You’ve probably learned that adding keywords to your Google My Business profile will help your small business to rank higher. But how do you go about adding keywords to your local business’ GMB? Truly, the use of relevant keywords on your Google My Business listing is one important factor for Local SEO.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to add keywords to your Google My Business profile, and why it is important for your online presence.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business (GMB) is a free online product from Google that allows businesses to establish and manage their web presence across Google, including search and maps. It enables businesses to provide information about their products or services, business description, hours of operation, and other business attributes.
What Are Keywords?
Keywords are specific phrases or words that people use to find information in search engines like Google. When you add keywords to your Google My Business profile, it helps Google understand what your business is about, making it more likely to show up in relevant search results.
Why Are Keywords Important for Google My Business?
When someone searches for a business on Google, the search engine looks for relevant keywords in the business’s Google My Business profile. If your profile doesn’t have any keywords or doesn’t have the right ones, your business may not show up in search results. By adding the right keywords to your profile, you can improve your chances of showing up in front of potential customers.
How to Add Keywords to Your Google My Business Profile (6 Steps)
Here are the steps to add keywords to your Google My Business profile:
1. Identify Relevant Keywords
The first step is to identify relevant keywords about your company. These are words or phrases that potential customers are likely to use when searching for products or services related to your business. To find appropriate keywords, use tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush.
2. Add Keywords to Your Business Description
Your business description is an important section of your Google My Business profile. It provides potential customers with an overview of your business, products or services, and other important information. Make sure to include relevant keywords in your business description, but avoid keyword stuffing.
3. Add Keywords to Your Business Categories
When creating your Google My Business profile, you will be asked to select business categories that best describe your business. Make sure to select categories that are relevant to your business, and include relevant keywords in those categories.
4. Add Keywords to Your Business Attributes
Business attributes are additional features or services that your business offers. Examples consist of “free Wi-Fi”, “outdoor seating”, and “wheelchair accessible”. Make sure to include relevant keywords in your business attributes, but avoid over-optimization.
5. Add Photos and Videos with Relevant Keywords
Adding photos and videos to your Google My Business profile can help to attract potential customers and showcase your products or services. Make sure to add relevant keywords to your photo and video captions and filenames.
6. Encourage Customer Reviews with Relevant Keywords
Encourage customers or clients to provide feedback on your Google My Business profile. Reviews can help to improve your search engine rankings and attract potential customers. Make sure to include relevant keywords in your responses to customer reviews.
What to Avoid when Adding Keywords to Your Google My Business
While adding keywords to your Google My Business profile can improve your online visibility and search rankings, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid, such as:
Don’t Stuff Keywords
Keyword stuffing refers to the practice of adding too many keywords to a page in an attempt to manipulate search engine rankings. This is a violation of Google’s guidelines and can result in penalties or even a complete removal from search results.
Make sure your keywords are relevant and fit naturally into your profile description and other relevant sections. Don’t force them in unnaturally or use irrelevant keywords that have no connection to your business.
Don’t Over-Optimize
While it’s important to optimize your Google My Business profile for search engines, don’t forget that it’s also important to make it user-friendly and informative for potential customers. Don’t put readability and user experience at risk for the sake of optimization.
Don’t Duplicate Content
Avoid copying and pasting content from other websites or using the same description for multiple locations. This can result in duplicate content penalties and hurt your search rankings. Instead, create unique and relevant content for each location.
Don’t Neglect Your Business Information
While adding keywords is important, don’t forget to keep your business information accurate and up-to-date. This comprises your company’s name, address, phone number, and operating hours. Verify that the information is consistent across all online directories and platforms.
By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on creating a high-quality and informative Google My Business profile, you can improve your online visibility and attract more potential customers.
FAQs
How many keywords should I add to my Google My Business profile?
You can add up to 10 keywords to your Google My Business profile. We recommend adding at least five relevant keywords.
Can I change my keywords after adding them to my Google My Business profile?
Yes, you can update your keywords at any time. Simply log in to your Google My Business account and edit your profile.
Do I need to add keywords to every section of my Google My Business profile?
No, you don’t need to add keywords to every section of your profile. However, it’s a good idea to add them to your business description and other relevant sections.
What areas of my Google My Business profile can I add keywords to?
You can include keywords to your business name, business description, business category, services, posts, and questions and answers section.
Can I hire someone to optimize my GMB profile for me?
Yes, there are many professionals and agencies that specialize in Google My Business optimization. It’s essential that you do the necessary research and select a reliable service.
Optimize Your GMB with 427 Digital
Adding keywords to your Google My Business profile is an important step in improving your online visibility. By researching the right keywords and optimizing your profile, you can increase your chances of showing up in relevant search results. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to add keywords to your profile and optimize your online presence
At 427 Digital, we specialize in helping businesses improve their online presence through effective digital marketing strategies. If you need help optimizing your Google My Business profile or improving your local SEO, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts can help you achieve your business goals and attract more potential customers.
