If you want to optimize your life, consider moving to Calgary; it’s been rated the most livable city in North America, based on its infrastructure, stable economy, and healthcare. This city (which is also known as Cowtown) is full of youth and energy; the median age is 36 years. Populated by over a million people, Calgary is a place that many Canadians are proud to call home.
But how will Calgarians find your business online when you’ve got no shortage of local competition to beat out?
Your Google My Business profile can help with that. A GMB listing is what appears when consumers search for the name of your business. It’s essential if you want to rank higher in local search results.
We’re going to focus on how to optimize your GMB. If you need help setting up your GMB, follow this link. Then, return to this post and learn how to optimize it.
By claiming your GMB, you’ve got a leg up on the 56% of other businesses who haven’t done so yet. Great! But you need to do more than claim it: you need to start optimizing it. It’s time to put that listing to work. Why does your GMB need optimization, and how do you do it?
What are the benefits of optimizing my GMB?
Managing your GMB takes time and effort, so you want to make sure it’s worth your while. We understand – here’s why it’s important:
- It makes your business easier to find.
Part of a successful business is making it as easy as possible for customers to find you, contact you, and purchase your goods or services. A GMB gives customers all the information they need with a convenient and detailed profile.
- It can increase your rankings.
An optimized GMB will lead to a more successful SEO strategy. In a recent survey by Moz, it was found that GMB elements are among the top ranking factors for local search results. To get those first-page rankings that all businesses dream of, you need a GMB listing.
How do I optimize my GMB?
Let’s start with the standard information. Any GMB profile needs to include the following:
- Phone number
- Address
- Name of your business
- Hours of operation
- Website URL
Even though this is the most basic information, it must be correct. Double or triple check it before you publish it. Inconsistent citations have been found to cause significant ranking issues.
Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, it’s time to delve into the specifics:
- Add photos.
A GMB without photos won’t do much for your brand image. Include pictures of your storefront or office in Calgary so that customers can visualize your business. It can increase your click-through rate and the perceived trustworthiness of your brand.
- Choose categories and attributes.
Categories are a useful and concise description of your business. Choose the most relevant and specific primary category; then, add your other services to the secondary categories.
Attributes are a way to add even more specific information about your business. It’s a way to set your business apart from the rest. They include descriptions like No-Contact Delivery, LGBTQ Friendly, and Wheelchair Accessible.
- Write a detailed “From the Business” description.
As of 2019, businesses are no longer able to edit the description of their profile. What they can do is edit the section called “From the Business”. You’ve only got 750 words, so be sure to use them all. Add keywords that get high search volume (but don’t keyword stuff—remember, this description is for people, not the algorithm). Explain what your business provides without repeating information that’s elsewhere in your profile. Instead, write about what makes your business unique—why should customers choose you?
Finally, polish off your GMB with ongoing management and frequent updates:
- Respond to reviews.
One of the most influential parts of your GMB listing is your star rating; it appears front and centre on your profile. Be proactive in your review management to get a better star rating. Encourage your happy customers to leave you Google reviews, and respond to existing ones. Even if they’re negative, it’s helpful to show that you are receptive to feedback.
- Make GMB posts.
In a GMB post, you can provide information about new developments, sales, or upcoming events. You can add text along with photos and videos. Post updates often to keep your GMB current.
- Answer common questions.
Clear up any questions your customers might have in the Q&A section. Anyone can submit questions to this section, and anyone can submit an answer. Prevent misinformation by answering the questions yourself.
If you follow these steps, you’ll have a GMB listing that’s the envy of all your competitors. If you need assistance with your GMB, First Rank can help; we provide SEO services for those in Calgary.
firstrank.ca
