🗺️ Maximize Your Local Reach with 5 Must-Have Updates
Also Inside: Start creating your personal brand now, before it's too late.
It’s no secret that if you’re running a local business, it’s essential to have a Google Business Listing. But it goes way beyond just claiming your profile.
Leveraging the power of Google Business listings is a beneficial hack I’ve seen too many small businesses fail to take advantage of.
By providing additional information about your business to Google, you’re giving your business a better chance to be found through Local Packs, which are SERPs that locate companies to fit users’ needs.
The best part? It only takes around 15–20 minutes to optimize your Google Business listing, along with about 10 minutes of management of it every month.
✅ Before updating your business, make sure you claim it with Google.
Below are the most impactful updates small businesses can make to their Google Listings to help boost their views with local searches.
Adding Photos
As humans, we are visual. So when planning to visit a place, whether a restaurant, storefront, or hotel, we like to see photos.
Adding photos to your Google Business listing is an instant win, as it will immediately give you more real estate on the page when users complete searches.
Another significant part is that it allows your users to add photos of your location, too, when reviewing you.
Also, by adding your photos, you’re avoiding the typical Google Streetview image for your place of business.
Hours of Operation
This is a given, but you would be surprised how many small businesses I’ve worked with have not updated this section.
One of my clients is a service company with a 24/7 emergency mobile service but also has a location for service appointments. They never had hours of operation for that physical location.
This is a huge no! If you expect foot traffic, phone calls, or customer messages to be part of your business, hours of operation are a must-have for any local business.
Updating Holiday Hours
The same goes for updating the Holiday Hours on your business. If you are closed for holidays or open for them, notify your customers of what to expect. Companies that keep this list of hours updated will avoid frustrated customers and unnecessary phone calls expecting your business to be open.
Business Category & Description
These two parts of a profile identify your business not only to Google but to users. By selecting a primary category that fits your business and adding a helpful description, you are instantly allowing people to understand your business, products, and services.
There are options to add additional categories, which I suggest if you find appropriate ones. An example would be if a “shoe store” (primary) also has a shoe repair service, then go ahead and add that secondary category.
When working on your description, utilize local keywords and phrases that apply to your business. This will help give Google a better understanding of what you can (and can’t) do for local customers.
Adding Your Website
This is one of the last must-do actions on your profile. By adding your website to your listing, you are giving users a place they can connect further with you.
Whether they’re ready to browse your products, book your services, or visit your location, having your website on your listings is a great way to pull users away from seeing your competitors on their Google Search.
Don’t Forget Reviews!
This is something that only a few businesses seek out. Reviews are the backbone of your success through Google Searches. Especially if you have a lot of competitors in your area, gaining more reviews enhances your reach and potential for grabbing the “top spot” in Local Search Packs. Also, don’t forget to respond to every review; it helps your reputation!
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Other Updates You Can Make
Now that you’ve updated your business on Google, you can increase the exposure your business has on Google. If you’re ready to take it a step further, you can continue to add more features and updates to your listing like:
Posts — Posts are a great way to give quick updates and even offer coupons for your business through Google.
Products — Adding products to your Google listing can enhance your reach with more information fitting into a user’s search.
Menus — If you’re in the food industry, having your menu directly linked to your listing can help get customers to your location faster.
Connected Services — This goes along with menus, but if you deliver with 3rd party services like DoorDash, GrubHub, etc., it may be a good idea to link to those listings.
Turning on Messages (Texts, Too) — This is a somewhat new feature that seems to help mobile device customers. By having messages turned on, potential customers can quickly chat with you. Don’t forget to turn on the automated responses and schedule, too!
Overall, if you’re looking to up your local search optimization game, improving your Google Business listing is a great place to start. Whether you have one or 10 locations, having the right business information for your potential customers is a great way to boost your Local Packs. Also, you’re giving Google more information about you, which is always a huge benefit!
Proper customer funnels and follow-ups can help increase your chance of getting local reviews. Sign up for my newsletter for future updates and guides on improving your reviews online.