Ever wondered why some local businesses show up first on Google while others don’t even appear? The secret often lies in one powerful (and free) tool, Google My Business.”For local SEO, GMB acts as a cornerstone. Whether you run a coffee shop in Lahore, a clothing store in Karachi, or a consultancy in Islamabad, appearing in the local 3-Pack can significantly improve foot traffic, phone calls, and conversions.
What Is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free business listing on Google that allows local business owners to manage how their business appears across Google Search and Maps. Through a GMB profile, businesses can share their location, operating hours, phone number, website, photos, and customer reviews.
Also known as a Google Business Profile, this tool bridges the gap between business and consumer by offering valuable information and engaging features like messaging, posts, offers, and review responses.
Why Is Google My Business Important for Local SEO?
An up-to-date Google My Business listing is very important in local business marketing and search engine optimization (SEO). Here’s why:
• 3-pack presence: GMB listings increase the visibility of the business with the top 3 local results that can be viewed before the organic results.
• Categorization & Relevance: You are able to include certain categories and services, which will assist Google in matching your business against related local searches.
• Customer Interaction: Customers are able to engage in real time with your brand via the Google My Business reviews, questions and answers, and messaging.
In the case of local firms in Pakistan, the GMB profile would help offset the disadvantage of bigger firms by providing an increased online presence.
How to Set Up a Google My Business Account
There are two steps to create a Google My Business Account:
1- How to Create a Google My Business Account
Follow these steps to get started:
- Visit the GMB Homepage: Go to Google Business and click “Manage Now.”
- Sign in With Gmail: Sign in with Gmail or business email.
- Enter Name and Business Category: Name the main category most applicable to your business.
- Add Location or Service Area: Display your actual address or delimit service areas.
- Contact Details Add: Phone number and URL (of the site, in case it is known).
- Set Business Hours: Display normal and special hours. Enable Messaging: Allow customers to message you directly.
- Write a Business Description: Use keywords like “seo local Google My Business,” “how to get my business on Google first page.”
- Upload Photos: Show storefront, interiors, products, team, and services.
2- How to Verify and Publish Google My Business Listing
It is necessary to verify your Google My Business listing in order to be visible on Google Search and Maps. It guards you against having unapproved edits, and that confirms that you own the business.
Postcard Verification (Most Common)
Google mails a postcard with a code to your business address. Enter the code in your GMB account to verify. Most brick-and-mortar businesses use this method.
Phone Verification
Eligible businesses may receive a verification code via SMS or call. This is quicker than postcard verification.
Email Verification
Some businesses can verify through a code or link sent to their business email. Available for limited categories.
Video Verification
You may be asked to record or join a live video call showing your storefront, signage, and operations.
Verification Without Postcard
In select cases, businesses can verify without a postcard. Options depend on your category and location. Google shows available methods during setup. Always check that your business name, address, and phone number are correct before verifying.
How to Report a Google My Business Account
When there are spammy or spam listings that do not reflect Google’s guidelines, it is best to report these so that no business will unfairly gain visibility over another honest one. The “Suggest an Edit” option on the business listing page allows posting suggestions or reporting an issue.
When it is more severe-e.g., fake address, keyword stuffing, impersonation- raise a complaint on the Business Redressal Complaint Form.
Determining Google My Business Ranking Factors
Google uses several factors to determine which businesses appear higher in local results:
- Relevance: How well your business profile matches the user’s search intent
- Proximity: How close your business is to the searcher’s location
- Prominence: Overall online presence, including reviews, ratings, backlinks, and mentions across the web
To improve your local ranking, regularly update your profile, gain positive reviews, and maintain consistent citations. Focus on completing your profile fully and accurately.
Monitoring Google Business Profile Insights
Insights help you understand how users interact with your profile and where improvements can be made. Regularly checking this data can guide your local SEO efforts.
How Customers Find Your Profile
- Direct Searches: Users who search your business name or address directly
- Discovery Searches: Users who search for a category, product, or service that your business offers
Understanding this helps you know whether your branding or keyword strategy is working.
Where Customers Find You on Google
Insights show whether customers viewed your profile via Google Search or Google Maps. This data helps you understand how people prefer to find local businesses like yours.
Customer Actions
This section shows how users interact with your profile:
- Clicks to your website
- Phone calls
- Messaging requests
- Photo views
Track these actions to understand what drives engagement.
Directions Requests
Displays where the customers are originating when they ask to be directed. This can be used to assist in geo-targeted marketing or expansion.
Phone Calls
Track the number of calls your business receives through GMB and identify patterns based on day and time. This helps optimize business hours and response times.
Tips for Optimizing GMB Account for Local SEO
To rank higher and attract more local customers, optimization is key. Here are essential GMB optimization tips:
Keep Your Information Up to Date
You should make sure to be aware that your business information, name, address, phone number, web URL, and hours are accurately available at all times. The ratings may find the inconsistency to be offensive.
Select Primary and Secondary Categories
Choose a primary category that best describes your business. Add relevant secondary categories to cover all your services. For example, “Digital Marketing Agency” can also include “Advertising Agency.”
Add Your Products and Services
List your products or service names, descriptions, and pricing. This is a boost to service-based businesses and retail businesses.
Use The Product Catalog
Suits eCommerce and retail companies spectacularly. Display your stock images, categories, and prices.
Set Up Messaging
Enable messaging to enable the customers to message you directly through your GMB profile. Be responsive as a way to foster trust.
Use Special Attributes
Include such attributes as the Women-led, Wheelchair accessible, or Veteran-owned to showcase the features of the business that are important to a particular audience.
Answers to frequently asked questions should be provided with the Q&A section. Even self-inquiry and self-resolution of questions is possible to guide the users.
Publish Posts and Photos
Post new photos of your company/your employees, events, and deals on a regular basis. Post promotions, news, or blog links in feature posts.
Respond to Reviews
Always respond to customer reviews. Thank happy clients and address negative feedback professionally. This builds credibility and boosts engagement.
Conclusion
With a localised audience within Pakistan or a global approach, Google My Business is the key to gaining local awareness and credibility. Not only does it assist you in displaying your business on Google Maps, but it also makes your business rank higher in the SEO results.
CTA: Ready to grow your local visibility? Let Fulfillit help you set up a fully optimized GMB profile today!”
FAQs
1. Can I manage multiple Google My Business listings from one account?
Yes, Google can work around several business accounts under a single account via Business Manager. This is very convenient for agencies or businesses that have numerous locations.
2. Is Google My Business free to use?
Yes, free of charge, you will create and run a Google My Business (now Google Business Profile) account. You won’t pay to look for speedy search results and restrictive Google Maps.
3. How long does it take for changes on my Google Business Profile to appear?
The majority of the updates, such as hours, photos, or descriptions, are revealed in several minutes to several hours. Some of the edits, though, could take longer, up to 24-72 hours to go through the manual review.
4. What happens if someone else claims my business on Google?
In a situation where your business has been claimed by another individual, you can claim it by clicking on the Request Access on the listing and fill a verification form in Google.
5. Do I need a website to create a Google Business Profile?
Well, no, you do not need a website. But, the presence of one gives you a high degree of credibility and adds opportunities to make searchers customers.
