In the age of modern marketing, digital footprints are now just as important as physical ones. If you don’t have an online presence, then you don’t exist to 90% of your intended customer base. With the convenience of smartphones and how busy people are nowadays, looking up businesses on Google comes as second nature to the average consumer. A simple search can tell them exactly where to go and if the place is worth going to. Being at the top of their search page with positive ratings is how you’re going to reel in your clientele, and we’re here to show you how to do it.
GMB = Google My Business
Even if you haven’t heard the exact term (or seen the specific acronym), you have most likely seen the results of Google My Business (GMB) by other companies when searching for a product or service yourself. You’ve probably noticed that every time you see a business show up on your Google search, there are many other categories to explore regarding that business such as its location on Google Maps or their hours and customer reviews. Everything you see comes together as a single GMB entity, and it plays a crucial role in establishing your credibility among potential customers in your area.
How To Utilize GMB For Your Business
The problem with not getting the jump on local SEO and GMB sooner is a breach of your credibility. When a customer sees a business as “unclaimed”, it can lead them to wonder whether or not you’re still in business or if your business is legitimate. What’s worse, is scammers getting a hold of the listing and claiming it themselves to use for the wrong reasons. By taking the time to set up your GMB, you can:
- Claim and optimize your Google business listing This allows you to ensure that your name doesn’t fall into the wrong hands, and you can fix up the details to be more accurate.
- Encourage and manage customer reviews After caring for a customer in person, you can kindly ask them to leave a positive review (sometimes in exchange for an incentive) to help build your online reputation.
- Show your willingness to engage Some people will turn away from businesses that don’t stay active online as it can be taken as a sign of laziness or lack of dedication to their customers.
- Track your performance After claiming a business on GMB, you will have access to valuable data like website traffic and customer actions that you can use to fine-tune your marketing strategy.
The Difference Between SEO And Local SEO
The topic of SEO isn’t anything new. The cat’s been out of the bag for a while now, and people already understand the importance of sprinkling keywords into your content to drive traffic. However, local SEO curates your content to a specific area which is a proven method for small businesses trying to attract the local community to their doorstep. Local SEO works in the same way as regular SEO in that you utilize keywords relating to your location to geo-target your content. Examples of local SEO phrases include:
- Covina auto shops near me
- Cosmetic dentists in Fontana
- In Azusa and the surrounding area
- Serving the Orange County community
Using just keywords can get your content noticed, but it won’t matter if your viewer is 5 states away from your physical office. By geo-targeting your search results with local SEO, your content can be seen by customers who can actually make it to your business in person.
How Using Both GMB And Local SEO Can Help Your Business
There’s a reason why we mention both GMB and local SEO in this single article, and it’s because they each have a part to play in your customer’s overall search experience. Think of local SEO as the engine propelling your business forward in local search results, while Google My Business serves as the steering wheel, guiding potential customers straight to your door. Together, they form an unbeatable duo, maximizing visibility, credibility, and engagement. Sure, you can have one without the other, but these two strategies were practically made to work together and it would be a huge detriment to think of them as anything but partners.
To review:
With local SEO, you’re optimizing your website and content to rank high in local searches, ensuring that your business is front and center when customers are ready to make a decision.
With Google My Business, you’re providing essential information and engaging with customers directly on Google platforms, cementing your brand’s authority and trustworthiness.
Can A Marketing Firm Handle My Local SEO And GMB For Me?
Entrusting your local SEO and GMB management to a professional marketer can be a game-changer for your business. With their expertise and experience, a skilled and knowledgeable marketing professional can help you devise personal yet proven strategies for local search optimization, ensuring that your business stands out in a crowded digital landscape by setting up a solid Google profile with everything that your audience needs to choose your products or services with confidence.
For a local SEO and GMB marketer near you, Technology Marketing Concepts has both the knowledge and expertise to place your business on the map (including Google Maps).
Let Technology Marketing Concepts Set Up Your Google Presence!
Are you ready to revitalize your business and conquer the new technology-driven frontier? Look no further than Technology Marketing Concepts, your trusted ally in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing. We will set up your GMB to accurately depict your business while using strong local SEO strategies to drive traffic to your online presence. Call us today at 626-919-7172 to get started with a consultation!