Doubling Down On Local With Google My Business SEO

You know, when it comes to local search, I like to think of it like a game of chess. Sure, you could just move your pieces around randomly and hope for the best, but the real masters of the game are the ones who can anticipate their opponent’s moves, strategize several steps ahead, and completely dominate the board.

And that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today – how to become a grand master of local SEO by harnessing the power of Google My Business (GMB), the modern-day Yellow Pages. Buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into some eye-opening local SEO stats and uncover the secrets to doubling down on your local presence.

First off, let’s talk about the sheer magnitude of local search. According to Semrush’s local SEO statistics, a massive 46% of all Google searches have local intent. That’s almost half! And with mobile local search on the rise, thanks to a 400% year-over-year increase in the search term “open now near me,” it’s crystal clear that optimizing your GMB listing is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s an absolute must.

But here’s the thing – it’s not just about having a GMB listing; it’s about having a killer one that outshines your competitors. And that all starts with the fundamentals – keeping your business information complete and accurate. As Thrive Agency points out, businesses with a fully optimized GMB listing are seven times more likely to be clicked on than those with incomplete information.

Now, let’s talk about that all-important first impression. When someone searches for your business, the first thing they see is your GMB listing – and that means your photos, your reviews, and your overall presentation. In fact, according to the Local Search Forum, a whopping 30-40% of consumers skip right to apps like Google Maps to find local businesses. That’s a huge chunk of potential customers you can’t afford to miss out on.

But it’s not just about looks – it’s also about engagement. Did you know that simply responding to customer reviews, good or bad, can increase the number of reviews your business receives by 12%? As Joe Coffee points out, this not only builds trust with potential customers but also demonstrates to Google that your business is active and engaged.

And speaking of Google, let’s not forget the importance of staying on their good side. As SearchLab Digital discovered, businesses with below 4.5-star ratings on Yelp have a lower chance of appearing in Siri’s voice search results. Ouch! That’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s a stark reminder that reputation management should be a top priority.

But it’s not all doom and gloom – there’s a silver lining to this local SEO conundrum. According to Semrush’s own case studies, one of their clients, WebServ, reported a 74% increase in website visits and an 83% jump in phone calls in just two months after using Semrush’s Listing Management tool to boost their client’s online authority. Now, that’s the kind of success story that gets me pumped up!

So, if you’re ready to take your local SEO game to the next level and dominate your market, it’s time to double down on Google My Business. Start by claiming and verifying your listing, then dive headfirst into optimizing every nook and cranny – from your business description to your photos to your reviews. And don’t forget to keep a close eye on your performance metrics, because the more you track, the more you can tweak and fine-tune your strategy.

Remember, local search is a battlefield, and the spoils of war go to the savviest of marketers. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to suit up, strategize, and claim your rightful place at the top of the local search rankings. MCR SEO is here to help you every step of the way, so let’s get started on your path to local SEO domination.