Everyone wants to be on Page 1 of a Google Search and some companies pay huge marketing budgets to get & stay there.

What if I told you that you could boost your search engine optimization (SEO) all by yourself—and without paying Google a penny. Interested?

This article includes the following:

1. How to claim or create a Google Business listing in 5 simple steps

2. 4 Quick steps to Optimizing Your Google Business listing

First things first — You need to set up your Goggle Business Profile.

1. Your first step is to create your Google My Business Listing. If you’re not sure if you have one set up, you can do a Google Search of your business. If it’s not created you can set one up here. Once you set up your profile Google will send a Postcard in the mail (yes, snail mail!) to verify your business. This takes up to 5 days and once you verify the listing, it will be live.

2. Write a brief description in the “from the business” section. When writing this section make sure you:

   • Use all 750 characters and put the most important information in the first 250 characters

   • Use keywords you think users may use to find your business

   • Don’t include links or HTML

   • Don’t repeat any information that is visible in other sections of your profile.

3. Add photos. Listings with photos receive 35% more click-throughs to their website than listings that don't feature photos. For your profile picture you can include your logo and you can use the cover photo space to show your brand personality. Consider adding pictures for each product or service too.

4. Add product and service details. Help viewers learn more about your business by adding your products/services and include prices, descriptions, and images to help your listing rank higher for relevant searches. This information will also help clarify what you offer if it isn't clear in your business name.

5. A new feature Google implemented is special attributes that can be highlighted on your profile. Examples include: Women-led businesses, Curbside Pickup, No - Contact Delivery, Virtual Care, Black-owned businesses, Online Care, etc.

How to Optimize Your SEO and Google Business Profile

Ok, so you've set up your Google Business Listing with images, product/service details, and asked previous clients for testimonials. Now what?

1. Set up email notifications and routinely respond to questions and testimonials. In your Google Business account settings, you can check a box called ‘email notifications’ that will send you an automatic email when someone writes a review or asks a question on your listing. Making sure you are interactive on this platform and providing accurate information can make your listing stand out (and be rewarded by the algorithm gods).

2. Add new products and services to your listing. If you are implementing a new service or product into your business, make sure that it is reflected on Google Business! Ensure all your business’ offerings are accurately reflected—you want to include a comprehensive listing here.

3. Monitor your Google Business insights. The insights section of Google Business provides data on how people are finding your business online using analytics about your listing. You can see exactly what queries people type into Google to arrive at your listing. You can also see whether your customers use regular Google search to arrive at your Google Business listing or if they searched via Google Maps to find your Google Business listing. Interesting right?

   You can also drill down and see what actions people took on your listing: a visit to your website, a request for directions and calls to your business. Once you see the calls and visits coming directly to your business via your Google Business you will be more motivated to enhance your listing!

4. Utilize Google Business Posts. One of the most recent powerful tools within the platform is Google Posts. You can use a Google Business Post to promote your next event, to share information about your latest sale or to cross-promote your most recent blog, just to name a few ideas. There is a seven-day lifespan on GMB posts except for a live event promotion, which will get automatically pulled once your event ends. Space in a Google Business post is limited to just 300 words, so make sure you have a clear call-to-action and an eye-catching image to increase your click-through rate.

PRO TIP – This is one of the best reasons to start blogging. When you regularly update your website, you are rewarded. When you regularly update your website with relevant content that incorporates your keywords—the Google Gods Shine Upon Thee!

SEO: Search Engine Optimization—What is it and why does it matter?

SEO is the practice of increasing both the quality and quantity of website traffic, as well as exposure to your brand, through non-paid (also known as "organic") search engine results.

While paid advertising, social media, and other online platforms can generate traffic to websites, the majority of online traffic is driven by search engines.

Organic search results cover more digital real estate, appear more credible to savvy searchers, and receive way more clicks than paid advertisements. For example, of all US searches, only ~2.8% of people click on paid advertisements. (food for thought for those considering GoogleAds).

Happy googling and let us know if you have any questions. We provide comprehensive SEO services and you can book a complimentary consultation to learn more!