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SEO tips - Google My Business
Have you noticed how sometimes when you do a keyword search on Google, a map comes up showing some local businesses that relate to the keyword you're searching on?
Does Your Business Appear in the Map?
If you type in a keyword that relates to your business, does your business appear in that map? If not, then you don't have a Google My Business page, or if you have, it hasn't been set up fully. And that means your website is missing out on ranking highly in Google Search.
Google My Business works alongside your existing website by giving your business a defined identity and presence on Google. The information that you provide about your business here will be used by various Google platforms including Google Maps, Search and Google+.
From Google+ to Google Business
Not many people are aware of Google Business and that’s because over the last few years its gone through a series of versions and even name changes, as Google has more clearly defined what the reason for Google My Business is all about.
It started off as Google+, but that was confusing because it overlapped with Google's strategy to build communities of people around common interests, which was a key part of Google+. Over time the business part of Google+ was renamed Google Places for Business and it’s now been shortened to Google My Business. Hopefully it will stay with that name for many years to come.
Along with the name changes, the structure and content of these pages has changed significantly also and that means many businesses have Google My Business pages that are out of date and incomplete. If you haven't updated your Google My Business profile in the last 12 months, then I recommend you do so as soon as you've finished reading this article.
Google My Business Checklist
Here's a checklist of the primary information and images you'll need for your Google My Business page:
- A square profile image;
- A square logo image;
- A large landscape shaped cover image (that sits in the background with text overlaid);
- 3 interior photos to show customers what your business feels like inside;
- 3 exterior photos to help customers recognize your business;
- At least 3 photos of products or services that you provide; and
- 3 photos showing your management team and your staff.
Need Expert Help Optimising Google My Business?
Across our client base, Google is far and away the dominant search engine used - it's always at least 80%, so it's imperative that you abide by Google's "recommendations" and have a Google My Business page that is up to date and complete.
Without doubt, a Google My Business page is one of the most important tasks to action when reviewing your SEO strategy. If you require assistance in setting this up, contact the SEO experts at Cloud9 Online and we'll provide a free 30 minute Skype consultation session on actions you need to take to improve your SEO rankings.
If you'd like to find out more about SEO, you may also like to read our introductory article on SEO.
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