February 26, 2024
Image created by Dall-E to show the importance of Google My Business for a local store.
Table of contents hide
1 Local SEO: explanations!
2 How to create a Google My Business listing?
3 How to optimize your Google My Business listing?
4 Criteria that harm your local SEO
60% of Google searches are made from smartphones. Better mexico whatsapp still, 30% of mobile searches are linked to a location and therefore to a proximity search and 88% of consumers who carried out a local search visited a store less than 8 km away and most went there within 24 hours (source Alioze 2020 – no more recent data for the moment) !
What does this mean?
That you have every interest in working on your local SEO , especially if you run a store! That's also what natural SEO is.
And to improve your local SEO, nothing is more effective than creating and optimizing a Google My Business establishment profile !
Let’s see how to do it step by step!
Contact me if you need help with Google My Business!
Local SEO: explanations!
When an Internet user performs a local search such as "optician in Toulouse" or even just "optician", Google uses their geographic location to offer search results adapted to their needs in relation to their position.
And that, whether on mobile or computer!
This is an opportunity for your business to benefit from unprecedented visibility in search results but also on Google Maps . The two are linked so if you create a Google My Business listing, your business will automatically appear on Google Maps.
Read also: Can you be penalized for over-optimization?
How to create a Google My Business listing?
You'll see, it's not complicated and it can really help your local SEO!
Go to the Google My Business website (now called Google Business Profile)
Log in with your company's Google account (if you don't have one, you'll need to create one by signing up for Gmail)
Fill out the creation form (address, activity, contact details, opening hours, etc.)
And there you have it!
Good to know: It is possible that your business listing already exists (if you are a buyer for example). You will then have to claim ownership and Google will contact the previous owner.
END !
No, I'm joking of course! It's easy but not that easy either
There are a few tips to know and implement to get the most out of your Google My Business (GMB for short) listing.Read also: Why use the strong tag in SEO?
How to optimize your Google My Business listing?
Here are the different criteria to take into account to improve the power of your Google My Business listing and your local SEO (as you will have understood, the two are closely linked).
Confirmation of the location of the business by the owner
Don't forget to do this once you have entered your establishment's address. It is more or less long and complex if you don't really have a physical address, I can help you on this point .
The name of your establishment file
Keywords related to the products or services searched by the user (queries) must be present in the name of your company on your profile. For example, if you are a pizzeria called Gino, specify Pizzeria Gino or Gino Pizza.
Be careful though: your establishment name must be the same as that of your company (otherwise Google will change it again and again).
For example, my business is only registered under the name Alexia Peytoureau. Even though I regularly add "SEO consultant" after the name of my business profile, Google tirelessly changes it for me.
On the other hand, there are other places to add keywords: the description, your products and categories, but also in your news.
The category you choose
It’s not always easy to choose between one category and another.
Don't hesitate to do some monitoring by typing competing companies in your sector into Google. You will be able to see which category they have used. You should then position yourself on the same one.
Opening hours
Don't forget to fill them in and update them if they change or if there is a public holiday (normally GMB sends you an email in this case).
This is very important for your customers and prospects, as well as for Google and your natural referencing.
Your site's url
Enter the URL of your website if you have one.
The older it is, the more easily your Google My Business listing will stand out. Its popularity also plays a role in your local SEO (everything is linked in web SEO!).
Description
Write a clear description of your activity, without spelling mistakes and with keywords of course if possible!
Good reviews
Reviews of 4/5 or 5/5 are preferred for good optimization.
Ask your clients to leave you a review and give feedback on each service provided for them by sending them an email. You can guide them to leave you relevant reviews by talking specifically about what you did for them and the result obtained. Remember to systematically respond to the reviews left.
I also recommend using another platform for requesting reviews like TrustPilot and posting reviews on your website directly if you have one.
Your social networks
Consider adding a link to your social networks in your Google Business Profile. Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube… You have many possibilities and your popularity on social networks now plays a role in your natural referencing.
A good click-through rate on your online store or the “call” button
This is a virtuous circle! The more optimized your listing is, the better click-through rates you will have and the higher your listing will appear in Google search results pages.
The products
Whether you sell physical products or services, I recommend adding your products to your Google My Business listing. With a photo, the price of the product or service and a link to learn more or buy, it's all good!
I optimize your establishment files!
Other possible optimizations
You also have the option to publish posts directly in GMB . This is useful when launching a product or an offer for example or during discount periods to attract attention and improve your local SEO . You can insert call-to-action buttons like “buy”, “discover the product” or “visit the site” .
Finally, I recommend that you regularly publish photos (especially of your establishment if you have a store).
