When it comes to local search results, Google uses several factors to determine which results appear for different queries and how high they rank among other listings. Results are based on relevance, distance, and prominence, meaning that your business needs to be related to the search query, located near the origin of the search, and well-recognized within the community. These are all factors that you can influence by properly maintaining your Google Business Profile. Here are the steps you should take to keep your business ranking well in local search results.
Complete and Update Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile should include information to indicate where your business is, what you do, how customers can interact with your business, and what hours you’re available. Selecting the right business category, attributes, products, and services is important for helping Google identify your business as a relevant search result for specific queries. It’s also necessary to verify the correct address of your business, update your hours (including adding special holiday hours or closures), and include an accurate phone number for your business.
Answer Questions on Google
Even with a complete profile, there may be some questions customers have before they visit your business. They can ask those questions directly on Google, so you should check for new questions often and offer helpful answers to them.
Respond to Customer Reviews
Your business’s prominence affects how often you appear in local search results. In other words, your business needs to be known within your community to show up in online searches. Reviews help Google understand that people know and trust your business, especially if you respond to the reviews that you get on Google. Responding to reviews also encourages future customers to leave their feedback, since they’ll know that it’s likely to be seen by the business owner.
Managing your Google Business Profile listing and other local search factors can be time-consuming. Leverage Marketing can take that work off your to-do list and keep your business on the map. Schedule a free strategy call with our team to get started on your local marketing today.
