LOCAL SEO

Viral Vyapar

Best Practices to Create & Optimize Your Google My Business

Boost your local visibility and attract more customers with a fully optimize Google My Business (GMB) profile! In this guide, we cover the best practices to set up, verify, and enhance your GMB listing — from choosing the right categories to leveraging reviews and posts. Whether you’re launching a new profile or refining an existing one, these expert tips will help you rank higher in local searches and drive more traffic to your business.

Why It Matters

A complete and optimized Google Business Profile helps your business appear in local searches, Google Maps, and increases trust with potential customers.

Step-by-Step Best Practices

1. Use the Correct Business Name

Use your real-world business name — no keywords stuffing (e.g., “Sunrise Dental Clinic” not “Sunrise Dental Best Dentist in City”).
Match it with your website and signage.

2. Choose the Right Category

Pick the most specific primary category (e.g., “Family Dentist” instead of just “Dentist”).
Add secondary categories if relevant.

3. Add Complete Contact Information

Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) match your website and directories.
Add your website link and a booking link if available.

4. Write a Strong Business Description

Around 750 characters, clearly explain:
- What you do
- Who you serve
- What makes you different
Include keywords naturally (but don’t keyword-stuff).

5. Upload High-Quality Photos & Videos

Add:
- Logo
- Cover photo
- Office/storefront images
- Team photos
- Short videos (show environment, products, testimonials)
Geotag images if possible (location data embedded).

6. Add Products and Services

List out your services/products clearly.
Add descriptions, pricing, and direct links if available.

7. Enable Messaging

Turn on the “chat” feature so customers can message you directly from Google.
Reply within 24 hours.

8. Collect and Manage Reviews

Ask happy customers to leave a review.
Respond to all reviews (positive and negative) professionally and timely.
Use keywords in responses where appropriate.

9. Post Regular Updates

Post once a week (minimum).
Types of posts:
- Offers
- Events
- Announcements
- Blog/news updates
Use eye-catching visuals and CTAs (“Call now,” “Book online”).

10. Set Up Business Hours Accurately

Set standard hours and update for holidays or special occasions.

11. Use Attributes and Highlights

Highlight options like:

- “Women-owned,” “Black-owned,” “Veteran-owned”
- “Free Wi-Fi,” “Wheelchair Accessible,” “Outdoor Seating” (depending on your business).

12. Track Insights

Regularly check:
- How many people searched for your business
- How many called you
- How many visited your website
Optimize based on insights.

Quick Checklist Before You Publish

Task	Done?
Business Name Accurate	☐
Right Category Selected	☐
Contact Details Verified	☐
Business Description Written	☐
At Least 5+ High-Quality Photos Uploaded	☐
Services/Products Listed	☐
Messaging Enabled	☐
Reviews Strategy Ready	☐
Posting Schedule Set	☐
Attributes (Highlights) Updated	☐
Insights Tracking Set	☐

Pro Tips Optimize Google My Business

Consistency is key: Your info should match across your website, Facebook, Instagram, and other directories.
Use Local SEO tactics: Mention your city or neighborhood naturally in posts and description.
Answer FAQs: Use GMB’s “Questions & Answers” section — ask and answer common customer questions yourself!

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