Location-based SEO strategies can be a bit complicated to implement. Not all hope is lost for your small business, though. Your small business always has a useful tool in its marketing arsenal that can boost your local search rankings organically. We are, of course, talking about Google My Business, which is one of the most powerful online listings for Chicago businesses.
How many times have you searched for a Chicago business on Google, and off to the right of your screen is a box with a map of where the business is located, the phone number, hours of operation, pictures, ratings, reviews, and even a link to their website? It’s almost like Google wants to give every business a free advertisement. Well, not really. What is actually going on is that Google wants to make it as easy as possible for their users to find exactly what they are looking for so they will keep coming back. Google knows that they will remain the number one search engine for as long as they make their users’ experience seamless and straightforward. Also, did you know that over 65% of all Google search traffic comes from smart phones? What could be easier for a mobile user than having all of a business’s pertinent information right in front of them? That is what Google My Business is all about!
Getting listed on Google My Business essentially helps you improve your chances of entering the “Local 3-Pack” and driving more traffic to your website, social channels, and front door.
Now, you might be asking yourself, “how do I make sure my business has a box listing at the top of the Google page when someone searches my business?” Well, this is the easy part. In fact, it is so easy that you’ll probably wonder why you did not do this before.
Let us take you through the simple steps. First, start by searching your business name on Google Maps and see if it shows up. If it does show up, it is because the Google Search Engine algorithms have found information from other sources and put it there for you, and for your customers (the user).
If you find your business already listed, then click on the button that says, “Claim this Business”, and the Google Tutorial will take you through the process. Remember: it is pretty straightforward. If it is not there, though, then you’ll need to go to the Google My Business page and click the “Start Now” button in the upper left corner. Once you have claimed and verified your listing, fill in every relevant field — such as your business name, address, and phone number (otherwise known as NAP), website, and hours of operation, among other things. You don’t want to leave anything to the guesswork or assumptions of your customers.
Here are a couple of extra things you should keep in mind:
- Keep your listing information consistent with the information on your website and social media channels
- Choose the right business categories
- Add a service area for your business — Google allows you to add up to 20 different locations
- Upload high-resolution images, 360-degree view, and videos
Looking for a Top-rated Listings Management Agency in Chicago?
The team of search experts at Digital Destination can help your small business position itself in front of potential customers with the intent to buy. With our listing management services in Chicago, we can help you maximize your profitability by driving more qualified leads to your doorstep. Contact us to request a free quote!