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How to Optimize Your Business for Google My Business

Jose Cabrero • June 29, 2022
How to Optimize Your Business for Google My Business

Optimizing Your Business for Google My Business

Google My Business is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. It allows you to create a business profile that will appear in Google search results when people search for your company. This can be extremely beneficial, as it allows potential customers to learn more about your business and contact you directly from the search engine results page. 


In this blog post, we will discuss how to optimize your business for Google My Business. We will cover everything from creating a business profile to adding photos and reviews!

1. What is Google My Business and why should you use it?

Google My Business is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. It allows you to create a business profile that will appear in Google search results when people search for your company. This can be extremely beneficial, as it allows potential customers to learn more about your business and contact you directly from the search engine results page.


Creating a business profile on Google My Business is free and easy to do!


There are many benefits of using Google My Business services, including:



  • Increased visibility in search results
  • The ability to control what information appears in your business profile
  • Respond directly to reviews left by customers
  • Add photos and videos of your business
  • Appear on google maps and google search
  • Seamless integration with other Google products
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There are many reasons to create a business profile on Google My Business, but the most important reason is that it will help increase your visibility in search results. When customers search for your business on Google, your business profile will appear in the search results. This is a great way to get your business noticed among the service area businesses you're competing against.


Another important reason to create a business profile is that it allows you to control what information appears in your business profile. You can choose to include or exclude certain information, such as your business hours or contact information. This is a great way to ensure that only the most relevant information appears in your business profile.


Finally, creating a business profile on Google My Business allows you to respond directly to reviews left by customers. This is a great way to build relationships with your customers and improve customer satisfaction.


If you have not created a business profile on Google My Business, we recommend doing so as soon as possible. It is a valuable tool that can help increase the visibility of your business and attract new customers!

2. How to create a business listing profile for your company

When it comes to a Google Business listing, there are some key elements you want to make sure are included in your profile in order for it to be effective. Now that you know about the benefits of having a listing, and what a listing can do for your business, let’s go over how to set up your own Google Business Profile!


If you are ready to create a business listing for your company on Google, follow these simple steps:

The first step is to set up your Google business account. You can do this by going to google.com/business and clicking on the “Manage now” button. You will then be asked to sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have a Google account, you can create one for free.


Once you have signed in or created a new Google account, you will be taken to the “Get your business on Google” page. On this page, you will be asked to enter your business name, either you are just creating it or claim it. You will also be asked to select a category, a location (which is optional), contact info and your current website URL (which is also optional) for your business. After you have entered all of the required information, click on the “Continue” button.

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You will then be taken to the “Verify your business” page. On this page, you will be asked to verify your business through a phone call, text message, live video chat, postcard or mail. Here we explain  briefly each one:


  • Phone call: you will receive a phone call from Google with a verification code that you will need to enter on the website.
  • Text message: you will receive a text message from Google with a verification code that you will need to enter on the website.
  • Live video chat: you will be connected with a Google representative who will verify your business through a live video chat.
  • Postcard: you will receive a verification postcard from Google with a verification code that you will need to enter on the website. This can take up to a few days to receive.
  • Mail: you will receive an envelope from Google with a verification code that you will need to enter on


Once you have verified your business, click on the “Continue” button.


You will then be taken to the “Set up your business profile” page. On this page, you will be asked to enter your business hours, website address, and a description of your business. You will also be able to add photos and videos of your business. After you have entered all of the required information, click on the “Continue” button.

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You will then be taken to the “Confirm your business details” page. On this page, you will be able to review the information you have entered for your business profile. If everything looks good, click on the “Confirm” button.


You have now successfully created a business profile on Google!

Customize your business profile

Now that you have created your business profile, it’s time to customize it and make it your own! You can do this by:


  • Adding working hours
  • Manage multiple locations and service areas
  • Adding a description
  • A business logo
  • Service options
  • Use Google my Business Messaging
  • Link for appointments
  • Custom Services and products


By adding this information to your profile, you will be able to give potential customers a better idea of what your business is all about, and what they can expect when they visit your business.

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You must know that in order to see these edits on your business listing, you will need to verify and claim your business previously, so if you didn't do that, go back to the beginning of this section. Also, when you make changes, even if verified, these will take some time to appear on your listing since google has to review them, so don't worry if you don't see them right away.


By customizing your business profile, you will be able to attract more customers and stand out from your competitors. So, make sure to take the time to add all of the required information to your business profile.


Assuming you have already verified, claimed and customized your GMB listing, let's move on.

3. Adding photos and reviews to your business profile

Adding pictures to your business profile is a great way to show potential customers what your business looks like. People are visual, so the more pictures you can add to your profile, the better for when your local customers search for your business, services or products.


When it comes to adding photos or videos to your business profile, there are a few things you should keep in mind:


  • Make sure the photos and videos are high quality and clear
  • Add a variety of pictures (exterior of business, interior of business, staff, products, etc.)
  • Avoid using stock photos
  • Avoid irrelevant photos


To  add photos and videos of your business, click on the “Photos” tab in the left panel of the business dashboard and then click on the “Add photos” or “Add videos” button. You can then upload photos and videos from your computer or phone. The pictures you add here will appear in your business listing on Google.

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It's important to have good quality photos, so make sure the pictures you upload are clear and relevant to your business. You can also add a cover photo, which is the first photo people will see when they view your business listing.


All the pictures you upload can be "tagged", this means that you can label each photo with a specific type, like interior, exterior, product, staff, etc. This will help google understand what each photo is and show them accordingly on different searches.

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Also, when you add products, you can upload a picture and tag it as a product photo. This way, when people search for that product, your business will come up in the local search results!

4. Tips for optimizing your business for Google My Business

Local businesses that want to be found online need to optimize their business for Google My Business. In order to optimize your business, there are a few things you can do, like:


  • Use keywords in your content
  • Add customer reviews
  • Keep prospective customers up to date
  • Get business management services

Use keywords in your google listing

By optimizing your business for Google My Business, you will be able to improve your chances of being found online by potential customers.


When it comes to a local business, one of the most important things you can do is use keywords in your content. By using relevant keywords, such as local SEO you will be able to improve your chances of being found online.


Some ways you can add keywords in GMB are:


  • In the business name: Sometimes, you can include relevant keywords in your business name to help customers find you more easily online. Remember that the way you write your name here should match the way it's written on your website and other online platforms.


  • In the business description: Use this section to describe what your business does and include relevant keywords. This way, when customers search for those keywords, your business will come up!


  • All your services and products: When you add services and products, make sure to include relevant keywords in the descriptions. This way, your local ranking will improve for those keywords!


  • As tags for photos: You can also add tags to photos with relevant keywords. This will help Google understand what the photo is and show it accordingly on different searches.


  • On Google posts: You can write Google posts about your business, and include relevant keywords. These posts will show up on your business listing and help improve your ranking!
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As you have seen, there are many ways to use keywords in GMB. By using relevant keywords, you will be able to improve your chances of being found online by potential customers.


Remember that the keywords you use must be relevant to your business and services. If you use too many irrelevant keywords, you may be penalized by Google, so make sure your keywords are under an appropriate category for your business.

Encourage customers for google reviews

One of the most important things you can do to optimize your business for GMB is to encourage customers to leave reviews. Studies have shown that customer reviews are one of the most important factors that influence local rankings, according to Moz.


The more reviews you have, the higher your ranking will be. In addition, the more recent and positive reviews you have, the better.


Asking customers to leave reviews can be done in a few different ways, such as:


  • In person: When you're talking to a customer in person, you can ask them to leave a review. This is one of the most effective ways to get reviews, since customers are more likely to leave a review if they're asked in person.
  • On your website: You can also add a link on your website, asking customers to leave a review. This is a great way to get more reviews, since customers can leave a review while they're on your website.
  • On receipts: You can also add a link on your receipts, asking customers to leave a review.
  • On social media: You can also ask customers to leave reviews on your social media platforms, such as Facebook or Twitter.
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By asking customers to leave online reviews, you will be able to improve your chances of getting more positive reviews, which will in turn improve your ranking, online visibility, encourage any potential customer, and help your business grow.


Here are a few tips when getting customer reviews:


  • Make it easy for customers to leave reviews: The easier it is for customers to leave reviews, the more likely they are to do so.
  • Ask customers to leave reviews at different touch points: You can ask customers to leave reviews at different touch points, such as in person, on your website, or on social media.
  • Manage negative reviews: It's important to manage negative reviews in a positive way. This shows that you're willing to listen to feedback and make changes accordingly, and would give customers a good impression of your business.


By following these tips, you will be able to Optimize Your Business for Google My Business and improve your chances of being found online and encourage customers to leave reviews and improve your online reputation.

Make Google My Business posts

Google My Business posts are a great way to communicate with your customers and promote your business.

You can use GMB posts to:


  • Share news about your business
  • Promote events
  • Offer discounts or coupons
  • Showcase products or services


GMB posts are a great way to communicate with customers and promote your business. By using GMB posts, you can reach out to customers, promote your business, and improve your chances of being found online.

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Here are a few tips for using GMB posts:


  • Include images or videos: Posts with images or videos are more likely to be seen by customers.
  • Add buttons: Add buttons to your posts, such as "Learn More", "Buy" or "Book", to make it easy for customers to take action.
  • Use relevant keywords: Use relevant keywords in your posts so that customers can find your business more easily.
  • Make sure your posts are accurate: Be sure to proofread your posts before publishing them. This will ensure that customers get the most accurate information about your business.
  • Be creative: Be creative with your posts so that customers will be more likely to see them.


When you create posts, you also improve your chances of being found. Sometimes Google sends you an email when your post reaches a certain amount of views or clicks. These are clear business engagement signals that Google sees and will help your business get found more easily.

Look for  a Google My Business management service

If you're looking for help with managing your GMB listing, there are a few different options available. After all, if you want to focus on running your business, it might make sense to look for Google My Business management services.


A Google My business management service is a company that will help you manage your GMB listing. This can include tasks such as creating and optimizing your listing, responding to reviews, and posting on your behalf. There are a few different companies that offer GMB management services, so be sure to do your research before choosing one.

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There are a number of GMB management services that can help you optimize your business for Google My Business.

These services can help you:


  • Get more reviews
  • Manage your GMB listing
  • Optimize your business for Google My Business
  • Ensure NAP accuracy
  • Enhance Web traffic
  • Create a custom review strategy
  • Work on your services menu
  • Post on your behalf


Here at Antares Systems, we offer GMB management services to help you optimize your business for Google My Business. We can help you with tasks such as creating and optimizing your business listing,  work on your online reputation, and create content and posting on GMB. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you grow your business.


By using GMB management services, you can focus on running your business while someone else takes care of optimizing your business for Google My Business. This can save you time and help you get more positive reviews, which can improve your ranking and online visibility.

5. FAQs about Google My Business

Do I need a Google My Business listing?

While you don't technically need a GMB listing, it's highly recommended. GMB listings help you to appear in local search results and google maps, which can give you a significant boost in visibility and traffic. In addition, customers can leave reviews on your GMB listing, which can help to improve your online reputation.

Can I pay to advertise on Google My Business?

Yes, you can pay to advertise on Google My Business. AdWords for GMB lets you create ads that appear in local search results. This can be a great way to improve your visibility and attract new customers. Google Ads can be a bit complex to set up, so it's recommended that you use a Google Ads management service.

How often should I update my business information on Google My Business?

You should update your business information on Google My Business as often as you need to. This can include changes such as your hours of operation, address, or contact information, adding new multiple categories, editing for multi-location businesses. Updating your information regularly helps to ensure that customers have the most accurate information about your business.

What's the difference between Google Places and Google My Business?

Google Places and Google My Business are now the same thing. GMB is the successor to Google Places, so if you had a Google Places listing, it has now been automatically upgraded to a GMB listing.

I'm having trouble with my Google My Business listing. Who can I contact for help?

If you're having trouble with your GMB listing, you can contact Google support for help. You can also contact a GMB management service for assistance. Here at Antares Systems, we offer GMB management services.

I'm still not seeing my business on Google after I've claimed my listing. What could be the problem?

There are a few potential reasons why you're not seeing your business on Google. It could be that your business is newly claimed and it takes some time for Google to update their records. It could also be that your business is in a service area and doesn't have a physical location. If you're still not seeing your business after a few weeks, contact Google support or a GMB management service for assistance.

I'm seeing inaccurate information about my business on Google My Business. How can I fix it?

If you're seeing inaccurate information about your business on GMB, you can edit your listing to correct the information. You can also flag the inaccurate listing for review by Google. Also, there is a possibility that you may have duplicate listings or that someone has created a fake listing for your business. If you're having trouble editing your listing or the inaccurate information is preventing you from claiming your listing, contact Google support or a GMB management service for assistance.

I'm receiving a lot of calls from customers who found my business on Google Maps. Is there a way to track how many calls I'm getting?

Yes, you can track how many calls you're receiving from customers who found your business on Google Maps. To do this, you'll need to set up call tracking. Call tracking involves using a unique phone number for your GMB listing. When customers call this number, it is forwarded to your real phone number and the call is logged. This allows you to track how many calls you're receiving from GMB. There are a few different ways to set up call tracking. You can use a service such as CallRail, or you can set it up yourself using Google Voice. Also, Google Analytics can be used to track phone calls if you have it set up on your website.

Can I add more than one business location to my Google My Business listing?

Yes, you can add multiple listings and locations to your GMB listing. This is especially useful if you have a chain of businesses or if you offer services in multiple areas.


To add additional business locations, sign in to your GMB account and click on the "Add Location" button. Then, follow the instructions to add your new business location.


To add a different business, go to your Google Business Profile Manager, and click on "Add Business". Then, follow the instructions to add your new business.

Can I add a service area to my business on Google My Business?

Yes, you can add a service area to your business on GMB. This is useful if you offer services in multiple areas or if you don't have a physical location. To add a service area, sign in to your GMB account and click on the "Add Location" button. Then, follow the instructions to add your service area.


If you have a business with multiple locations, you should claim and verify each location separately. This will help to ensure that your business information is accurate across all locations.


If you manage a chain of businesses, you can use Google My Business to manage all of your locations from one account. To do this, sign in to your GMB account and click on the "Chain" tab. Then, follow the instructions to add your business locations.

My business category isn't appearing on Google My Business. How can I add it?

If your business category isn't appearing on GMB, you can suggest a new business category. To do this, sign in to your GMB account and click on the "Suggest an Edit" button. Then, follow the instructions to suggest a new business category. Google will review your suggestion and may add your business category to GMB.

I'm having trouble verifying my business on Google My Business. What can I do?

If you're having trouble verifying your business on GMB, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure that you're using the correct business information. You should use the same business name, address, and phone number that you use for your website and other online listings. If you're still having trouble, you can contact Google support for assistance.

6. Conclusion

As you can see, there are a few different things that you can do to Optimize your business for Google My Business. By claiming your listing, adding accurate and up-to-date business information, and adding a business category, you can help your business to appear more prominently in GMB search results. In addition, you can use call tracking and Google Analytics to track the performance of your GMB listing. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your business is Optimized for GMB. Thanks for reading!


If you still have questions about Optimizing your business for GMB, you can contact us for more help, from optimizing your business website to creating a comprehensive digital marketing strategy. Our team of experts can help you to Optimize your business for GMB and other online directories. Contact us today to get started! We're always happy to assist!

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