Here's a list of top 10 important indicators and signals to get visibility through Google’s local listings, or Google My Business. With changes to Google My Business almost every quarter, as a business owner you need to keep up with the requirements of the algorithm. Our checklist will help you not only drive visibility, but also help new customers discover your brand at the right time.
Verify your business: This process is fairly simple. Request a postcard to the exact address your business is listed in. If you’re creating a listing for multiple locations, Google does offer the option of a bulk upload. Follow the guidelines, and ensure that you have the below attributes in place for each store. With the below attribute checklist, you can ensure you’re including all the information Google’s bots need to identify you. The website should be crawlable, and not restrict any of Google’s crawlers as part of Google’s technical search requirements.
Ensure the information for your business is complete: Post the most recent and relevant information to make it easy for people to find you. This includes but is not limited to the place of business, phone number, category, address, etc. In case of holidays, or other times off, update your hours of operation.
Respond to reviews and engage with users: A great way to let your customers know you’re available and commenting on their reviews–this allows you to make the best use of the feedback from customers.
Add photos and videos: Let potential customers know more about your business, products and get a sense of what to expect. Using videos of your products, business [physical location] which are most recent is a great way to build trustworthiness about your brand.The more recent; the better.
In-store products: If you’re a brick and mortar business, help customers understand what to expect in store; if possible, create a catalogue.
Relevance to user’s information: By adding the right keywords, or appropriate descriptions about your business to the listing, you increase your chances of being discovered by users. However, it’s important to understand the intent and accordingly help them with the right information.
Location to your advantage: By specifying the locations you serve, and the area you operate under, Google automatically shows your business to customers looking to services based on locality, or “near them”.
Be identifiable: While you verify your business, phone number and website, ensure that the store or branding is visible clearly so customers can identify you. This allows users to understand the authenticity of the business and find it easy to trust the company.
Use regular updates and posts: Inform customers, or potential users about offers, promotions which helps users make decisions on choosing the business. Add as much flavour and personality for your brand’s activities –this could be what the business is celebrating, content that helps establish authoritativeness of the business in this domain. If there’s a signature product, or service you want to highlight, use the opportunity to demo it for your customers.
Using video to your advantage for recency: Add testimonials from existing customers, or upload video content that showcase you, as the business owner, or inform users about your brand. Since video is the most commonly consumed form of content, use it with languages if that’s an option to help users connect with you and your business. Add fun music, and information to it to keep a top of updates. Google will index and showcase pages with the most updated information. Be sure to refresh the information as much as possible –use text, images and video to build a library of assets that works to introduce your brand.
