Google My Business (GMB) Profile Set Up & Optimization - The Ultimate Guide

Google My Business (GMB) is an essential tool for local businesses to enhance their online presence and attract potential customers. An optimized GMB profile can significantly boost your visibility in local search results and help attract more customers. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the necessary preparations, keyword strategies, and best practices to ensure your GMB profile stands out, as well as methods to prevent suspension.

Preparation Before Starting with GMB

Before you start optimizing your GMB profile, it's important to have all the necessary elements in place. This will not only make the setup process smoother but also ensure that your business appears professional and trustworthy to potential customers.

Website Requirements

Your business website is the cornerstone of your online presence. Make sure it includes the following essential pages:

• Home: Provide an overview of your business, highlighting what you offer and why customers should choose you.
• About: Share your business’s story, mission, vision, and values. Introduce key team members and their roles.
• Service: Detail the services or products you offer. Be specific about what you provide and how it benefits your customers.
• Privacy: Clearly outline your privacy policy, explaining how you handle customer data and protect their privacy.
• Contact: Provide your business address, phone number, email, and a contact form. Make it easy for customers to reach out to you.

Business Essentials

In addition to a well-structured website, ensure you have the following elements ready:

• Business Logo: A professional and recognizable logo that represents your brand.
• Images: High-quality images of your business premises, vehicles, staff, and any other relevant visuals. These images help build trust and make your profile more engaging.
• Business Name, Contact Number, and Email: Consistently display these details across all online platforms to avoid confusion and improve your SEO.

How to Identify Good Keywords

Selecting the right keywords is crucial for ensuring your business ranks well in local searches. Keywords should be relevant to your services and target audience. Here’s how to identify and use effective keywords:

Geographic Limitation

Google typically allows businesses to rank within a 5-10 mile radius. Therefore, it’s important to focus on local keywords that will help you rank within this area.

Keyword Planner Tool

Google’s Keyword Planner is a valuable tool for researching keywords. Follow these steps to identify the best keywords for your business:

• Research Keywords: Start by entering terms related to your business and services into the Keyword Planner. Focus on keywords relevant to your target country.
• Add to Forecast: Add these keywords to your forecast to see their potential performance.
• Set Up CPC: Set up cost-per-click (CPC) bids for these keywords to get an idea of the competition and cost.
• Specify City Locations: Add specific city locations to your keyword forecast to tailor your strategy to your local area.

Data Extraction

To fine-tune your keyword strategy, extract click data based on pincodes. This will help you identify which areas have the highest search volumes and potential call volumes. By focusing on these pincodes, you can optimize your GMB profile to attract more local customers.

Black Hat Strategies in GMB

While not recommended due to ethical and legal concerns, some businesses resort to black hat strategies to manipulate GMB rankings. It’s important to be aware of these tactics to avoid them and understand how they might impact your business.

Resource Links

Black hat strategies often involve using third-party resources to verify business information. Here are some commonly used resources:

• Florida: Sunbiz Corporation Search
• Other Locations: OpenCorporates
• BBB: bbb.org

Approval Process

Black hat tactics may include using company names and citations/backlinks to get GMB approval. Here’s how it’s typically done:

• Search for the Company: Use the resources above to search for the company.
• Verify the Pincode: Check the pincode to see if it has significant click data.
• Find Citations/Backlinks: Look for citations and backlinks related to the business name.
• Create GMB Profile: Use the business name and address found to create the GMB profile.

Requesting GMB

When requesting a GMB profile, it’s important to follow a structured approach to ensure your profile is verified and optimized. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Verification Requirements

Ensure you have the following elements ready:

• Website: A well-structured and professional website.
• Phone Number: A working phone number that customers can use to reach you.
• Gmail Account: A Gmail account for managing your GMB profile.
• Business Email Account: A professional business email account.

Modified Names

Adapt your business name to include locality for better local SEO. For example:

• Tree Solutions of Clermont, FL
• John's Roofing of Blacktown, NSW

Adding Details

When filling out your GMB profile, include the following details:

• Name: Your business name, modified for locality if necessary.
• Category: The primary category that best describes your business.
• No Location: Select this option if you don’t want to display your physical address.
• Service Area: Specify the areas you serve.
• Phone: Use the phone number listed on your website.
• Website: Add your business website URL.
• Zip Code: Use the zip code with the most clicks from your KW planner.
• Address: If you don’t have an address, find one from a business directory or "Zipcode realtor."

Verification

Google typically verifies your GMB profile via phone. Make sure to follow the prompts and add the initial details correctly.

Handling Verification Issues

If your GMB profile is not verified, you can try the following methods:

Bypass Video Verification

In some cases, businesses resort to bypass video verification. Here’s how it’s done:

• YouTube Search: Search for "highway cars making voices" on YouTube.
• Record Video: Record a video showing supposed documents while playing the YouTube video in the background.
• Google Review: Google reviews the video and may reject it, providing another verification method.

Creating a Fake Video

For those resorting to unethical practices, creating a fake video might be an option. Here’s how it’s typically done:

Tools and Proofs

Record a video showing:

• Location Proof: Display your business location.
• Keywords: Mention relevant keywords in the video.
• Door Actions: Show doors opening and closing.
• Tools: Display tools related to your business.
• Website: Mention your business website.

Chatting with Google Support

If you encounter issues, contacting Google support can help resolve them. Here’s how to do it:

Support Steps

• GMB Help: Go to the chat option in GMB help.
• Fill in Details: Provide the necessary information and select the appropriate support options.
• Create Documents: If needed, create utility bills, business signs, and business cards to provide as proof.

Requesting Multiple GMBs for the Same Business

For businesses needing multiple GMB profiles, here’s what you need to do:

Requirements

• Same Name and Website: Use the same business name and website.
• Different Details: Use different locations, addresses, phone numbers, and Gmail accounts.
• Follow Process: Follow the same verification process as outlined above.

White Hat GMB Strategy

For a legitimate approach to GMB optimization, follow these steps:

Steps

• Open LLC and DBA: Start by establishing your business legally with an LLC and DBA.
• Get Citations: Obtain citations for your business profile.
• Request GMB: Submit a request for your GMB profile.

Preventing GMB Suspension

To avoid suspension, it’s crucial to adhere to best practices and follow Google’s guidelines. Here are some key tips:

Initial Period

• Avoid Changes: Do not change any details in a fresh GMB for at least 7 days.
• Access Restrictions: Don’t add anyone to GMB access for at least 7 days.

Suspension Appeal

If your GMB profile is suspended, follow these steps to appeal the decision:

• Gather Evidence: Collect documents such as bills, registration, and licenses.
• Submit Appeal: Submit these documents to Google as part of your appeal.

By following these comprehensive guidelines, you can effectively optimize your GMB profile, enhance your online visibility, and attract more local customers while avoiding common pitfalls and ethical issues.