
Every business desires more targeted visibility on Google. According to a report, 97% of people learn about a local business online. For this, many businesses optimize their website and Google Ads. However, many forget to optimize their Google business listing. According to a report, despite 167 billion searches performed on Google each month, a BrightLocal study stated that an average business profile averages 1,260 views during that period. The problem is not with Google Business Platform but that people don’t take full advantage of its features.
Optimizing GMB can boost local search visibility and drive organic traffic to your brand. A well/managed GMB profile can impact customer acquisition and the success of your business.
In this article, we’ll learn how to claim a Google Business Profile and, important features of GMB. Also, some tips to optimize Google Business Profile Listing!
How to claim your Google Business Profile listing
Google My Business is provided by Google, which empowers business owners to display their essential services and goods related to their business. It is important to claim your GMB listing. It marks your presence and signals potential customers that you’re open for business. Also, it enhances your online visibility. For example, you’re a local furniture owner and you want to ensure that everyone searching for “Furniture store near me” finds your local store. By claiming your GMB listing, you can take control of your own identity. Also, ensure your business information is accurate and up-to-date.
Claiming GMB is simple; if your business has been there for a while, there is a good chance that an existing listing would be there for you. Google generated it for you based on general information available. If this is the case, then you must verify that you’re the true owner and start managing your listing.
However, if your business doesn’t exist on Google, then what can you do? You can create a new listing for your business. In the GMB search page, click Add your business to Google. Then follow the prompts to fill in your business details. Once you have created and claimed a business listing on Google, you can enjoy various other features as well. It enhances your visibility and displays your business information to the relevant customers. You can find information such as working hours, contact information, working days, etc. You can also respond to your customers’ reviews. It helps in building credibility. You can add high-quality images to attract more customers. You can optimize it to enhance your reach and traffic. It will also boost your local seo. In addition, you can gain insights into how your customers find and interact with your business. Using these, you can enhance business performance.
Features of Google My Business Listing

Google My Business offers multiple features so that businesses can enhance their online presence and connect with more customers. Some of those features are
- Basic Business Information: It includes basic information about your business, such as name, address, phone number, type of business, hours of operation, etc.
- Google Map Integration: It helps in displaying your location on Google Maps so that customers can easily reach your physical store and find directions.
- Images and Videos: You can use high-quality images and videos to showcase your business, its products, and services. It helps in attracting customers and builds credibility.
- Reviews: Again, by responding to reviews, you can build trust and credibility. Customer reviews also help in building a positive reputation.
- Messaging: You can directly connect with customers through messages.
- Google Posts: You can share promotions, events, and updates with your customers.
- Appointments: Using the GMB listing, customers can directly book an appointment with your business.
- Insights: Track important performance metrics such as phone calls, directions, website clicks, etc.
- Attributes: Highlight unique and special features of your business, such as Wifi availability, wheelchair accessibility, etc.
- Products: Display a catalogue of your products with professional images and descriptions. You can use images taken from different angles for better understanding.
By efficiently using these features, businesses can optimize their GMB listing and improve their local search visibility and traffic.
Tips to optimize your Google Business Profile Listing

Here are some of the tips to optimize your Google Business Profile Listing
- Create Google Business Account: A Google Business account is a separate entity from Google My Business Account. GMB is used to gain access and optimize Google Business accounts. You can connect both Google accounts.
- Complete Every Section: By completing all the sections of the GMB, you can rank higher in Google local search engine, but it also enhances the number of actions taken by customers when they find your profile. Sections that require more time are category and attributes, Questions and answers, products and services, etc.
- Contact Information: Ensure that your name is identical to your store or business’s name. Adding location names or keywords is considered spam by Google. Also, ensure that your business name and address match with your other listing. Provide your working hours and days clearly and specifically so that customers can reach you smoothly.
- Optimize “From The Business” Description: The brief description that appears below your business profile is generated by Google. It is called an editorial summary written by Google to ensure consistency over the platform. However, you can optimize “From The Business Section of your Google Business Profile. Use 750 characters, Repurpose content, use keywords that your audience can use to find your business, avoid using HTML, and don’t post similar information.
- Category: Select the category that is relevant to your business. Once you have chosen your category, Google will provide you with category-specific features to make your profile more attractive. Be specific while selecting a category, and also select secondary categories as well for better clarity. However, don’t overuse it.
- Attributes: Once you have selected a category, Google will provide you with a list of attributes that you can select to further describe your business.
- Google Reviews: Reviews are one of the key ranking factors. Businesses with more positive reviews get a preference from the customers. Also, Google displays a business profile in search results if it has reviews that contain those keywords. Include strong local backlinks for better reach and enhanced credibility.
- Posting on Google Business Profile: You can post on your Google Business profile about announcements, events, offers, etc. It shows up in the “Updates Section” toward the bottom of your business profile. Posts increase the number of actions taken by customers. It also ranks your business well. Post regularly and include relevant CTAs.
- Ask and Answer Questions: Answer the customer’s questions to build a better relationship and understanding with them. You must optimize this section because not only can anybody ask questions, but anybody can answer. This can also lead to inaccurate information in your account. Set up alerts whenever you leave a question or answer. You can create your own question and answer sets. Use relevant keywords in that set of questions and answers.
Optimizing your Google My Business is essential for boosting local search visibility and driving traffic. By using GMB features, responding to reviews, and keeping the information up-to-date, you can enhance your business’s online reach. Reviews play a key role in determining whether a customer will click on your business or not. Lumia 360 offers review management software wherein you can monitor and manage your reviews and online mentions in one dashboard, and increase your online visibility and traffic.
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