Local SEO – How to get well listed (Google My Business)

Hello everyone. In today's digital world, it is critical for small, medium-sized businesses to to be found online.

An effective way to improve online visibility is to implement a solid SEO strategy. In this guide, we'll walk you through step-by-step the key SEO measures local businesses can take to stand out in local search results.

Local SEO – This is why it’s important

Small and medium-sized companies should be easy to find locally.
Why it is like that? Customers search/google for the best service providers in the region.

An effective SEO strategy can help increase this visibility – to acquire more customers.

Example

I am looking for a hairdresser in Hanau and therefore enter in the search: “Friseur Hanau”

On Google, the following information is displayed for companies: name, address, reviews, telephone number and opening hours.

It is important to know that companies are displayed here in a separate “Businesses” section. Which entry is at the top depends on various factors:

• The relevance of the search query to the company (e.g. match of search terms) – basic factor.
• The user's distance from the business (Google attempts to provide local results based on the user's proximity to the business's location)
• The quality and completeness of the company's Google My Business listing (includes information such as address, phone number, opening hours, reviews, etc.)
• The authority and relevance of the company's website (this is determined by factors such as backlinks, content quality and usability)

To stand out in local search results and attract potential customers, it is crucial to consider these factors.

Using local keywords related to the business and region is crucial to be visible in local search results:

Here are some examples:

1. “Pizza delivery service Stuttgart-Mitte”
2. “Dental practice Berlin-Friedrichshain”
3. “Craftsmen Hamburg-Altona”
4. “Café Altstadt Munich”
5. “Fitness studio Cologne-Ehrenfeld”
6. “Veterinary practice Dresden-Neustadt”
7. “Car repair shop Frankfurt-Sachsenhausen”
8. “Hairdresser Leipzig-Centre”
9. “Bakery Nuremberg-Gostenhof”
10. “Travel agency Düsseldorf-Altstadt”

Most often potential customers are looking for: Industry + city

Google My Business – creation + optimization

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a free tool from Google that allows companies to manage and optimize their online presence. Google Business Profiles can be used to manage the information about a listing that appears in Google Maps.

Using this platform is free!

With Google My Business, businesses can display their information, such as address, phone number, opening hours and reviews, directly in Google search results and on Google Maps. This makes it easier for potential customers to access relevant information and contact the company directly.

Now I'll show you how to create a page (or entry) on Google MyBusiness:

1. Visit the Google My Business website: Go to the Google My Business website
2. Log in or create an account: If you already have a Google account, sign in. Otherwise, you can create a new account.
3. Click on “Add Location”: After logging in, click the “Add Location” or “Get Started” option.
4. Entering data: Fill out the form to enter information about your company. This includes the company name, address, telephone number, website and other relevant information.
5. Confirmation of business information: Google will ask you to review and confirm the business information. This can be done through a phone call or a postcard with a verification code.
6. Optimization of your entry: Once verified, you can optimize your listing by adding photos, updating hours, managing customer reviews, and posting regular updates.
7. Review and update: Check your listing regularly to ensure all information is current. You can also use Insights to gain insights into your listing's performance and adjust accordingly.

Video instructions

There is also an informative video tutorial on YouTube by “Seokratie GmbH”:

Thanks at this point to Seocracy GmbH.

Content marketing: creating relevant content

Tip: Create high-quality, informative content specifically aimed at your local audience.

• Blog posts (on website + Google MyBusiness),
• Videos,
• Infographics
• local event information

Valuable information is important and can maintain the trust of potential customers and demonstrate expertise in the local area.

Where to post the content? On your own website, on Google My Business, and social media. This increases reach and interaction with potential customers.

Do you have any questions or concerns? Then feel free to write a comment.
Do you need SEO advice? Feel free to contact me via this link.