Maximizing your Google Business Profile with Guest Marilyn Jenkins
November 29, 2024
CONSUME CREATIVELY
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At lunch the other day a group of business people were complaining about how annoying their Google Business Profile is to use.
Aaaaand they’re not wrong. But managing your profile is a necessary evil…like going to the dentist – you don’t have to love it but you do have to do it.
You want to show up when people search for you on Google, right?
Your Google Business Profile determines 9% of your organic search ranking.
Ever wondered how to get your business show up on the search results map?
Your Google Business Profile determines 32% of the factors that get you on that map.
And just like everything else Google there’s a trick to getting your profile set up correctly so you can use it to it’s fullest potential.
So in this episode Monica welcomes Marilyn Jenkins, CEO of MJ Media Group, to crack the code and teach us how to maximize our Google Business Profiles.
Marilyn shares some super simple ways to:
- Get more real reviews without feeling like a pest (we’ve all been there, right? 🙃)
- Show up in Google’s “Map Pack” (the top 3 spots that customers actually look at)
- Keep your profile updated so people trust you, click on you, and, oh yeah, buy from you
And the best part? It’s easier than you think, once you know the tricks. So, give it a listen! You’ll be glad you did.
Maximizing Google Business Profile Reviews (0:04)
- Marilyn highlights the significance of Google business profile reviews for ranking—more impactful than Yelp or Trust Advisor.
- Marilyn encourages asking for reviews after a sale or job closure to accumulate at least 10 over time for a natural appearance.
Introduction to Google Business Profile and Local SEO (2:51)
- SEO is broader than just websites—discover the local pack concept for top search results.
- Marilyn explains the local pack’s placement relies on your Google business profile—which is key for effective Google business profile optimization.
Understanding Google Business Profile and Map Pack (5:09)
- Claim and optimize your Google business profile (GMB) like a business listing—similar to the Yellow Pages.
- Learn about the map pack, featuring the top three local search results, which are not paid ads.
- Update and interact with your GMB regularly to boost relevance in local searches—critical for local SEO tips.
Importance of Google Business Profile for Local Businesses (14:05)
- Leverage GMB for SEO and local visibility, akin to maintaining a blog.
- Commit to weekly updates with photos, reviews, and Q&A sections to demonstrate active engagement.
- Utilize GMB for answering educational questions and zero-click searches to enhance user experience.
Setting Up and Optimizing Google Business Profile (14:21)
- Follow the steps to claim and verify your GMB through mail, video, or instant verification.
- Ensure accurate NAP (name, address, phone number) and strategically prioritize keyword categories.
- Update your GMB weekly with fresh photos, videos, and articles for sustained engagement—essential for Google business profile optimization.
Handling Multiple Locations and Home-Based Businesses (17:10)
- Create separate GMBs for multiple locations where customers visit in person.
- Refresh hours and information weekly to maintain accuracy and relevance.
- Use mail services with street addresses for businesses that prefer not to disclose home addresses.
Importance of Reviews and Responding to Feedback (28:41)
- Focus on GMB reviews as ranking factors—avoid excessive reviews at once.
- Engage professionally with all reviews—both positive and negative—to foster trust and credibility.
- Embed keywords in responses to reviews and Q&A sections to improve relevance and visibility, following local SEO tips.
Engaging with Google Business Profile and Posting Content (36:02)
- Marilyn urges businesses to add new products and services to GMB weekly, integrating it into your overall marketing strategy.
- Write short articles and post them on GMB for added value and customer engagement.
- Ensure GMB mirrors your website for consistent information and keywords to enhance visibility.
Using Google Business Profile for Local Search Domination (41:14)
- Optimize and continually update GMB to secure a top-three position in local search results.
- Refer to Marilyn’s book, “Maximize Your GBP,” for detailed guidance on claiming, verifying, and optimizing GMB.
- Prioritize ownership and management of GMB to enhance local visibility and customer engagement.
Conclusion and Final Advice (43:12)
- Marilyn encourages business to take proactive steps to optimize your GMB for improved local search visibility and customer engagement.
- Marilyn stresses the importance of consistency, engagement, and accurate information on GMB to build trust and credibility.
Connect with Marilyn Jenkins:
Connect with Monica & the MayeCreate Team
Who Manifested This Madness?
This fabulous human, that's who.
Monica Maye Pitts
Monica is the creative force and founder of MayeCreate. She has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with an emphasis in Economics, Education and Plant Science from the University of Missouri. Monica possesses a rare combination of design savvy and technological know-how. Her clients know this quite well. Her passion for making friends and helping businesses grow gives her the skills she needs to make sure that each client, or friend, gets the attention and service he or she deserves.
