I am frequently asked “How do i get my website ranked in Google for searches that include ‘near me’.” Its a very common question and one that I have addressed with my own website, especially with the phrase “digital markeing consultant near me.“
This type of search does depend on a few criteria.
- Where the searcher is.
- What device they are using.
- Most importantly – have you optimised your ‘Google My Business (GMB)’ page?
The GMB is a very powerful free resource that is incredibally useful if you are trying to appeal to a local audience, that is often overlooked by organisations of all sizes.
By optimising your GMB profile, you can enhance your visibility in local search results, especially for queries containing “near me”. In this post, we will explore how business owners can maximise their use of GMB to achieve better local SEO results.
Why Google My Business is Essential for Local SEO
Google My Business is a free tool provided by Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence across the search engine and its growing portfolio of services. An optimised GMB profile can lead to increased visibility in Google Search and Google Maps, providing a significant advantage for local businesses. Here are the key benefits:
- Improved Local Rankings: GMB listings appear in the local pack, which is prominently displayed above organic search results.
- Enhanced Online Visibility: A well-optimised GMB profile can help your business appear in local search results for relevant queries, including “near me” searches.
- Increased Customer Engagement: Features like reviews, Q&A, and posts allow you to interact directly with potential customers.
Steps to Optimise Your Google My Business Profile
- Claim and Verify Your Business
- The first step is to claim your business on Google. Visit the Google My Business website and follow the steps to claim your business listing. Verification is crucial, as it proves to Google that you are the legitimate owner of the business.
- Complete Your Business Information
- Ensure that all your business details are accurate and up to date. This includes:
- Business name
- Address
- Phone number
- Website
- Hours of operation
- Category (choose the most relevant primary category and additional secondary categories)
- Ensure that all your business details are accurate and up to date. This includes:
- Add High-Quality Photos and Videos
- Visual content can significantly impact your local SEO. Upload high-quality images and videos that showcase your business, products, services, and location. This not only attracts potential customers but also helps Google understand more about your business.
- Encourage and Manage Customer Reviews
- Positive reviews are a strong signal to Google about the credibility and quality of your business. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, and be sure to respond to them promptly. Address any negative reviews professionally to demonstrate excellent customer service.
- Utilise Google My Business Posts
- GMB posts allow you to share updates, offers, events, and other content directly on your business profile. Regularly posting relevant content keeps your audience engaged and informs Google that your business is active.
- Optimise for “Near Me” Searches
- To rank well for “near me” searches, ensure that your business address is accurately listed. Include local keywords in your business description and posts. Engage with local customers through posts and offers that mention your neighbourhood or city.
- Utilise Q&A Feature
- The Q&A feature on GMB allows potential customers to ask questions about your business. Monitor this section and provide clear, helpful answers. Pre-emptively answer common questions in this section to assist users and optimise your profile further.
- Regularly Update Your Profile
- Keeping your GMB profile updated signals to Google that your business is active. Regular updates can include changing business hours, adding new photos, or updating service offerings.
Tracking and Analysing Performance
Utilise the insights provided by Google My Business to track your profile’s performance. Key metrics include:
- Views
- Searches
- Activity (calls, website visits, direction requests)
Analysing this data helps you understand how users interact with your GMB profile and identify areas for improvement.
Maximising your use of Google My Business is essential for improving your local SEO and getting found for “near me” searches. By following the steps outlined above, you can enhance your online presence, attract more local customers, and ultimately grow your business.
Remember, local SEO is an ongoing process. Regularly updating and optimising your GMB profile, engaging with customers, and analysing performance data will ensure that you stay ahead of the competition and maintain a strong presence in local search results.
For further assistance on local SEO strategies, feel free to reach out to our team of experts who are ready to help you elevate your business to new heights.
If you would like to tackle your SEO yourself – you can download our fantastic SEO Guide.