How to Get More Local Customers to My Store Using Google My Business

Stores with high visibility in Google Maps and Search tend to attract more prospects. Thus, it is only vital to focus on these through a Google My Business (GMB) profile to be visible to leads. Using local SEO services for small businesses and stores, the profile can be optimized to increase the audience base. The platform can specifically help in making a brand appear to the right audience looking for services and products within their neighborhoods, regions, or locations. Through local search engine optimization services, the Google Business Profile profile can be optimized with keywords and information to make it discoverable. Gradually, the audience can increase to influence business sales.

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business (GMB) is an online tool that enables a company to manage how it appears on the Google search engine as well as Google Maps. Better known as Google Business Profile, the cost-free tool allows a brand to provide essential information to its audience.

On GMB, a business can add information, such as its:

• Operational hours
• Contact details
• Location
• Photos

The platform can also comprise customer reviews and important updates.

Can Google My Business Attract Local Customers?

GMB or Google My Business can help attract customers locally. Especially when it is used as part of local SEO services for small businesses, it can lure more prospects.

• This is a powerful tool to increase customers when “near me” searches are made.
• It enables a business to appear when leads look for products or services nearby.
• Thus, for this purpose, the location of a venture plays a key role in the functioning of this tool.
• Besides, through the availability of contact information, connecting with a store becomes easier.

Is Google My Business Important to Local SEO?

Google My Business is crucial for local SEO as it has a direct influence on the visibility of a brand. The tool enables it to appear in Google Maps and Search, i.e., the main platforms customers rely on for finding local products or services.

Additionally, GMB is an important component of local search engine optimization for 4 reasons.

• Listings on this platform can add to the visibility of a business.
• It offers exposure to new audiences at no cost.
• Through ratings, reviews, photos, etc., it can add to a store’s credibility.
• The tool syncs with voice search tools to provide information to users.

How to Use Google My Business to Get More Local Customers?

Using tools like Google My Business, a store can effectively get more local customers, specifically by applying local SEO practices. These practices for local SEO for businesses leverage the GMB profile and make it well-optimized. It then helps in targeting more prospects within particular locations.

1. Claim a GMB Profile and Verify it

To start attracting consumers to a store, the key local SEO practice is to claim a Google Business Profile. Aside from creating it, verifying the profile is as vital. Keep in mind that verified online stores are highly likely to appear in the results when local searches are made.

2. Include Essential Details

For optimizing the Google My Business profile and attracting prospects, local search engine optimization involves filling in important details in it. These include the correct store name, phone number, address, business hours, and days on which it remains open. Further mention the category it caters to, i.e., healthcare, food, medical, etc.

3. Upload Business Photos

A GMB profile that displays real business photos successfully wins the trust of leads. It helps them assess how credible it is. The level of credibility plays a central role in positively influencing their purchase decisions.

Leverage professional local SEO services for small businesses while uploading business photos to focus on particular aspects.

• Using these services, attempt to provide multiple photos of the store to potential customers.
• Click and upload images from different angles to give them a better view of the outlet.
• Specifically add photos of services and products that set the business apart.

Tip: Upload high-quality store images to deliver positive browsing experiences to users.

4. Manage Customer Reviews

To increase the audience base through local search engine optimization, an important practice is managing customer reviews on GBP. This is inclusive of encouraging reviews as well as responding to them on Google Business Profile.

• Every time shoppers are happily served, brands should seek their feedback.
• As they post reviews, they should be acknowledged.
• Positive responses help in maintaining relationships with buyers.
• Besides, responding to negative feedback and offering solutions can work favorably for brands.

5. Regularly Update GMB Profile

As part of local SEO for businesses, it is crucial to update GMB profiles. On a regular basis, by undertaking this measure, a business can attract prospects from specific neighborhoods or regions. These updates can range from new categories and products to promotions and offers. They can effectively work to convert them into consumers.

6. Include Local Keywords while Optimizing

As a brand attempts to optimize its GMB profile, it should focus on the content it adds. It is essential for the content to sync with the terms or words used by the local audience to find this particular brand.

• Under local SEO, “near me” terms are essential to include in the business description on GMB.
• Brands can add keywords that include the names of regions, neighborhoods, locations, etc.
• Additionally, the profile can be optimized with relevant terms to influence searches.
• It can be optimized with landmarks or relevant areas to improve discoverability.
• Keep in mind that it is crucial to add lists of main products or services the business specializes in.
• Moreover, attributes like affordability, 24-hour availability, etc., can be added.

Conclusion

Google My Business, when optimized through local SEO practices, can effectively attract customers. It can target prospects within specific locations to locally increase the audience base of stores. While optimizing it, remember to focus on the recent and relevant measures to improve visibility for this audience.