Google My Business: Your Local SEO Powerhouse (Local Marketing Series)

Some SEO is hard. Other stuff should be filed under easy wins like Google My Business! Learn about optimizing and promoting your listing.

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LJ Barnum & Fahad
February 21, 2025

Welcome back! We hope you’re feeling refreshed this week.

I dunno about you, but the first thing I do when I need something is Google it (if there’s no subject matter expert within punching distance) so it’s pretty important to show up there.

Rewinding back to last week – did you set up your Google listing? (If you also setup Yelp it’s bonus points! If not, here’s the links for Google My Business (GMB) and Yelp again.)

If you did, you may have already received your verification postcard in the mail (or will get it in a few days at most).

Once you’re verified you’re going to start showing up on Google Maps and Google Search.

Now it’s time to optimize!

Very Important – NAP-ping

Now, you’ve got the listing filled out with your business info…but it’s not time to NAP yet.

(NAP meaning Name, Address, Phone here unfortunately.)

These three need to be consistent down to the character:

  • 702-555-5555 is not the same as 7025555555 or (702)555-5555 – choose one and stick to it

  • If you have initials in your brand name (i.e., JK Dude), make sure to either stick to J.K. or JK

  • Address should include: # Street Name, Ste/Apt #, City, State, Zip

Local (well, all) businesses get dinged if these aren’t consistent and when half of the fun is clients being able to find your office or storefront it’s, y’know, kinda important.

Making It Real

Adding photos and video is a simple way to stand out and add more searchable keywords to your profile.

In the interest of our series this also helps you from a branding angle. 

Pics of happy clients in new homes, deliveries of new inventory, or calming environments with descriptions add extra places you can show up like Google Images.

Videos are an easy way to showcase your team and your office space or for testimonials.

(Just don’t edit the videos with overlays!)

Other Optimizations

  • Business and service offerings shouldn’t be over complicated but you still need to work in your keywords. Your city and main keyword will do!

  • Getting reviews is as simple as asking! Customers will naturally add keywords you want to rank for when they do (or at the very least you’ll get a 5-star review).

  • Replying to reviews signals to the powers that be at Google that your business is reputable and recommendable.

Beyond Insightful Data

GMB is part of the Seach Console – which is the place all the data generated from Google Marketing Platform’s offerings is centeralized in the dashboard.

Paired with your keyword rankings, you’ll see relevant phrases you’re showing up under. 

If those aren’t reflective of your brand then you should change your website and service/business descriptions.

(Similarly if the phrases aren’t up to par, you’re needing SEO work done.)

On the other side of insights is device data. 

Finding out what type of device your searchers are using (once the searches match what your brand does) can help you drop client acquisition costs when running local search ads.

Promoting Listings

The easiest way for us local businesses is always going to be our word of mouth.

Set up your business cards with QR codes to a link tree or directly to your Google listing.

Add it to your links on your Facebook page and on your website too for good measure.

(Just in case your clients miss your emails and throw away your business cards.)

You can also have us add an interactive map to your website for just $49! (Hit reply)

This Week’s Campaigns

Real Estate

Real Estate Tech Tools

Introduce helpful apps or online resources that can assist buyers and sellers in their real estate journey. This is a great place to highlight your tech stach and showcase a modern approach to buying and selling.

Therapy

Building Resilience

Share tips on developing resilience and bouncing back from setbacks, fostering mental strength and emotional well-being. This would make a great reel series or story series.

Retail/e-Commerce

Sustainable Practices

Showcase your commitment to sustainability by highlighting eco-friendly products or initiatives in your store such as carbon offsetting for shipping (and offer a free shipping coupon for sales!).

As always, we’ll see you next week!

Fahad & LJ