Google is one of the world’s most reliable and popular search engines, making local SEO efforts increasingly important for businesses. One effective strategy to increase local rankings is through optimizing a Google Business Profile (GMB). A GMB provides complete control over your business presence on the platform while simultaneously connecting with customers in an engaging manner.
Moz conducted a recent study revealing that GMB signals account for 25% of the Local Pack ranking algorithm! There are many things you can do to increase your chances of appearing in the Local Pack, such as keeping your listing updated with photos, reviews and more.
More information means it will be easier for Google to understand what type of business you run and categorize you accurately. To make sure this happens, review your GMB’s Knowledge Panel listings under your business name and click “Edit”. It is essential that only primary categories accurately describe your organization while secondary ones should remain vague or broad in order to improve accuracy of classification.
Your Google My Business (GMB) listing should feature not only accurate contact details, but also high-quality images relevant to the business. Photos are often the first thing people see when visiting a listing and can have a dramatic effect on people deciding whether or not to visit. In order to increase rankings and generate leads from Google search results, upload as many angles and aspects of your business as possible so Google can pick the perfect photo(s).
GMB users can now post updates directly to their profiles using the Posts feature, providing them with an effective means to promote seasonal offers, events and more with local audiences. Similar to social media posts, your GMB posts will be ranked according to relevance and engagement with searchers – failing to use GMB posts can cost your business potential customers.
As well as posting updates on your Google Business Profile, responding to customer reviews on it should also be part of your strategy. Responding quickly can demonstrate to customers that you care for their input; in turn, this may positively influence rankings and create opportunities to provide additional details about your business, respond directly to any specific inquiries, answer specific inquiries, address specific concerns or link related content.