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GMB Optimization Tips: Make Google Love Your Business (FREE: GMB Post Calendar!)

   By: Hayden Jarman


Alright, let’s cut the crap.

If you’re running a business and haven’t optimized your Google My Business (GMB) profile yet, you’re basically telling Google, “Hey, don’t bother showing my business to anyone. I’m cool with obscurity.”

And let’s be real, obscurity doesn’t pay the bills.

So, let’s talk about why GMB optimization is like the dating profile your business needs—because if you’re not getting noticed, you’re not getting any action.

Period.
 

🚀 GMB Optimization Checklist: Boost Your Local Visibility! 📊

Fill out every section of your GMB profile, including business name, address, phone number, and hours.
Actively request reviews from customers and respond to all feedback, both positive and negative.
Share updates, promotions, and news about your business through GMB posts to keep your profile active.
Add appealing photos of your business exterior, interior, products, and team to showcase your brand.
Populate the Q&A section with common questions and answers, and monitor for new inquiries.
Use GMB Insights to track how customers find and interact with your profile, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number are consistent across all online platforms.
Take advantage of features like booking buttons, product catalogs, and service menus to enhance your profile.
 

Let's get your GMB profile shining! ✨



Table of Contents

 

Why GMB Optimization is Like a First Date: First Impressions Matter

Let’s start with the basics.
 

First Impressions - GMB Optimization Tips


Imagine going on a first date without brushing your teeth, dressing like a slob, and talking only about your pet hamster’s dietary habits. Yeah, it’s not going to end with a second date.

Similarly, if your GMB profile isn’t polished, filled out, and up-to-date, potential customers will swipe left faster than you can say, “But I have a 5-star rating!”


Step 1: Get Your Stuff Together (aka Fill Out Every Section Completely)

  • Business Name: Use your real business name, not something clever or quirky. This isn’t the time to show off your wit—save that for your marketing campaigns.
  • Address & Phone Number: Make sure they’re accurate. Customers aren’t going to spend time hunting down your location or trying to reach a disconnected number.
  • Business Hours: Don’t be that business that says it’s open but then has a “closed” sign on the door. Update your hours regularly.


And speaking of getting your stuff together, if your overall Search Engine Optimization strategy isn’t in place, it doesn’t matter how great your GMB profile looks—it won’t get the traction it deserves.

 

Why Customer Reviews Are Like Dating Testimonials

Imagine if, before going on a date, you could read testimonials from your date’s exes.

“Great listener, but terrible at sharing dessert.”
 

Customer Reviews - GMB Optimization Tips


That’s basically what GMB reviews are—testimonials that tell potential customers whether or not they should give you a shot.

The more glowing reviews you have, the more likely someone is to pick up the phone or visit your store.
 

Step 2: Get Reviews (And No, You Can’t Bribe People for Them)

  • Ask Nicely: After a purchase, ask customers to leave a review. Make it easy by sending them the link.
  • Respond to Reviews: Whether it’s a glowing 5-star review or a brutal 1-star rant, always respond. Thank them for their feedback or, in the case of negative reviews, apologize and offer to make things right. Managing these reviews is a critical part of Online Reputation Management, and it’s something you shouldn’t neglect.


Pro Tip: Regularly check your reviews and respond to each one. The more active you are, the better you’ll look to both customers and Google.

 

How to Use GMB Posts Like a Social Media Pro

Here’s the thing—GMB posts are like those little messages you send on dating apps to keep the conversation going.
 

GMB Posts - GMB Optimization Tips


They’re not the main event, but they keep you in the game. Use GMB posts to share updates, promotions, or news about your business.

Just don’t let them go stale because nothing’s worse than a ghost town, whether it’s your GMB page or your love life.


Step 3: Post Regularly (And No, Once a Year Doesn’t Count)

  • Promotion Posts: Got a sale? Post about it. Make sure to include a clear call to action like “Shop Now” or “Book Today.”
  • Event Posts: Hosting an event? Let people know. Include the date, time, and location.
  • COVID-19 Updates: If your business hours or operations have changed, keep your customers informed.
  • Pro Tip: Use high-quality images or videos in your posts to catch people’s attention. And for the love of God, spell-check your posts.
 

📅 GMB Post Ideas Calendar: Keep Your Profile Buzzing! 🐝

 




Want to take your Digital Marketing Services up a notch? Regular GMB posts should be part of your strategy to keep your audience engaged.

 

Why Photos Are Worth a Thousand Clicks

If your business photos look like they were taken on a flip phone circa 2003, you’re doing it wrong.
 

Photos - GMB Optimization Tips


High-quality photos are crucial—they’re the visual proof that your business is legit.

Think of them as the profile pictures on your dating app; if they’re blurry or unflattering, no one’s swiping right.


Step 4: Upload Quality Photos (And Lots of Them)

  • Exterior Photos: Show customers what your business looks like from the outside. Bonus points if it’s not during a snowstorm or at night.
  • Interior Photos: Let people see the vibe inside your store or office. Make it look inviting, even if it’s not always that way in real life.
  • Product Photos: Show off what you’re selling. Whether it’s food, clothing, or services, make sure it’s well-lit and appealing.
  • Team Photos: People like to know who they’re dealing with. Upload pictures of your team—smiling, of course.


If you’re struggling to get the right content, consider professional Content Creation Services to ensure your photos and posts are top-notch.

 

The Q&A Section: Answer Questions Before They’re Asked

The Q&A section on your GMB profile is like a preemptive strike in dating—answering questions before they even come up.
 

Q & A Section - GMB Optimization Tips


It’s your chance to control the narrative and provide the information your customers are likely searching for.


Step 5: Monitor and Answer Questions (Quickly)

  • Ask and Answer Your Own Questions: It’s not cheating, it’s smart. Populate this section with common questions and answers to guide customers.
  • Monitor Regularly: Keep an eye on this section to answer any new questions. The faster you respond, the better.
  • Keep It Professional: Even if someone asks a ridiculous question, respond politely. Sarcasm doesn’t translate well in text (unless you’re Mark Manson).


And when you're ready to step up your game, don’t hesitate to Request a Proposal from experts who can help you with everything from GMB optimization to full-scale digital marketing strategies.

 

GMB Insights: Stalking Your Customers for Good Reasons

GMB Insights is like checking the “who viewed your profile” feature on dating apps—except it’s not creepy, it’s necessary.
 

GMB Insights - GMB Optimization Tips


Insights give you the data you need to see how people are finding and interacting with your GMB profile.

Use this data to tweak your strategy and improve your visibility.


Step 6: Use GMB Insights to Fine-Tune Your Strategy

  • View Insights Regularly: Check how many people are finding you through search versus maps. If one is lagging, adjust your strategy.
  • Monitor Engagement: See how many people are clicking through to your website, calling your business, or requesting directions. Use this info to optimize your GMB profile.
  • Pro Tip: Use insights to identify which posts are getting the most engagement and double down on that content.


And remember, all of these efforts are part of a broader Search Engine Optimization strategy that ties together all aspects of your online presence.

 

Conclusion: Stop Being Invisible—Start Getting Noticed

In the world of business, invisibility is a death sentence.

If you’re not optimizing your GMB profile, you’re missing out on potential customers—plain and simple. By following these tips, you’ll not only improve your local search rankings but also make your business more appealing to customers.

So, stop being invisible and start getting noticed—because the world doesn’t need another business that’s playing hard to get.

 

Additional Resources

For more in-depth insights and tips on optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) profile, check out the following resources:

  1. On The Map - 15 Google My Business Optimization Tips For 2024
    • Link: On The Map
    • Overview: This article provides a thorough guide on optimizing your Google Business Profile for 2024. It covers essential strategies like listing your business on online directories, tracking location rankings, and maintaining NAP consistency, all of which are vital for boosting your local SEO performance.
  2. WordStream - 13 Google My Business Optimizations to Rank Higher in Local Search
    • Link: WordStream
    • Overview: This resource outlines 13 practical strategies to optimize your Google Business Profile. It focuses on using posts, photos, and reviews effectively to enhance your profile's visibility and improve local search rankings.
  3. Ardent Creative - 5 Advanced GMB Optimization Tips That Will Help You Dominate
    • Link: Ardent Creative
    • Overview: Offering advanced tips for GMB optimization, this article dives into strategies like selecting the right primary categories and leveraging reviews. It also provides insights into using Google Posts to drive conversions, making it an excellent resource for those looking to gain a competitive edge.

 

Ready to get better at GMB optimization?

Then it’s time to get your act together. Head over to our Search Engine Optimization page to learn more about how we can help you dominate local search.

Or if you’re all in, Request a Proposal and let’s make your business the local superstar it deserves to be.
 


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