How to Optimise Your Google My Business Listing

Google My Business provides businesses with a powerful way to be found online. You’ve probably seen the listings appear next to search results for certain Google queries. Your business could appear in that same spot if you optimise your listing to give everyone the information they are looking for.

What is Google My Business?

This is a service provided free by Google. It allows location-based businesses such as bakeries, department stores, and hairdressers to appear in search results when people look for specific businesses in those areas.

How can you optimise your listing?

Google makes this easy. They will ask various questions to determine the most important pieces of information people might want to know. These include:

• Phone number
• Address
• Opening hours
• Website

The more information you complete, the better your listing will be.

Regularly check your listing to confirm it is correct

There are two reasons for doing this:

1. You can make any necessary changes (for example, your business hours might change during the summer or winter or your phone number changes)
2. You can make sure no one else has made any changes (yes, other people can suggest changes, even if they are incorrect; regularly logging in means you will spot changes like these should they occur)

Optimised listings should include a business photo

A photo tells a thousand words, and in the case of Google My Business, it gives would-be customers a greater sense of trust. Choose a good photo, either of the interior of your business premises or of the outside. Choosing the exterior makes it easier for people to find you if they do decide to pay a visit.

By focusing on these essential elements, your Google My Business listing will stand a better chance of appearing in relevant local searches.