Google My Business (GMB) is a free and easy business tool. It helps us manage our online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. For small businesses, GMB is vital because it boosts local SEO and makes us more visible to nearby customers.

Using GMB Insights, we can see how customers find our business and interact with our profile. These insights help us understand what works and what needs improvement. With this data, we can make better decisions to enhance our online presence.

Setting Up Your Google My Business Profile

Setting up your Google My Business (GMB) profile is simple and can significantly enhance your online presence. Here’s how to get started:

1. Create an Account: Go to the Google My Business website and click “Manage Now.” Sign in with your Google account or create one if you don’t have one yet.

2. Enter Your Business Information: Fill in your name, address, phone number, and business category. Ensure the address is accurate, which will help customers find you on Google Maps.

3. Verify Your Business: Google must verify that you are the owner. They will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Enter the code in your GMB dashboard to complete verification.

4. Complete Your Profile: Add business hours, a short description, and high-quality photos of your business. The description should include local keywords to improve your visibility in local searches.

5. Add Services and Products: List your services or products if applicable. This will help customers know what to expect and make your profile more comprehensive.

By following these steps, you can set up a GMB profile that makes it easier for customers to find and connect with you.

Optimising Your GMB for Local SEO

Once your GMB profile is set up, optimising it for local SEO is crucial. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Use Local Keywords: Incorporate local keywords into your business name, description, and posts. Keywords like “Brisbane florist” or “Melbourne restaurant” help attract local customers.

2. Keep Information Updated: Ensure your business hours, address, and phone number are always accurate. Inconsistent information can confuse customers and harm your SEO.

3. Post Regular Updates: Use the GMB posts feature to share updates, offers, and events. Posting regularly keeps your profile active and engaging, signalling to Google that your business is dynamic.

4. Collect and Respond to Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and respond to them promptly. Engaging with reviews improves your reputation and boosts your local rankings.

5. Add Photos and Videos: High-quality images and videos make your profile more appealing. Show different aspects of your business, like the interior, products, and events.

Optimising your GMB profile makes you more visible in local searches, attracting more nearby customers and boosting your business.

Managing Customer Reviews and Engagement

Managing customer reviews on Google My Business is essential for building trust and attracting more customers. Here are some strategies to help you do that effectively:

1. Encourage Customer Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave a review on your GMB profile after a successful transaction or service. Make it easy by providing a direct link to your review page.

2. Respond to Reviews Promptly: Respond quickly to reviews, whether the feedback is positive or negative. Thank customers for positive reviews to show appreciation. For negative reviews, address their concerns calmly and professionally. This indicates that you value their feedback and are willing to improve.

3. Highlight Positive Reviews: Share glowing reviews on your website and social media pages. This can build your online reputation and attract new customers.

4. Monitor Your Reviews: Regularly check your GMB profile for new reviews. Set up email alerts to get notified whenever someone leaves a review. Staying on top of new reviews helps you engage promptly.

Engaging with customer reviews builds trust and encourages more people to interact with your business. It shows you care about your customers’ experiences and are committed to improving.

Using Google My Business Insights to Improve Performance

Google My Business Insights offers valuable data about how customers find and interact with your business online. Understanding this data helps improve your overall performance. Here are some ways to use GMB Insights effectively:

1. Check Search Queries: See the keywords people use to find your business. Use this information to tweak your local SEO strategy and website content to match people’s searches.

2. Monitor Customer Actions: GMB Insights shows how many people call your business, visit your website, or request directions. Analysing these actions can help you understand what drives customers to take action and make necessary improvements.

3. Review Popular Times: Find out when customers will most likely visit or call your business. Use this data to schedule staff or plan special promotions during peak times.

4. Track Engagement with Posts: Check which posts get the most views and engagement. Use this information to create more effective posts that attract and retain customer interest.

By analysing GMB Insights, you can make informed decisions that improve your local SEO, customer engagement, and overall business performance.

Conclusion

Understanding and leveraging Google My Business is essential for small businesses looking to grow locally. A well-optimised GMB profile helps attract more customers, improve online visibility, and build trust through customer reviews. Keeping information updated and engaging with customers online can lead to more successful local marketing efforts.

If you’re ready to elevate your business’s online presence, Hurricane Digital can help. Our marketing agency in Australia specialises in local SEO and digital marketing strategies tailored for small businesses. Contact Hurricane Digital today to make the most of your Google My Business profile and drive more leads to your business.