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Google is still the leader when it comes to online search. As of July 2019, Google controlled over 90 percent of all searches. When someone does a Google search, they express intent, and this intent can become free traffic. Paid keyword advertising works, but it's not the only way to get clicks and customers. If you've ever noticed that some businesses are just below the paid ads on Google Maps, they are doing these four things to their business profile.

It's also important to understand that your business will not appear on Google Maps unless you establish a Google My Business (GMB) profile for each location. Google the phrase "Google My Business" to find a direct link to set up your GMB profile. It is connected to your Google account.

If you are organizing a new location, you will want to choose between a service location and a physical location. A physical location is an actual office or retail space, like a doctor's or lawyer's office. Clients come to you. A service location is where you service a neighborhood or town but do not have an office or retail space. Examples include a plumber, realtor, or HVAC service, technician. You go to the client. In both cases, you need a mailing address so Google can mail you a postcard verification. You "claim" your listings and start to take charge of your online presence.

With all that in mind, let's go over these four quick and easy tips to increase your business' visibility on Google Maps!

1. Photos

You have to upload relevant photos. This cannot be stressed enough. You don't have to hire a professional photographer, and smartphones will suffice. Take as many pictures of your business as possible. Make sure to rename each image to include the business name and what's in the picture. By doing this, you correctly label the photo per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, helping Google quickly understand what the image is about, thereby making it easier for the algorithm to deliver more reliable outcomes.

Additional photo ideas include clients, customers, products, food, and before and afters. You can never have too many photos. Just make sure that they are relevant to your business!

2. Embed your Google Maps profile on your website

Google wants you to use their tools, and one of the easiest ways to send signals to Google that your GMB profile is getting traffic is by taking advantage of your website's existing traffic. So, that means you want to embed the small Google map on your site. Whenever someone visits your site, they view the embedded Google Map, and Google picks up on this even if they don't click on the map.

Search for your business on Google Maps. When you find it, click on the "share" option and select "embed map." Copy that code and place it on your site, just like embedding a YouTube video.

3. Reviews

The more clicks that your profile is getting, then the more often Google delivers it as a search engine result on Google Maps. The more reviews you have, the more likely people will click on your profile. This is known as social proof.

Try to get better at requesting reviews from your customers, clients, patrons, friends, and family. Getting reviews is like an art. You will get better at the more you do it. So, don't be surprised or even offended when you have to ask someone for a review or testimonial more than once. Studies show that you are more likely to get a review after a customer experiences a "high." This typically happens after a purchase or a good meal. It's precisely at these moments that you and your team should be asking for reviews.

4. Accurate information

Make sure your business phone number, website, and hours of operation are up-to-date. Use a different browser and test out the links to the phone and website. Are they accurate? Do they work? Is the phone ringing to the correct person? Does the website link to the homepage or right product or service? These are all things you should be testing. It's all about the customer experience, and the longer you keep the customer on your GMB profile, the more Google wants to help you deliver the best and most relevant search results to the consumer. 

Google has a world of tools and online signals that assist them in determining search engine results. To be competitive, your business needs to be complete and professional on your GMB profile. If your business profile isn't finished, has inaccurate information, and doesn't have any photos of your business or pictures of you at work, you likely won't show up.

Use these four helpful hints to renew your Google My Business and Google Maps profiles so that you get greater online visibility!

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