After setting Google My Business [GMB] page, you need to optimize for Local SEO. GMB optimization for local searches can be rewarding. Local search is not a new concept, but the way searches are made and how local businesses can reach them is new. This process might be complicated for many, one should go with an SEO agency for professional help.

Google My Business – Tips to lead the local SEO

• 97% of local consumers use search engines to gain local information from their mobile devices on the go. Therefore, optimize your website for local searches.
• Update company name for easy discovery. Avoid keyword stuffing in the URL as it holds less value and does not look professional.
• Profile and cover photo reflect your business value. Choose the correct photo size and convey a relevant brand message because a single picture is worth 1000 clicks.
• Adhere to GMB quality guidelines – Complete description, tag, and about page, insert description hyperlink to crucial pages like your social accounts and email. Connect with Google Analytics & Webmaster tools.
• Join relevant communities and build a follower base via posting helpful comments.
• Regularly post updates, engage with fans & create a dialogue, provide helpful DIY tips, and tag other events, pages, and people in your post.
• Request for customer reviews. It is a chance to allow the hard work and customer service to speak for you. It is human nature to be negativity-biased. There are unhappy customers, who will desire to broadcast their bad experience and will not bother if it is good. Therefore, offer an incentive to influence them to write a review. Remember to thank them! Never delete bad reviews, but use this opportunity to show other clients you care.

Few troubleshooting techniques associated with GMB

Business is listed but not yet claimed

Occasionally, already listed business on GMB has not been claimed. Therefore, when you type a business name for a search in the existing listing choose one that precisely matches your brand. If it doesn’t, then make a new listing.

Agree to terms of service and authority to manage the business. A verification code is sent to your Gmail, verify it. Until the page is verified you will be unable to edit contact info or address. Ensure to send verification to the physical address of your business.

Listed business is claimed by somebody else

Rather than just claiming an existing listing or creating a new one request for admin rights from the current page owner. Check the box that says, “I am authorized to manage this business and I agree to the Terms of Service”.

A window will open revealing that somebody else has verified the business listing. Open the select admin rights page and request for admin rights from the current page owner. If you don’t know the person who claimed choose ‘No’ for the two questions.

Offer formal business email addresses as ownership evidence. If you cannot reach the current page owner your ownership evidence will make it easy for the Google support team to identify that you are the one to gain page access.

Duplicate listings

If another user has claimed your listing, then request admit rights and follow the steps as above. In case the duplicates are listed under your account visit your Google+ homepage. Choose ‘Pages’ from the left-side drop-down menu and click on ‘Manage this page’. Choose ‘Edit’ and click on ‘delete this page’ as well as tick all the associated boxes to delete the page.