Update your Google Business Profile to reach more local customers

The importance of updating your business listings online for SEO

Have you ever done a Google search for a business to find its address or contact number? If so, you may have noticed that occasionally, the search results page displays a box on the right-hand side containing some of the following details: Business name, images, link to the website, link to directions, Google reviews, and star rating, hours of operation, address, and phone number.

This information results from that business utilizing the Google Business Profile tool (formally known as Google My Business). This feature ensures that your business details are readily accessible, prompting those searching to engage with your business instead of continuing to scroll through additional search results.

Updating your business listings on Google is crucial for several reasons, especially for Search Engine Optimization (SEO). 64% of consumers have used Google Business Profile to find a local business’s address or phone number. [1] Here are some key reasons why maintaining accurate and up-to-date information on your Google Business Profile is essential:

#1: Search engine rankings

Google uses various signals to determine the relevance and credibility of a business. Accurate and consistent business information, such as name, address, phone number (NAP), and business hours, is critical in local search rankings.

Updated business listings contribute positively to your local SEO efforts, helping your business appear in relevant local search results. This is especially important for attracting nearby customers.

#2: User experience made easy

Users often turn to Google to find information about local businesses. If your business information needs to be updated or corrected, it can lead to a positive user experience.

Accurate details, such as location, contact information, and business hours, help potential customers find and engage with your business more efficiently. A positive user experience can contribute to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

#3: Google Business Profile optimization

Google Business Profile is a powerful tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence on Google. If you haven’t done so, claim ownership of your business profile on Google today. You should update your Google listing every month or every couple of months, which is essential for optimizing your online visibility.

Regularly updating your Google Business Profile with accurate information, high-quality images, and relevant business details enhances your online presence and improves your chances of appearing in the local three-pack (the top three local business listings displayed in Google’s search results).

#4: Trust and credibility

Accurate business information contributes to the trustworthiness and credibility of your business in the eyes of both users and search engines. Google reviews are one of the first things people will look at to determine if your business is trustworthy. More than 60% of customers check Google reviews online before they visit a business. [2]

According to a Google consumer study, businesses that respond to reviews are seen as 1.7 times more trustworthy than businesses that don’t. [3] Addressing positive and negative reviews reflects your active involvement as a business owner, demonstrating credibility and genuine concern for your business and customers.

#5: Mobile searches

With the increasing use of mobile devices, many users perform local searches on the go. Google prioritizes businesses with accurate and updated information in its local search results, making it essential for mobile visibility.

#6: Local SEO signals

Local SEO signals, such as proximity, relevance, and prominence, are crucial in determining local search rankings. Accurate business listings contribute positively to these signals, helping your business stand out in local searches.

#7: Encourages action

As highlighted earlier, your Google Business Profile displays your phone number and incorporates user-friendly call-to-action buttons. These buttons prompt your customers to quickly initiate a call or visit your website with just one click, offering particular convenience to users on mobile devices.

Ensuring your current Google listing motivates customers to take immediate action, frequently resulting in increased conversions.

In summary, updating your Google Business Profile and other online listings is vital for maintaining a robust online presence, improving local search rankings, and providing a positive user experience. Regularly reviewing and updating your business information ensures that you maximize the benefits of local SEO and stay competitive in the online marketplace.

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Whether it’s Google Business Profile optimization, SEO services, content marketing, social media management, or another digital marketing tactic, our team at Different Perspective is here to help your business achieve your marketing goals with our ongoing agency support, website design, and branding services.

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Sources:
1: Bright Local | Local Business Websites and Google My Business Comparison Report
2: Forbes | What Every Small Business Needs To Know About Google Reviews
3: Google | How to respond to reviews on Google

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