If you’re a local business looking to attract more nearby customers—especially with Black Friday around the corner—Google My Business (GMB) is the tool you won’t want to overlook.
Let’s break down how GMB helps businesses stand out on Google Search and Google Maps, so you’re not just another dot on the map but the destination for your audience.
What is Local SEO, and Why Does it Matter?
Local SEO is a strategy to get your business seen by people nearby when they’re searching on Google.
If you have a physical location or service area, this is gold—it’s how you can reach potential customers who are already in your area and looking for what you offer.
Google My Business is your partner in boosting your local SEO by showcasing all the important details, like your address, contact info, website, hours, and even photos.
What’s Google My Business, Anyway?
Think of GMB as your free, online business profile that makes it easy for people to find you.
Whether someone’s searching directly for your business name or looking for a business like yours nearby, a GMB profile lets them find everything they need to know about you at a glance.
They can see your contact info, hours, and website, view photos, read reviews, and even get directions.
And it’s not just for storefronts—if you run a service-based business without a physical location, you can still use GMB to capture that local audience.
Why Google My Business Rocks for Local Businesses
Let’s look at some key reasons GMB is worth your time:
It’s Free: Creating a profile costs nothing but can bring in loads of visibility.
Easy to Update: Add photos, post updates, respond to reviews, and more—all from Google Search and Google Maps.
Show Off Your Brand: Personalise your profile with images, posts, and special offers. It’s a mini-website right on Google!
Setting Up Your Google My Business Profile
Ready to get started? Here’s a step-by-step to make it easy:
Sign in to Google: Use your business email.
Create Your Profile: Search for the “Create Profile” button to start.
Add Business Info: Enter your business name and category.
Choose Your Location: If you have a storefront, say yes and add your address.
Set Your Service Area: For businesses without a physical location, select your service area.
Add Contact Details: Provide a phone number and website.
Verify: Choose a verification method like phone or email. It might take a few days, but once verified, your profile will be live.
Need more details? Google’s official setup guide has everything you need.
Optimising Your GMB Profile for Best Results
Once you’re set up, it’s time to make your profile work harder for you. The more complete and accurate your info, the better Google ranks you, so fill in every detail you can.
Here are some pro tips:
Create a Compelling Business Description: Tell people what you offer, why it matters, and what makes your business unique. But skip the URLs—Google doesn’t want links in this section!
Pick the Right Categories: These help you show up in relevant searches. Be specific but stick to only a few that best define your business.
Using Photos and Posts to Stand Out
Photos are key to making your business profile visually appealing and credible. Upload high-quality images that show your space, products, and team.
Regularly update your photos and add posts—think of these like social media updates where you can share offers, events, and news.
Responding to Reviews (The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly)
Reviews are like the online version of word-of-mouth, so encourage happy customers to leave reviews and take the time to respond to them.
It shows you value feedback and engage with customers, which can go a long way in building trust.
For not-so-positive reviews, keep it professional. Thank the reviewer, address the issue if possible, and offer to continue the conversation offline if needed.
If you spot a review that violates Google’s guidelines, you can report it for removal.
GMB Insights: Understanding Your Profile’s Performance
Want to see how well your GMB profile is performing? GMB’s Insights section provides data on:
Search Terms: What people are typing to find you.
Profile Views: How many users are viewing your profile.
Direction Requests: How many people are clicking for directions.
Calls, Website Clicks, and Messages: Track engagement and see what’s working.
These insights can help you refine your profile, making it more appealing and accessible to your audience.
Troubleshooting Common GMB Issues
Sometimes GMB issues crop up. Here’s a quick guide to common problems and fixes:
Duplicate Listings: If there’s more than one profile for your business, you can merge them.
Incorrect Info: Update any wrong information on your profile.
Negative Reviews: Be respectful in your responses and show you care about feedback. For inappropriate reviews, flag them to Google.
Advanced GMB Tips for Local SEO
Want to take it up a notch? Keep your info updated, add keywords, and use GMB to announce special offers or events. You’ll stay relevant in local searches, encouraging more people to choose you over the competition.
Wrap-Up
Whether it’s Black Friday or just a regular weekend, Google My Business is an essential tool to boost local awareness and bring in nearby customers.
By regularly updating your profile, responding to reviews, and optimising for SEO, your business becomes more than a map marker—it’s the go-to spot for what customers are searching for, right when they need it.
