How to Boost Your SEO Ranking with Google My Business
So you’ve most likely stumbled across this article because you are looking for ways to boost your SEO ranking, right?? One of the most IMPORTANT things you can do to get started on the right foot with your SEO is setting up Google My Business.
What’s Google My Business?? Well, if you have ever Googled a company or restaurant, and get a result on the right side of your screen with the business information, reviews, hours, location, etc. - then that business has set up their Google Business account!!! Check out mine below:
Why is this important? SO many people are constantly searching on Google, so having an established web presence is incredibly important today, especially when people are searching for specific businesses or services in their area.
And the best part? IT’S FREE!!!! So how do you get started?
Getting Your Account Set Up
First, you’ll want to log into your Google Account (or set one up), and then navigate to Google My Business. Once there, you can click “Sign In” or “Manage Now,” choose the option “Add your business to Google”, and then follow the instructions to set up a new business account. You’ll be prompted to enter information in such as…
Your business name
Business category (such as restaurant, photographer, location)
Storefront location (if you have one)
Locations you serve (this is SO important in showing up for location-based searches, so fill out cities/towns you want to be photographing in)
Contact details (website and phone number)
Verify Your Account
After entering in your information, Google will ask you to enter your mailing address. They will mail you a postcard with a secure code within the next week or so, which you will enter in to verify your business location. THIS IS NECESSARY in order to complete your Google My Business account! And this address will not be shared with the public at all - it is only used to send the Google postcard.
Enhance Your Account
Once you have verified your account, you want to add as much information to it as possible, so potential clients can easily see who you are, what you offer, and where you offer it. Some things to update include:
Service Areas
Services
Description
Photos
Keep Your Account Updated
Even after all the setup, you’ll still want to continue to stay checked in with your Google My Business Account. You can check your insights (see how many searches you showed up in), update your photos or services, AND request reviews from your past clients!
It may seem like a bunch of steps, but it really can take only 15-20 minutes to set up your entire account - SO GO GET IT DONE!!!! :) You’ve got this!