Boost Your Business with Google for Business Local SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can seem daunting. However, when it comes to capturing your share of local clientele, mastering the basics of local SEO can lead to significant rewards with relatively little time investment.

Most businesses draw a portion of their clientele from local patrons and out-of-town visitors. Statistics show that when people search for services, experiences, or products, they often prioritize providers close to their current location.

46% of Google searches have local intent. As a result, Google prioritizes local business results on search engine results pages (SERPs) and other applications, such as Google Maps.

Achieving a high ranking in Google’s SERPs and applications is crucial to landing your business in consumers' consideration sets and driving demand for your products and services. Where you rank in the listing is also a determining factor. Google's statistics highlight the importance of achieving a high ranking to drive traffic. On mobile devices, the average click-through rate (CTR) for the first result is 22.4%, 13% for the second, and 10% for the third.

So, how can you end up in Google local searches and boost your search engine and application rank?

Step 1: Register your business with Google

The first step is registering your business by completing a Google Business Profile. This free service allows business owners to create or claim a listing that appears on search engine results pages, Google Maps, and other Google-owned search applications. When you create a business profile in Google My Business, you tell the Google algorithm that your business exists, in what location, and for what purpose.

In short, creating a Google Business Profile will ensure that you appear in local searches. If you haven't registered with Google, you are leaving your ability to show up in local searches to chance.

Try searching for "restaurants near me" as one example. Check out the Search Engine Results Page. Notice what businesses are showing up that you are aware of and which are not. If one of your favorite restaurants is not showing up in the local results at the top of the page, chances are they are not registered with Google.

Next, try searching for “Mexican Restaurants." You will notice that the search results are narrowed down even further, placing relevant businesses at the top of the SERP, which garners the most views and clicks.

Step 2: Ensure your listing is complete

When creating your profile, complete and accurately fill out all registration details. Your completeness will help your ranking over time.

Step 3: Encourage customer reviews

Once your business is listed, focus on encouraging customer reviews. Positive reviews can significantly boost your rank in Google search results.

TIP: Consider providing visitors with a QR code to scan with their phone and rank your business immediately. Alternatively, if your company has a text notification system, send out links to customers and ask them to review the service they received.

Step 4: Add photos and videos

Visual content is critical in today’s digital landscape. Photos and videos enhance your online presence and engagement. To attract more attention, feature videos of customers or showcase your products and services on social media. To enhance your ranking, add the videos and photos directly to your Google Business Profile.

Tip: Encourage customers to share photos of their visit.

Step 5: Keep content fresh

Google (and most algorithms) love fresh content. So, ensure your profile stays active by continuously adding reviews and updating existing content, such as photos and videos.

Tip: If you can access a social media-savvy individual, enlist their help in creating and sharing engaging content.

Step 6: Investigate and leverage Google's suite of tools

Google offers many services for businesses, from linking booking tools to advertising. Tools such as Google-sponsored advertising can immediately boost your results to the top.

Step 7: Keep an eye on your rankings

One of the best ways to learn about how Google works is by watching the impact of changes you make on your search results and ranking. So, if you just added your profile, keep checking results for particular keywords and how you rank. Add some photos, and then check again. It's all part of the learning process.

By leveraging Google Business Profile and following these steps, you can enhance your local SEO and increase your business’s visibility. Embrace local SEO, and watch your business thrive.