NAP), business hours, website URL, offerings, and categories.
Update hours during temporary closures and holidays. Only use the actual business phone number and not call center lines. Link products or services with relevant pages.
2. Optimize the Business Description
Most people assume that a business description is like a smaller “About Us” section. However, that’s far from reality. In this section, you must state the products or services you provide and the locality you serve.
Research local keywords and place them strategically so it doesn’t look forced. This helps your business rank for the right local searches. Avoid stuffing this section with too many keywords.
If you’re not sure about how it’s done, partner with a GMB management services provider. They have professionals on the team to craft a compelling and SEO-friendly description with your business offerings and locality clearly defined.
3. Pick the Categories Wisely
You will have to choose one relevant primary category and multiple secondary ones so Google can show your business to the right target audience.
Select the exact match for the primary category. So, if you run a wedding cake shop, use “Wedding Cake Shop” as the primary category. Don’t try to pick larger categories like “Cake Shop.”
For the secondary category, you can choose “Cake Shop,” “Wedding Desserts,” and so on.
If you’re uncertain about relevant categories, check what your competitors have used.
4. Post Updates Frequently
Just like social media, your GMB profile also has its own feed. The more you stay active on this feed, the more Google supports your visibility. This happens because new updates signal the search engine that your business is engaging with customers.
If you’re looking for content to post, consider announcements about special discounts, offers, and promotions, promote new business offerings, share behind-the-scenes about your staff working hard, and post customer satisfaction stories.
Remember, these posts expire after 7 days, so share updates at least once a week.
5. Use Top-Notch Visuals
Visuals make your listing even more attractive, so Google prioritizes businesses with plenty of photos and videos. In fact, Google noticed that profiles with photos receive 42% more driving direction requests.
So, upload shots of your business storefront and interiors, product images, and clips of staff offering videos. Humanize the brand by posting team shots or moments that showcase the team interacting with customers at events. Never use stock images, as that can affect brand identity.
6. Seek and Respond to Reviews
Reviews are the best way to show off your business’s credibility and reputation, playing an essential role in boosting your profile ranking. The more positive and regular reviews you get, the more visible you become in local searches.
To make this happen, ask your satisfied customers after a complete service to share their feedback on Google. You can do it face-to-face or send follow-up emails or texts.
Once you receive the review, respond to them, showing your gratitude and that you’re ready to assist them if they ever face any issues.
For negative reviews, be professional and figure out a way to solve the customer’s concerns if possible.
Never seek incentivized reviews as they violate Google’s policies and affect ranking.
7. Utilize the Q&A Section
The Q&A feature of GMB lets people ask questions about your business, and anyone can answer. If not maintained, unauthorized people may spread misinformation.
So, proactively ask and answer questions regarding accepted payment methods, parking availability, whether you offer home delivery, and whether customers need appointments.
If there are new questions, respond promptly. Always flag inaccurate content.
8. Track Performance
The Insights under the GMB dashboard show how people found your business, through which channel, and their actions. Such details about their interaction can help you boost your business strategy.
For instance, you can track the keywords that attract the most views, the posts with the most clicks, and the number of website visits, calls, or direction requests. You can tailor your keywords, photos, and posts accordingly to improve performance.
Final Thoughts
With these key steps, you can actively manage your GMB and boost your local rankings effectively. If you need some help, seek a reliable GMB management partner and stay ahead of the competition!
