8 Steps to Increased Exposure with
Google My Business

Blog | LeMay Consulting

The Google search engine is an incredibly powerful tool, with a single search summoning thousands of pages of useful information. Not only is it productive for user searches, but their algorithm provides mutually beneficial relationships with businesses as well. When Google understands your business, they are able to give more accurate information to consumers who will then return to Google. Additionally, your business’ information will be broadcasted to a wide variety of audiences via Google My Business (GMB), or the modern day yellow pages. By following these eight simple steps, you’ll learn how to better establish and modernize your web presence, increase engagement, and attract more clients.

Step 1: Claim and Verify

The first step in getting your business more attention is to create your account. If your business pops up when you search the name, claim it. If not, create a new listing. Either way, Google needs to verify that you own your business, which is usually done via mail. Be wary that this process may take up to two weeks, so don’t delay!

Step 2: Choose Categories for your Business

Once you’re verified, you will be prompted to select one primary category as your business’ top priority and up to nine secondary categories. We only recommend picking a few secondary categories to limit how many channels Google’s user-directing algorithm has to take to find your business. With over 3900 categories to choose from, it is important to be intentional during this process as these will determine whether or not your business pops up in Google searches. The more specific you are in your category selections, the higher your business will appear on the results page.

Step 3: Add Images of your Business

When a client’s first impression is a low-resolution or outdated street-view image, this reflects poorly on your business’ modernity and innovation. Instead, capture high-quality, professional images giving clients a physical tour of your building or a representation of your company’s values and mission. Consider hiring a professional photographer or asking your creative team for their help.

Step 4: Add Address, Phone Number, and Basic Info

To make it quick and easy for potential clients to reach you, make sure your contact information is consistent across your entire web presence. It is also important to use a local number to avoid clients assuming your location is inaccurate and turning elsewhere. You can also add links to your main website or an appointment scheduler. Take advantage of the 750 word description to give potential clients key insight into your business’ unique selling proposition while using SEO keywords to further boost your business.

Step 5: Keep Tabs on your Reviews

When potential clients see a large volume of great reviews under your business, they are more likely to pick up the phone or pay you a visit. To ensure your reviews make you stand out, reach out to your satisfied customers and ask them to leave a quick review or offer incentives (Google scans the web for reviews of your business, so they do not need to be directly through Google). It is also important to reply to customers who left good reviews to show that you care about providing great experiences and provide consistent communication.

Step 6: Add Offers to your Listing

Using the “offers” tab to let customers know about your current deals or campaigns is a great way to stand out from the GMB competition. With call-to-action buttons, you can even direct users to a specific web page with a simple click. Google even allows you to track how many times potential customers engage with your offers, giving you crucial insight into what’s working well and what to fix on your next campaign.

Step 7: Make Regular Posts to your Listing

Staying on top of your business with frequent updates shows potential clients that you prioritize consistent communication. By posting new offers, products, or upcoming events, you are strengthening your points of engagement and increasing the likelihood that your business will pop up in user searches. You can add images, videos, or call-to-action buttons to any post. Keep in mind that posts disappear seven days after their first view, so make sure your communications are frequent and consistent.

Step 8: Set up Messaging

When you set up GMB messaging, you are making it even easier for potential customers to directly message your business, driving their likelihood of contacting you through the roof. Setting up messaging is simple:

Download and open the GMB app
Tap the “customers” tab and select “messaging”
Tap “turn on messaging”

And that’s it! You’ll be notified whenever someone asks a question about your business.

Keeping an updated, accurate, and professional GMB profile is a simple yet critical way to garner attention, engagement, and stick out from the crowd. Start showing up higher and more often on the results page today!

LeMay Consulting has the tools to make any business stand out from the crowd. To learn more about how we turn clicks into loyal clients through knowledge of SEO applications or to schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation, give us a call at (651) 895-5554 or contact us online.

8 Steps to Increased Exposure with Google My Business