Google has come up with an innovative way of helping website owners boost their local marketing and search ranking, through Google My Business. This tool is designed for business owners, artists, brands and organizations to manage their online presence across Google’s wide array of platforms, including search and maps.

How Does Google My Business Work?

Google My Business lets you verify and edit your business information. This way, you can help customers find you more accurately and inform them what your business is really all about.

More than using the right keyword density on your web page to improve search engine optimization, you should make it easier for your customers to find you. This means that the online visibility of your business location is extremely important so that your target customers will be able to reach you. The natural result of this is an organic increase in search engine ranking, as well as a loyal customer following.

Google’s Support for Local Marketing

In as much as mobile browsing has changed the game, going local allows users to access information anytime and anywhere. If your business is not listed in local directories and maps, how do you expect people to discover your business?

Say you own a shoe store within a small city. When customer in your vicinity do a quick Google search for the nearest shoe store, they may be directed to a competitor store even if it’s a two-hour drive. In other words, failing to improve your local ranking on Google may cost you a huge opportunity.

Why You Should Use Google My Business

Google has taken over a massive 81.4 percent of search traffic in the U.S. as of October 2016. If this isn’t enough reason to convince you to use Google My Business, I don’t know what will!

Besides, most of Google’s tools are for free. You may be able to take control of your online presence using these tools that Google has provided by claiming and updating your Google My Business profile.

How To Optimize Google My Business For Local Marketing

To help you boost your business website’s SEO and search rankings, consider these factors when using Google My Business:

Create a unified profile information for all Google sites

First things first, you need to claim your profile and be verified otherwise search engines may not think that the business may not be existing at all.

Next, provide all the necessary information about your business, including your name, address and phone number on Google My Business. Adding your business hours and a description of your business or company as well as your company logo will increase your trust rating among online users.

Everything that you add on your Google My Business dashboard will be automatically visible in Google search and Google Maps. Eventually, you should find your website in the illustrious 3-pack local listings.

Encourage and manage Google Reviews

Through your Google My Business dashboard, you will be notified as soon as new customer reviews come in. Businesses having good reviews help to get higher ranking in local Google searches. Positive reviews for your business or website encourage people to trust you and patronize your products and services.

While you cannot expect a “perfect score” all the time, any negative review will help you improve your service. Replying to these comments makes your customers feel that they are being valued.

Help Google Maps locate your business

Google My Business does not just allow you to add the necessary information about your business, but it can also help direct your customers to your exact location. Make sure that you correctly categorize the kind of business where you belong to on your Google My Business profile, and provide a unique description of what your business is all about.

Final Word

Potential customers who are using mobile devices should be able to see your business online. The fastest and most effective way to achieve this is if you take advantage of Google My Business by providing accurate information. This way, you can help potential customers with whatever they may need from you. This in turn will help boost your search ranking and local marketing strategies.