By Editorial Team
Google My Business Profile is the go-to tool for many marketers and businesses all around the world. This is because, it offers numerous useful features, and is totally free to use. The most useful aspect of Google business profile software is that it helps boost the local SEO of online brands.
If you are one who does not have a Google business profile and wants to create one, then you have landed on the right webpage. In this blog, we will not only discuss how to set up a GMB profile but also the optimization process for local SEO.
6 Easy Steps for Creating a Google My Business Profile
Below we have discussed a step-by-step for setting up a Google My Business profile.
1. Sign in or sign up for a Google Account
First of all, you have to create a Google account using your business details. If you already have an account, then all you need to do is just sign in.
2. Go to Google My Business
Now, it is time to search “Google My Business” on your browser, so that you can land on the official website.
After landing, you will see an interface like this:
Now, click on “Manage Now” and the tool will take you to a completely new window, where you have to enter the name of your business.
3. Choose Business Type & Category:
After entering the brand name, a new screen will appear asking you to select the type of business. The options will be:
- Online Retail
- Local Store
- Service Business
After selecting, hit the “Next” button to proceed. Now, you have to enter the targeted category of your business. It can be finance, fitness, fashion, or anything.
4. Add Local Areas:
This is an optional step, but if you are a brand that wants maximum visibility in the local area, then this is a must. Google My Business will provide you the option to enter multiple local areas that need to be targeted physically.
If you enter areas, GMB will then ask you to provide a phone number based on the input country; you can also paste the website URL as well. This way, it will be easier for potential customers to get in touch with you.
5. Put Business on the Map:
Next, Google My Business tool will ask you whether you want to put your business on Google Maps as well or not.
6. Verify the Business:
Finally, you need to verify the business by providing the required details. The verification will help Google to ensure that you are a legitimate business, not a scammer. The verification process will involve verifying your email address, phone no, etc.
After completing you will be given access to the “Dashboard” through which can easily manage your business listings for maximum visibility.
Now, let’s understand how you can perfectly optimize your GMB profile for maximum success.
Optimization Process of Google My Business Profile
Below are some of the effective tips that can be followed for optimizing GMB profiles to boost local SEO.
1. Write Compelling & Keyword-rich Descriptions
The business description will serve as your online identity. It will let both the targeted audience and search engine know who you are and what sort of services are being offered. That’s why, it is recommended to write it as engaging as possible so that customers feel attached to it.
Use powerful and attractive words and phrases, while following a clear sentence structure. Besides this, research and incorporate relevant yet high-volume keywords in the description. However, do not overload keywords in the greed of higher rankings, instead adjust them naturally.
2. Add High-Quality Photos
Since you are marketing your business through the Internet, it would be great if you could add high-resolution images of your products. You can even add inside photos of your brand, warehouse, restaurant, etc. Doing so will prove beneficial in winning customer’s trust and loyalty.
3. Enable Reviews Option:
Google My Business profile allows brands to enable their customers to leave reviews. The reviews will help in building brand identity in the targeted market. However, it is important to note that, just enabling would not be enough, instead you also have to reply to both positive and negative reviews.
Actively replying will build a perspective among the audience that you value their concerns or suggestions.
4. Make Use of Posts & Updates
As a business, you can also utilize a GMB profile’s special feature of Posts and Updates. It will allow you to share offers, discounts, events, and other updates. In simple words, it will act as a bridge for communication between you and the targeted audience.
To keep the targeted audience engaged, it is recommended that valuable content is continuously posted, at least one post per week.
5. Utilize Automated Tools:
Is it known to you that? automated local SEO software can be used to streamline the entire management process of GMB profile. The software will help you manage the GMB listing more efficiently by automatically scheduling posts, responding to customer reviews, etc. to save valuable time and effort.
Many automated local SEO software even provide useful insights regarding the performance to help businesses determine how well they are doing on the internet.
The good thing is that you can find both free and paid automated software, so you can choose the one that suits your specific needs.
Final Words
If you are a business that wants to target a local audience through the internet, then Google My Business profile is the best option. It is free and very easy to set up. In this article, we discuss the setup process and optimization process in detail.
Google My Business for local SEO – Frequently Asked Questions
Why Google My Business is essential for local SEO?
There are numerous reasons why it is considered important. One of the main ones is that, it greatly contributes to enhancing visibility in local search results.
What information should be included in the GMB listing?
The listing should include your business name, address, website, photos, working hours, information about services offered, etc.
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