How To Add Keywords To Google My Business — A Full Guide

Do you want to know how you can make your Google Business profile distinct from the millions of profiles available?

Do you know how to utilize your Google Business profile to your advantage?

One of the simplest and most effective methods to enhance your online presence and differentiate yourself from rivals is by incorporating keywords into your profile.

In this post, I’ll be sharing five top tips on how to add keywords to Google My Business that anyone can implement.

What is Google My Business and why it matters

Google My Business is a free tool offered by Google that allows businesses to create a listing on Google’s search engine and maps. You can create a listing on Google My Business with essential details about your business, including address, phone number, website, operating hours, and customers’ reviews.

Creating a profile on GMB helps you to improve your visibility online, manage your online presence, and connect with your customers.

If you want to attract local customers, a GMB profile is a must-have, but even if you have an online or global business, a GMB profile helps to boost your brand credibility and visibility.

But Google My Business (GMB) is more than just a directory listing.

Using this tool for marketing purposes can be highly effective in attracting and retaining customers, and also boost brand engagement. Especially, when you optimize your GMB profile with relevant keywords and accurate information, you increase your chances of appearing in local search results.

Why should you add keywords to your GMP profile?

1. Get found by your customers

By adding keywords to your GMB listing, you can help potential customers find your business and get the information they need quickly.

For example, if you add “Italian restaurant” as a keyword to your GMB profile, someone searching for “Italian restaurant near me” is more likely to see your business in the search results.

2. Drive more traffic and sales

Using the relevant keywords to your GMB profile is also a great way to drive traffic to your website., or even your physical store.

Let’s say your audience is searching for high-intent keywords like “women’s fashion” or “local boutique”. If you have a women’s fashion retail store, your audience can find your shop directly on Google and pay a visit.

Naturally, this can lead to a jump in sales.

3. Build competitive advantage

If you use the right keywords in your GMB profile that lets your audience find you, it is obvious that you will have a competitive edge over other businesses like you who are not using those keywords or not using them correctly.

How to add keywords to Your Google My Business listing

Now that you have chosen the right keywords for your GMB listing, it’s time to add them to your profile. Here are some places where you can add keywords to your GMB profile:

1. Create a clear business name

Including a keyword or two in your business name can help your business rank higher in search results.

For example, if your business is a cleaning service, you could add the word “cleaning” to your business name, such as “XYZ — Cleaning Services.”

2. Optimize your business description

Your business description is one of the first things your audience will see when they find your listing in Google search results.

It is an excellent place to add relevant keywords that accurately reflect your business’s products or services.

For example, if your business is a hair salon, your description could include keywords such as “haircuts,” “hairstyling,” and “hair color.”

We saw an example of this before with the use of coffee and ambience related words to describe a cafe.

3. Write detailed product and service descriptions

You can add a big list of services and products in Google My Business.

If you offer services, you can choose from Google’s inbuilt list, or also create your own. If you create your own, it is a wonderful opportunity to add the keywords you want to target.

You can also add keywords in the titles, descriptions and photos of your products.

Also enter available attributes for your products and services, such as price, size, color, and brand. This will provide more information to potential customers and help improve your search rankings.

Here’s an example on how to create a product on GMB with a competitive keyword and long-tail keywords:

• Product title: “Organic Dog Food”
• Product Description: “Our dog food is made with locally-sourced, high-quality organic ingredients that are both beneficial to your furry friend and have a positive impact on the environment.”
• Service title: “Dog Grooming”
• Service description: “Our experienced groomers provide top-quality dog grooming services that will leave your pet looking and feeling their best.”
• Product attributes: “Organic”, “Grain-Free”, “Made in USA”
• Service attributes: “Bath”, “Nail Clipping”, “Ear Cleaning”

4. Choose all relevant categories

Business categories help Google understand what your business is all about and which search results to show it in.

You don’t really have a lot of control in creating your new categories, you have to choose from Google’s list. However, the good thing is that you get to add multiple categories to describe your business.

Choose the ones which are closely related to one another, and cover the whole spectrum of your offers.

With the example of cleaning services, for example, you can choose “House cleaning”, “house cleaning service”, “carpet cleaning service”, and more.

Pro tip:

When you first create your GMB profile, you can only add one category. But once you have finished setting up your profile, you will have the option to add multiple categories.

5. Regularly update posts, offers and events

Google gives you three options in BMG to share your latest news with your subscribers.

You can add posts, new offers, and also add events.

Try to keep this section updated, espeially for new pots, news, and offers/ discounts.

6. Use the Q&A section for keyword opportunities

One often overlooked but valuable feature of Google My Business is the Q&A section. This section allows potential customers to ask questions about your business, and you or other users can provide answers.

By optimizing your Q&A section with targeted keywords, you can improve your local SEO and attract more potential customers.

Encourage customers to ask questions in your Q&A section and provide detailed answers. This can help create a sense of community around your business and also provide opportunities to naturally incorporate targeted keywords.

How to select the right keywords for your Google My Business profile?

1. Understand your target audience

Before choosing keywords, it’s essential to understand your business and your target audience. Think about the products or services you offer and what kind of customers you want to attract.

For example, if you own a pet store, your target audience may include pet owners looking for high-quality pet food, toys, and grooming services.

2. Identify your unique value proposition

Determine what sets your business apart from competitors. You will need to know your brand story and competitive positioning, so that you can create a GMB profile with keywords that represent your uniqueness the most.

3. Conduct competition and SERP research

Do a simple Google search with a buying keyword and see the names of the competition that comes on top.

Then analyze the GMB profiles of these businesses to see what keywords they are targeting and how they are ranking.

4. Conduct keyword research

Use keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner or Mangools Keyword Finder or an SEO tool like Semrush to find relevant keywords that your target audience is searching for.

Check out this keyword research checklist to ensure you have the right keywords to target.

5. Use both focus and long-tail keywords

Focus keywords are highly relevant to your business and services, while long-tail keywords are more specific and detailed. Use a mix of both to cover a range of search queries.

For example, if “handmade soap” is your focus keyword, your long-tail keyword might be “handmade lavender soap”.

6. Use semantic keywords

Here’s an example of a cafe that uses semantic keywords in its business description:

“Welcome to Java Joe’s, your neighbourhood coffee shop serving up delicious espresso drinks and pastries that are sure to hit the spot.

At Java Joe’s, we know that our customers crave more than just a caffeine fix; they want a cosy and inviting space to catch up with friends or relax and recharge.

We have created a cosy and friendly atmosphere where you can relax and indulge in your preferred coffee drinks and snacks.

Stop by today and see why we’re the go-to destination for coffee lovers in the area!”

This business description uses words like “coffee,” “espresso drinks,” and “pastries,” which indicates a cafe. It is supplemented by words like “relax”, “recharge”, “cosy” and “friendly”, which gives the impression of a friendly cafe to destress.

Tips on how to add keywords to Google My Business

While adding keywords to your GMB profile can improve your online visibility, it’s essential to follow best practices to avoid keyword stuffing and ensure a positive user experience. Here are some best practices for adding keywords to your GMB listing:

1. Avoid keyword stuffing

Keyword stuffing is the practice of filling your GMB profile with irrelevant or excessive keywords in an attempt to manipulate search engine rankings.

Keyword stuffing can result in a penalty from Google and also provide a poor user experience for potential customers. So avoid adding too many keywords to your GMB profile just for the sake of adding keywords. Focus on using natural language and phrases.

2. Be consistent

Make sure to use consistent naming conventions and descriptions across all aspects of yuor GMB, and in fact a;; your online platforms, including your website, social media, and GMB profile.

Consistency is key to building a strong brand identity.

3. Build a complete profile

To feature at the top of the Google results when your audience is searching for the relevant keywords, you have to optimize your entire GMB listing, not jsut one or two sections.

The more detailed and complete it is, the better Google understands your business and relevancy and features you at the top.

Conclusion on how to add keywords to your GMB listing

Updating your business information on your Google Business Profile can improve your chances of showing up in relevant search results and reaching your desired audience.

So it’s important to ensure accuracy and keep the information up-to-date.

Don’t forget to regularly update your Google My Business listing with fresh content and new keywords, including business posts, to stay visible in local searches and attract more customers to your business.

Originally published at https://weignitegrowth.com on May 11, 2023.