Google My Business is a powerful tool to help your business get found online. But to make the most of it, you need to understand how Google My Business SEO ranking factors work. This blog post will explain everything you need to know about Google My Business SEO ranking factors and how they can help your business get found online.
What is Google My Business, and why is it essential for your business?
Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. Claiming and verifying your Google My Business listing is the first step to getting your business on Google Search and Maps. Once you’ve claimed and verified your listing, you can start optimizing your listing for better visibility in Google Search and Maps.
What are GMB ranking factors, and how do they work?
There are several factors that Google takes into account when determining where to rank your business in Google Search and Maps. While we can’t know exactly how Google ranks business listings, we know that Google My Business SEO ranking factors are important. Here are some of the most important Google My Business SEO ranking factors:
1. Primary GMB category
Google gives preference to businesses that have chosen the most relevant primary category for their business. If you’re not sure what category is best for your business, you can use Google’s “suggest a different primary category” tool.
2. Keywords business name:
Google My Business allows you to include keywords in your business name. This can help your business get found when people search for those keywords on Google.
3. Proximity in the address to the searcher:
Google favors businesses that are closer to the person searching. This is one of the reasons why it’s crucial to have your correct business address included in your Google My Business listing.
4. Quality and quantity of photos:
You can add up to 10 photos to your Google My Business listing. Make sure they are high quality and show potential customers what your business is all about! Companies that have high-quality images on their Google My Business listing are given preference over those that don’t.
5. Engagement with customers on Google:
Google appreciates businesses that interact with their customers on Google. This includes responding to reviews and adding posts to your Google My Business listing.
Interacting with your customers is also a great way to build relationships and improve customer satisfaction.
6. Additional GMB categories:
Google also looks at whether you’ve added any additional categories to your listing. Adding additional categories can help Google understand what your business is about and make it easier for people to find your business when searching for what you offer.
7. Keywords in business description:
Whether it’s organic search or GMB rankings, keywords are the name of the game. Google looks at the keywords you include in your business description to help determine where to rank your business in search results.
This is another opportunity to include relevant keywords that people might use when searching for your business.
8. GMB ratings and reviews (quantity and average rating)
Google My Business ratings and reviews are among the most important Google My Business SEO ranking factors. Google looks at both the quantity and the quality of your reviews to help determine where to rank your business in search results.
First, encourage your most satisfied customers to write reviews. You should also respond to Google My Business reviews, even if they’re negative. Responding to your customer reviews shows Google that you’re engaged with your customers and interested in providing high-quality customer service.
9. Website authority (SEO and inbound links)
Google also looks at your website’s SEO when determining where to rank your Google My Business listing. This includes things like your website’s authority and the number of inbound links you have.
To improve your website’s SEO, you can start by making sure your website is mobile-friendly and that your content is relevant and keyword-rich. You can also build backlinks to your website to improve your website’s authority.
9. Spam fighting Google
Google is constantly fighting spam, and they penalize businesses that are found to be participating in spammy activities. You must spend some time fighting spam on your GMB listing. This includes removing things like duplicate listings and fake reviews.
If you notice any duplicate listings impersonating your business, report them to Google right away.
Related: Franchise SEO: Get your Franchise Found Online with These SEO Tips!
How can you optimize your Google My Business listing for better SEO rankings?
- Make sure your NAP information is accurate and up-to-date
- Include relevant keywords in your business description
- Add photos to your Google My Business listing
- Respond to customer reviews, both positive and negative
- Add additional categories to your Google My Business listing
- Fight spam on your Google My Business listing
- Optimize your website for better SEO rankings
By following these tips, you can improve your Google My Business SEO ranking and help your business get found online.
Related: SEO Ranking Factors
Google My Business SEO ranking factors FAQs
What are Google My Business SEO ranking factors?
Google My Business SEO ranking factors are what Google takes into account when determining where to rank your Google My Business listing in search results. Ranking factors include your business’s NAP information, reviews, and website SEO.
How can I improve my Google My Business SEO ranking?
You can do a few things to improve your Google My Business SEO ranking. Ensure your NAP information is accurate and up-to-date, including relevant keywords in your business description, add photos to your Google My Business listing, and respond to customer reviews.
What is the most important Google My Business ranking factor?
There is no one most important Google My Business ranking factor. Google considers several factors when determining where to rank your listing in search results.
Related: B2B SEO: How B2B SEO Can Help You Attract More Business Customers
Google My Business Ranking Factors – Final Thoughts
Google My Business ranking factors are what Google considers when determining where to rank your Google My Business listing in search results. Your business’s NAP information, reviews, and website SEO affect how high you’ll rank.
Now that you’re aware of the ranking factors, you can make the necessary changes to improve your ranking. Ensure your NAP information is accurate and up-to-date, include relevant keywords in your business description, add photos to your Google My Business listing, and respond to customer reviews.
By optimizing your listing for these factors, you can improve your Google My Business SEO ranking and help your business get found online. Go out there and dominate your local business listings.