Google Places, Google+, Google News, Google Drive, Google meet, and Google Maps (A big sigh) With the abundance of Google platforms that exist to help your business function online, it is not easy to understand which platform does what.
GMB is an important platform that you should be using to improve your search visibility in Google’s search engine for local terms. It should be part of a local SEO strategy for any business.
Google My Business allows you to manage all your information for all your locations so customers can easily find you on Google Search, Maps, and Google+, no matter which device they are using.
Its like one streamlined location.
This blog sets out to provide you with an overview of Google My Business, the benefits of using it as well as giving you a guided tour about the dashboard.
SEO BENEFITS OF GOOGLE POSTS
Google Posts have been proven to increase map pack rankings, and they offer a way for businesses to display messages to search users for free.
Google has experimented with the placement of these calls to action but has seen improvements in utilization by businesses across multiple industries.
Many small business owners getting benefited to showcase their business products and services.
GAIN INSIGHTS INTO YOUR BUSINESS
Google My Business can help you gain insights into your business that you cannot get through other platforms. They can help you make strategic decisions.
- The number of views your profile, photos, and posts receives.
- The search queries which people are using to find your business.
- The engagement.
- A profile of your audience (age groups, gender, and countries).
- The number of website clicks, phone calls, and direction queries.
To get the most benefit from your Google My Business profile, you need to make sure it is set up correctly and optimized.
DIMENSIONS FOR GMB IMAGES
You want to make sure your logo and cover images on your GMB listing look sharp and stand out in front of your potential customers.
The main thing you need to be aware of is the right dimensions so that you are able to effectively design for the size available.
Profile Photo: 250 x 250px
Cover Photo: 1080 x 608px
Post Images: 1200 x 900px
Format: JPEG / PNG
Size: 10kb to 5mb
BENEFITS OF GOOGLE MY BUSINESS
COST EFFECTIVE
Google My Business (GMB) is free for businesses to set up their listings. Your GMB listing gives potential clients easy access to your hours of operation, website, phone number, and directions all with just a click of a button at no cost to you.
Customers can also see reviews, ratings, and busiest hours by sitting at home itself.
This is the best way to advertise your services completely free.
LOCAL PACK RANKINGS SIGNALS
According to industry research, GMB “signals” are one of the most important factors for local pack rankings.
GMB signals include factors such as proximity to the person searching, business categories, and the keywords used to describe your business in its Google My Business page title and other details.
In order to increase ranking, You need to optimize your Google my business profile, claiming your GMB profile, frequently reviewing your GMB dashboard.
You need to make sure that no unwanted updates have been made to your profile.
GOOGLE SEARCH AND MAPS VISIBILITY
One of the biggest benefits of your profile on GMB is appearing in the local search area and in Google Maps results.
You will typically see a map with three local results highlighted with details such as the business website, directions, and contact information.
MESSAGING
Through this GMB feature, businesses can quickly answer questions and assist current and potential customers.
You will need to turn on this feature within your Google my business dashboard to begin receiving messages.
MOBILE MENUS (FOR RESTAURANTS)
This allows restaurant owners who are managing their GMB profiles to have access to a menu editor for creating and updating menus displayed on mobile.
So it’s easy for the customers to know about the prices and menus before placing an order or visiting the shop.
FREE PROMOTION
Product and offer posts are designed to help you highlight and promote your products and services to your potential customers.
These posts are great opportunities for business owners to gain additional (and free) real estate in the search engine results.
There are many features Google My Business has to offer that every business should be taking advantage of to help improve their search presence.
So claim your business, complete your profile and start adding photos and sharing posts to compete against other local businesses in your line of work.