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Ashford Creative
This post is sponsored by Ashford Creative, your partner in driving local business growth.
Ashford Creative is a digital marketing agency focused on helping businesses stand out online with expert local SEO, Google Ads, and custom marketing strategies. Whether you’re looking to boost your presence in Google’s Map Pack, improve your website’s visibility, or create compelling ad campaigns, Ashford Creative has the tools and expertise to make it happen.
Let’s build something that works — visit Ashford Creative to learn more.
We’re diving deeper into one of the most influential tools for local SEO—your Google My Business (GMB) profile. When optimized effectively, your GMB profile can significantly boost your online visibility, attract local customers, and complement your broader SEO strategies. Let’s explore how to maximize its potential.
Claim and Verify Your GMB Listing:
The first and most critical step is to claim and verify your GMB listing. This gives you full control of your profile, allowing you to make essential updates that directly influence your local SEO performance.
Optimize Your Business Information:
Accuracy is Key: Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate and consistent across all platforms. Inconsistent information can confuse customers and harm your local SEO rankings.
Hours of Operation: Keep your hours up-to-date to avoid frustrating customers. Bonus tip: Update your profile with special holiday hours in advance.
Business Categories: Select the most relevant categories for your business to improve your visibility in keyword searches related to your services or products.
Enhance Your Profile with Photos and Videos:
Visual Appeal: High-quality photos of your business, products, and services make your profile more engaging. Listings with photos receive higher click-through rates and engagement.
Video Content: Add videos, such as a virtual tour of your business, service demonstrations, or short clips of your team at work. These videos can humanize your brand and encourage trust among potential customers.
Collect and Respond to Reviews:
Encourage Reviews: Ask happy customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews improve your credibility and search ranking. If needed, consider offering incentives like a gift card or a free service to motivate customers to leave feedback.
Manage Feedback:
- Positive Reviews: Always be sure to respond and thank customers for their kind words and leaving a review.
- Negative Reviews: Respond professionally, addressing concerns constructively. For unjustified reviews, politely reply to the customer’s feedback and then report the issue within your GMB dashboard if necessary.
Utilize Posts to Engage and Inform:
What to Post?: Use GMB posts to share updates, discounts, events, and announcements. Highlight recent projects, promotions, or other newsworthy content to keep your audience informed.
Regular Updates: Frequent updates signal to customers (and search engines) that your business is active and engaged.
Q&A Section:
Answer Questions: Be proactive in monitoring and responding to customer questions. This not only builds trust but also allows you to showcase your commitment to excellent customer service.
Continuous Optimization: The Key to Success
At The Marketing Almanac, we believe that local SEO is one of the most powerful tools small businesses can use to stand out and grow. By focusing on these key components and consistently optimizing your local presence, you’ll position your business for long-term success in your community and beyond.
