How To Rank Your Business for GMB Locally

Ranking and optimising Your GMB for a Local Company Website

As a local business, it’s essential to rank high on Google’s search engine results page (SERP) to attract new customers. One of the most effective ways to do this is by optimising your Google My Business (GMB) listing. GMB is a free tool provided by Google that allows local businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best practices for optimising your GMB listing to help your local business rank higher on Google’s SERP.

I strongly suggest the use of a GMB software. Your map listing displays in multiple locations (maybe 40 for Perth). This software shows you graphically where you are on the map for al thse locations and more importantly what you need to do, in order to rank in those locations.

1. Claim and Verify Your GMB Listing

The first step in optimising your GMB listing is claiming and verifying it. If your business has been around for a while, there’s a chance Google has already created a basic listing for it. To claim and verify your listing, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Google account you want to be associated with your business.
2. Go to Google My Business and click “Manage now.”
3. Enter your business name and address.
4. Select the correct category for your business.
5. Enter your phone number and website (if you have one).
6. Verify your listing by phone or mail.

Once you’ve claimed and verified your listing, you can start optimising it.

2. Complete Your GMB Listing

The next step in optimising your GMB listing is completing it. Fill out as much information as possible, including:

1. Business name, address, and phone number (NAP)
2. Business category
3. Hours of operation
4. Website URL
5. Description of your business
6. Photos and videos of your business
7. Reviews from customers

Make sure all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date. This will not only help your local business rank higher on Google’s SERP, but it will also help potential customers find and choose your business.

3. Optimise Your GMB Listing for Local SEO

Now that you’ve claimed, verified, and completed your GMB listing, it’s time to optimise it for local SEO. Local SEO is the practice of optimising your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. Here are some tips for optimising your GMB listing for local SEO:

1. Use location-specific keywords in your business name, description, and category.
2. Include high-quality photos and videos of your business and the products or services you offer.
3. Encourage customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing.
4. Respond to reviews in a timely and professional manner.
5. Add your business to relevant local directories and social media platforms.
6. Use Google Posts to share updates and promotions with potential customers.
7. Use Google Q&A to answer common questions about your business.

By implementing these local SEO tips, you can improve your GMB listing’s visibility and attract more customers to your local business.

4. Monitor and Update Your GMB Listing

Once you’ve optimised your GMB listing, it’s important to monitor and update it regularly. Here are some tips for doing so:

1. Monitor your GMB insights to track how customers are finding and interacting with your business.
2. Update your GMB listing with any changes to your business, such as new hours or services.
3. Respond to customer reviews and questions in a timely and professional manner.
4. Use GMB to promote special offers, events, and products.
5. Regularly update your GMB listing with new photos and videos.

By regularly monitoring and updating your GMB listing, you can ensure that your local business stays relevant and competitive on Google’s SERP.

FAQ’s

1. How long does it take for a GMB listing to be verified?
   It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for Google to verify your GMB listing. You can speed up the verification process by ensuring that your NAP information is accurate and consistent across all online platforms.
2. How do I choose the right category for my GMB listing?
   Choose a category that accurately describes your business and its main products or services. Avoid using overly broad categories that don’t accurately reflect what your business does.
3. How do I encourage customers to leave reviews on my GMB listing?
   You can encourage customers to leave reviews by providing great customer service, asking for reviews in-person or via email, and making it easy for customers to leave a review by including a link to your GMB listing in your email signature or on your website.
4. Can I edit my GMB listing after it’s been verified?
   Yes, you can edit your GMB listing at any time by logging in to your Google account and making changes to your listing. Just be sure to keep your NAP information consistent across all online platforms.
5. How can I track the performance of my GMB listing?
   You can track the performance of your GMB listing by using Google’s insights tool. This tool provides information on how customers are finding and interacting with your business, including the number of views, clicks, and calls your listing has received.