Why Google My Business?
An online directory listing similar to Yelp (not Facebook) but more valuable
Can expand your online visibility (a second website)
Displays valuable information to your prospects (directions, hours, etc)
Can display rich media in central location (photos, videos, social profiles)
Can display customer reviews
Carries strong weight in local ranking algorithm
Strong Weighting for GMB Factors
http://moz.com/local-search-ranking-factors
GMB Dashboard
Google My Business Setup
https://www.google.com/business/
Scenarios
1. Your business is listed correctly and you need to verify it
2. Your business is listed and it’s already verified
3. Your business is not listed and you need to create a new one
Setup Checklist
Check that you don’t already have a listing before creating a new one
Ensure that your contact information is exactly as it appears on your website, Facebook page and other online directories
Use your legal business name
Choose the best categories
Add rich media (photos and videos)
Create a compelling introduction
Ensure that listing is 100% complete
Verify listing
My Business Troubleshooting
NAP Consistency
Consistent name, address and phone number (especially on GMB listing and website)
Strong trust symbol and important ranking factor
Update your listing everywhere online if your address, business name or phone number changes
NAP+W (website URL) should be consistent
NAP Consistency
Should only be 1 local listing associated with your physical location (exception: realtors, physicians and other practitioners)
Duplicate/Additional listings can compete with each other and confuse people searching for contact info
Seek and destroy these listings. May require assistance from GMB support
Dupes/Additional Incorrect Listings
Dupes/Additional Incorrect Listings
Identifying Page Types
Can be quite tricky to identify what page type you are using (especially for unverified pages)
If verified, should have a “Verified Local Business” badge
If not verified, check to see if there is a large map for cover artwork
If there is a tagline on the About tab, it’s not a local page
Non-verified local pages should have a map on the about tab
Reviews are no longer a good indicator of page type
Advanced Optimization Tips
Business View
Business View
An Amazing Introduction
Respond to Negative Reviews
Share Updates
Optimize Photos & Videos
Questions?