In today's digital landscape, Google My Business (GMB) isn’t just an add-on; it’s a necessity for local businesses striving for visibility and success. According to a recent survey, an overwhelming 82% of local marketing experts believe that optimizing GMB significantly boosts local pack rankings. With that in mind, it’s crucial to understand how GMB can enhance your local SEO strategy.
Key Insights from the Survey
The Importance of GMB: 68% of the experts reported that GMB has become more vital in the last year. As Niki Mosier from Two Octobers notes, “Google My Business is such an important tool for local businesses as it's often the first thing searchers come across.” In a world where a single search can lead potential customers directly to your competitors, ignoring GMB can be detrimental.
Top GMB Tasks: When it comes to what local marketers value most about GMB, the top tasks include growing Google reviews, fighting spam, keeping information up-to-date, responding to reviews, and writing posts. Experts agree that engaging with customers through Google posts can drive substantial traffic and interactions. “GMB is such an important tool since it feeds the 3-pack displayed near the top of Google's search results,” says Dan Foland from Postali.
The Evolving Landscape: Despite its importance, some experts have voiced concerns over GMB's current state. Issues like spam and the accuracy of GMB Insights highlight the need for improvement. As Crystal Horton from Accelerate Marketing puts it, “When we optimize GMB, we increase ranking quickly and effectively.” Yet, there’s still work to be done in refining the platform to better serve local businesses.
Visibility vs. Organic Rankings: While 82% see GMB as effective for local rankings, only 18% find it effective for organic search. This discrepancy emphasizes that while GMB is powerful for local visibility, it shouldn’t be the sole strategy for local SEO. “Local organic is still important and should definitely be included in a local SEO strategy,” advises Joy Hawkins from Sterling Sky Inc.
Features That Matter: Every expert in the survey utilized business descriptions, photos, and Google posts for their clients. Interestingly, the Q&A feature is also widely used, offering a direct line of communication between businesses and potential customers. As Claire Carlile from Claire Carlile Marketing states, “Having correct business info will influence a searcher's likelihood of taking that critical next step.”
The Path Forward
As the survey results clearly demonstrate, Google My Business is a vital tool for local businesses. However, there’s always room for improvement. Experts suggest that Google could enhance the platform by implementing better spam control and more intuitive messaging features.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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