To improve the visibility of your Google local listing (Google My Business profile) and help it rank higher in local search results, follow these best practices:
Go to Google My Business and claim your business.
Verify your listing through the provided method (postcard, phone, email, or instant verification).
Business Name: Use your exact business name as it appears in the real world.
Address: Ensure your address is accurate and consistent with other online listings.
Phone Number: Use a local phone number.
Website: Link to your official website.
Categories: Choose the most relevant primary and secondary categories.
Hours of Operation: Keep your business hours up to date, including special hours for holidays.
Upload clear, high-resolution photos of your business, products, and services.
Include a professional profile photo and cover image.
Ask satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.
Respond to all reviews (both positive and negative) professionally and promptly.
Write a compelling business description that includes relevant keywords naturally.
Use the "Posts" feature to share updates, offers, events, and news about your business.
Regularly check and answer questions from customers in the Q&A section.
Ensure your business is listed consistently on other directories (e.g., Yelp, Bing Places, Yellow Pages).
Use Google My Business Insights to monitor how customers find your listing and interact with it.
Optimize your website for local SEO by including your city/region in meta tags, content, and blog posts.
Build backlinks from local websites and directories.
Add relevant attributes to your listing (e.g., "wheelchair accessible," "outdoor seating," "women-owned").
Allow customers to message you directly through your Google My Business profile.
Showcase your products and services directly on your listing.
Regularly update your profile with fresh content, photos, and posts.
By following these steps, you can improve your chances of ranking higher in Google's local search results and appearing on top of the local pack. Consistency and engagement are key!
