In an increasingly competitive local search landscape, having an optimised Google My Business (GMB) profile is essential for Brisbane businesses looking to connect with potential customers and boost their local search rankings. Google My Business allows businesses to display crucial information, such as locations, contact details, and customer reviews, right within Google search results – making it easier than ever for your target audience to find and choose your business.
With 46% of all Google searches seeking local information, Brisbane businesses cannot afford to overlook the growing significance of maintaining an up-to-date, optimised GMB profile. Fortunately, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools to make the most of your business’s GMB presence and dominate the Brisbane local search market.
In this guide, we’ll explore the process of claiming and verifying your GMB profile and dive into the specifics of optimising your business information for maximum impact. Additionally, we’ll share valuable tips on leveraging GMB features, such as posting content, adding services or products, and managing customer reviews, to enhance your online presence and deepen customer trust.
Furthermore, we’ll discuss the importance of monitoring and responding to customer queries via GMB and utilising Google My Business insights to continually refine your local strategy. Lastly, discover how partnering with the expert team at Hurricane Digital, Brisbane’s leading local business-focused marketing agency, can give your GMB optimisation efforts the competitive edge you need to outrank your rivals and see your Brisbane business soar.
The first step in optimising your Google My Business profile is claiming and verifying it. Doing so not only enables you to ensure your business information is accurate and updated, but it also signals to Google that your business is legitimate and credible. To claim and verify your GMB profile:
1. Sign in or create a Google account associated with your business.
2. Visit google.com/business and click ‘Start Now’.
3. Enter your business information, taking care to enter your business name, address, and phone number accurately.
4. Choose the most relevant category for your business.
5. Verify your profile via the method provided by Google (e.g. postcard, phone call or email).
Once your GMB profile is verified, focus on optimising your business information to improve your local search visibility and connect with your Brisbane audience effectively. To do so, consider the following tips:
1. Maintain Accurate and Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number): Providing consistent NAP information across your GMB profile and other online platforms helps bolster your local SEO efforts and credibility.
2. Craft an Engaging Business Description: Write a compelling description that highlights your unique selling points and the benefits of choosing your business in under 750 characters.
3. Showcase High-Quality Images: Upload eye-catching images of your products, services, or location to engage potential customers and make a lasting impression.
4. Update Your Business Hours: Ensure your business hours are accurate and up-to-date, reflecting any changes during holidays or special events.
Several features within GMB can help you enhance your online presence and further engage your Brisbane audience:
1. Posts: Share timely updates, promotions, or announcements to keep customers informed and drive engagement or conversions.
2. Products and Services: Showcase the products or services your business offers, adding detailed descriptions and pricing information to make it easier for potential customers to make informed decisions.
3. Appointment Booking: Simplify the booking process by providing a link to your booking system or encouraging customers to contact you directly through GMB.
4. Messaging: Enable the messaging feature to make it easier for customers to ask questions or share feedback, demonstrating your commitment to customer service.
Customer reviews play a pivotal role in shaping your Brisbane business’s online reputation and influencing local search rankings. Encourage customers to leave reviews on your GMB profile by:
1. Requesting Reviews: Politely ask satisfied customers to share their experiences on Google and provide a direct link for ease.
2. Responding to Reviews: Take the time to respond to all reviews, whether positive or negative, showcasing your dedication to customer satisfaction.
3. Addressing Negative Feedback: Tackle any issues raised in negative reviews in a professional and empathetic manner, demonstrating your commitment to improvement.
In addition to reviews, Google My Business allows customers to ask questions about your business directly on your profile. Monitor these questions and provide timely, accurate responses to address any concerns or queries, cementing your status as a responsive and reliable business.
GMB Insights provide valuable data on how users interact with your profile, including the number of views, clicks, and calls your profile generates. Utilise this data to identify trends, gauge the effectiveness of your optimisation efforts, and make data-driven decisions to refine your local marketing strategy.
Google My Business optimisation is a critical aspect of local SEO success, and partnering with experts like Hurricane Digital can help ensure your Brisbane business achieves the best results possible. From strategising and executing GMB optimisation to monitoring and refining your GMB performance, Hurricane Digital is here to support your business every step of the way.
Optimising your Google My Business profile is crucial for enhancing your online presence, strengthening your local search visibility, and connecting with potential customers in the Brisbane area. By claiming and verifying your GMB profile, refining your business information, leveraging GMB features, managing customer reviews, and tapping into analytics, you’ll be well-positioned to make your Brisbane business stand out from the competition. Partnering with Hurricane Digital ensures you have expert assistance in your corner to make the most of your local SEO strategy and lead your business to success.
