Where is my Google Listing?

So you have built a website for your business and created a free business profile on Google My Business, but you don’t see your listing when you perform a search. Where is it?

In our previous blog, “What is SEO?” we discussed how Google uses a ranking system when users perform searches. The same applies to Google listings. Google uses a ranking system to show the most appropriate listings for the search. There are several factors involved in ranking business listings.

The first is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Having a lot of keywords on your website that relates to what your customers are searching for is a big part of showing up higher on the results.

The second is your distance. It is important to have your location listed, so when potential customers are nearby and perform a search, if your business is closer to them then your business profile on Google will show up higher in the results. Make sure to go through the process to verify your business. When people search for a local business they will likely use Google maps to find you. 

The last is your business’s prominence. If you are active in posting to your business’s Google My Business page, as well as on social media, it will help you to rank higher.

So what can you do to improve your chances of appearing higher in search results?

Here are a few tips to help:

1. Make sure that your business’s information is filled out completely with the phone number, and business address for local searches and is updated regularly. If you have a change in store hours, update your Google My Business account, if you add another location, update your Google My Business account, etc.
2. Add photos of your business and the products/services you provide. Including high-quality photos can help you rank higher because customers will be able to see what you provide as well as what your business looks like.
3.  Set up a section for customers to ask questions, and then submit answers regularly. Some customers find it easier to ask questions directly through the listing as opposed to making a phone call.
4. Create posts on your business profile regularly! You can make sales posts, event posts, and update posts. Activity on your profile helps you to rank higher.
5. Generate reviews for your listing. Sending past customers your review link and asking them to post can also help you to rank higher on the listings. Make sure to also respond to those reviews.

All in all the two main keys for ranking higher in the Google Listings are SEO and activity. For help with managing your business listing on Google, contact Muldrow Marketing and let our Google experts take the stress out of ranking!