Getting targeted visibility on Google is one of the most effective ways to grow your business and that’s why, along with optimizing your website and Google Ads, you’ll have to focus on your google my business listing in 2021
It is one of the most crucial steps in any local SEO strategy as it can boost your chances of appearing in Google’s Local Finder, Local Packs, and Maps. Read on to learn about how to rank for Google My Business in 2021.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free tool launched in June 2014 by Google. It was set up to assist business owners in managing the way they show up in Google Maps and Google local search results.
Once you get your business verified after meeting Google’s guidelines, your business listing will give your brand free exposure on Google’s search engine.
Google My Business is quite powerful when it comes to delivering sales or conversions. And with its SEO optimization, you literally have the ability to put pertinent business information in front of your potential customers.
This includes your business’s contact information, services, business hours, online reviews, and more. The most surprising thing is that people don’t even need to visit your website before they see your business.
As well as helping with local SEO, Google My Business also allows you to engage more often with your customers.
Generally, it’s an immensely useful tool when it comes to managing user interactions while providing key business updates.
How to Rank for Google My Business in 2021
Be sure to follow these tips below and you’ll start seeing considerable improvements in your Google My Business SEO optimization in 2021.
1. Google My Business Profile – Insert Primary Keywords in the Title
Google hasn’t stopped rewarding businesses who add a keyword or two in their Google My business title. That’s why they keep ranking high in local SEO rankings.
However, in your bid to rank well, try to include keywords in your title the right way. The thing is keywords ought to be used naturally such that they appeal to humans more than Google bots.
That’s why you must do away with keyword stuffing. Also, be sure to make use of your actual brand or business name.
If you see any of your competitors openly using primary keywords for their Google My Business title, just report them to Google. Nearly anyone can report such businesses via Google Maps.
Google can take action by suspending such business profiles if they refuse to update their information.
Also, be aware that Google My Business SEO ranks businesses or brands based on three specific variables. These are relevance, distance, and prominence.
I. Relevance
It would be in your best interest if your profile matches exactly what a user is searching for. That’s simply why you must include relevant products or services you offer.
You can also add words that would often be used when looking for those products and services. Thus, keywords such as “cheap”, “best”, “near me”, “where is the nearest”, “5-star”, etc., should be used.
Additionally, be sure to position your primary or top categories or services high up on your list.
II. Distance
Now, distance is based entirely on the geographic location or the office address of your company. Thus, you can’t really do much in terms of influencing its position.
Local rankings are bound to change as users constantly move around areas or neighborhoods based on where Google considers your business to be situated compared to the epicenter of the town or location area.
III. Prominence
This refers to the popularity of a business. For example, banks, museums, institutions, ministries, landmarks, or well-known store brands are more likely to be prominent in search results.
Your best option would be to ask users to write reviews on your business page. This can greatly help in improving your brand’s local search ranking.
2. Make Use of Google My Business Posts
Posts on Google My Business include a combination of texts, graphics, and calls-to-action (CTA). You can use it as a creative medium of conveying your brand and message to customers.
It is probably wise to think of them as short mini-ads for your business, products, or services. Google My Business Posts can also be used in highlighting specials or promotions without expiration dates.
Fortunately, Google has a range of different posts which you can design to promote your business
In addition, you can add a CTA such as “Get Offer” or “Order Online” to encourage the visitor to take certain actions once they view your post.
As soon as you create your post, you should share it on social media for increased exposure.
Posting frequently in Google My Business will send more signals to Google while boosting engagement on your site with more blog visits and more social media shares.
These posts appear in the knowledge panel just after your main business information. This means it can help boost click-through rates (CTR) and reinforce trust and authority in your brand.
Also, there are no limits to how often you can post.
However, bear in mind that only the first 100 characters of the post show up on the screen. The rest of the post (if more than 100 characters) gets cut off and will have to be clicked on for a user to see its entirety.
Lastly, be sure to put up the most important content at the beginning of your post. Also, aim to publish a new post at least once every week.
3. Utilize Website Link Options
The different link options available will be dependent on the primary category of your business.
For local SEO, we encourage you to add your specific local landing page as your primary website link. However, using your homepage isn’t a bad idea either.
Businesses having multiple locations can use the specific landing page for every location. Aside from your main website, there are several secondary link options available for getting customers to other sections of your website.
These links are meant for appointments, bookings/reservations, and virtual care (for medical). Certain links are unique to several industries however try to add as many as you can.
For an appointment URL, for instance, certain companies can use “Reserve with Google” to integrate a specific booking system into their Google My Business profile or account.
However, note that Google Analytics might attribute this sort of website traffic (by accident) as a “Direct” source rather than an “Organic” one.
You can fix this by including this simple code below to all your website links on your Google My Business profile. Just add it to the end of each of your website URLs. ?utm_source=GMBlisting&utm_medium=organic
4. Q&A and Keywords Within Reviews
The Q&A feature in Google My Business SEO is one of the most overlooked sections. Just like all other reviews feature, Q&As are populated by potential customers hungry to know what to expect from your product or service.
Rather than wait for some random user to answer these questions, it is pertinent that the business takes the lead at monitoring the Q&A forum and engaging directly with users.
Be prepared to read occasional complaints and rants and deal with these in the most professional manner.
Indeed, it is a great idea to nudge your customers into providing reviews in Google My Business using major keywords, services, and products in the body of the reviews.
Google does consistently categorizes and sorts these reviews by keyword or service.
In addition, your business should be ready to answer all reviews and questions from customers both positive and negative. Originality and authenticity are key differentiators these days after all.
Be sure to add target keywords in your responses as well. Fortunately, businesses are also able to ask and answer their own questions.
Thus, it is crucial to include popular questions consistently asked along with anticipated questions of which you’ll answer yourself.
They can appear right on the knowledge panel for your business.
One cool way to get an idea of common questions is by discussing with your customer service and sales team.
These guys are always on the front lines working with customers who may likely be sharing their thoughts and feedback with your staff.
5. Load your Profile with Recently-Expanded Attributes
Recently, Google My Business introduced a series of new attributes which was in direct response to the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes with options that let you highlight specific health and safety measures.
Users can take advantage of these attributes to determine where they would like to visit. Below are a few things you can include in your listing:
-Mask required
-Dine-in
-Delivery
-Online appointment
-Online classes
-In-store shopping
-Appointment required
Presently, Google is developing a new feature that’ll let you view recent customer calls that were pulled in from search.
This form of call logging as described by Google will let you access call history and keep track of phone calls from customers on Google Search and Google Maps.
Conclusion
As long as your customers keep searching for your business online, there is no way you can undermine the advantages that Google My Business can offer your brand’s local visibility.
To be at the top of search results in 2021, you’ll have to consider the many variables Google takes into account in their local search algorithm and continue to stay updated.
Hopefully, these tips on how to rank for Google My Business in 2021 will help you understand how to boost your online presence and get ahead of the competition.
