“The closer you are to a local event, the more newsworthy it becomes.” - David Mihm.

Introduction:

Ever wonder how local businesses pop up on your Google search when you're hunting for a nearby pizza joint or a hair salon? Or perhaps you've noticed those neat boxes on the right-hand side of Google search results, showing a business's operating hours, reviews, and even photos. That magic is brought to you by Google My Business (GMB).

But what exactly is Google My Business? And more importantly, how can you use it to boost your business?

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a free tool that lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. It's a bit like having a mini-website that lives directly on Google, making it incredibly important for local SEO. After all, 46% of all Google searches have local intent.

Getting Started with Google My Business

To make the most of GMB, you first need to create an account and claim your business listing. Don't worry, it's simple! You'll need to fill out some basic info, like your business name, location, and category (e.g., "Italian restaurant" or "hair salon").

Then, you'll verify your listing, often via a postcard sent to your business address by Google. Once verified, you're ready to rock and roll!

Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile

The key to GMB success is completeness and accuracy. Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are correct. If your NAP is inconsistent across the web, it could hurt your SEO.

Next, choose the right business category and write a killer business description. For example, if you run an Italian restaurant, don't just say, "We serve Italian food." Instead, try something like, "Serving authentic, homemade Italian cuisine with a modern twist, our restaurant offers a unique dining experience right in the heart of [city]."

Adding Photos and Videos

Visuals can make or break your listing. Businesses with photos on their listings receive 42% more requests for driving directions on Google Maps. So, upload high-quality photos of your storefront, products, team, and behind-the-scenes operations. If you've got videos, even better!

Managing and Responding to Reviews

Reviews are the lifeblood of any local business. In fact, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2020. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews, and when they do, respond — even if they're not so positive. Responding to reviews shows you value customer feedback and can help turn a negative experience into a positive one.

Utilizing Google My Business Features

GMB is more than just a listing. You can publish posts with announcements, offers, and events, answer customer questions directly on your listing, and even chat with customers through the messaging feature.

Understanding Google My Business Insights

You can't improve what you don't measure, right? GMB Insights shows you how customers are interacting with your listing — whether they're clicking on your website, requesting directions, or calling you directly. Use this data to refine your marketing strategy.

Advanced Google My Business Tactics

If you're managing multiple locations or want to engage customers further, GMB has advanced features to help. For example, you can leverage user-generated content by encouraging customers to post photos of your business.

With a well-optimized Google My Business profile, you're not just putting your business on the map — you're putting it on the fast track to local SEO success. Happy optimizing!