When we hear the word Google, we instantly think of their Search Engine that answers any and all questions. Or perhaps we more realistically think of the daily-changing art that forms the word Google. What most don’t realize is that Google offers an entire suite of products and services well beyond your home page go-to for all things internet search related that directly impact SEO.
The two most prevalent — and also most commonly confused — Google products that support organic business SEO are Google My Business and Google+. While two separate products, their symbiotic relationship has one goal: to support your business’s organic Google profile value. Sounds easy, right? Let’s break this down a bit further:
Google My Business
Defined by Google directly, Google My Business, or GMB, is a “free and easy-to-use tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.” GMB helps to make sure your business is easily findable on both desktop and mobile searches by users. How? By giving you the ability to monitor and edit all your business information, from your website URL and ‘about us’ to hours and even multiple locations. All of these show up on the right-hand side of the results pages in that nifty Business Profile. What’s more, GMB is the place to manage your Google reviews from consumers through their GMB Dashboard. We all know you’ve read these ratings and reviews. That last time you went to a crummy restaurant? Nope, not again! All you need to do is verify your business location, and boom — it’s yours to manage.
What does this matter? This information helps to index and rank your business website for credibility and authority. The more accurate this information is for your business, the more likely it is that you’ll earn a spot at the top of the organic search results. In other words, when you search for your favorite Italian restaurant in town, the best local Italian restaurants that optimized their GMB listings will be the ones you likely see before anything else. Bet you’re craving some great Eggplant Parmesan now!
Google Plus
If you’re looking for Google Plus online, likely you will find it under it’s more commonly-spelled identity, Google+ or even G+. Whatever way you prefer, Google+ is the social media entity of their product line, and one that, sadly, never quite took off the way it was intended to — as a competitor to Facebook. Nonetheless, your Google+ profile is directly correlated through your access in Google My Business. However, it’s managed through a separate dashboard, so don’t get the two confused.
That’s not to say that it is not equally important, however. Regularly posting to your Google+ listing will aid in SEO ranking and authority. This helps your website gain traction organically and continue to show when your consumers are looking for exquisite Shrimp Scampi that is to die for.
Your Google+ is an extension of your business brand, a place to share posts and information just as you would on other social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter. You can share images, articles, links, specials and general updates that your consumers will want to know when looking for your business. You can also connect with other people and interests that will help your business get noticed. All that is to say that whether you like Google+ or not, it’s in your best interests as an SEO marketer to post on it.
So What?
Google wants your business to succeed, whether big or small. These two tools are free (who doesn’t love free) and sure-fire ways to build your SEO value. This built value will give yourself a boost in brand awareness to your customers by making Google happy. And let’s be honest: if Google is happy, you will surely be happy. Now your customers will see your website, your brand and your weekend pasta specials.
Make sure to capitalize on these free tools to grow your business. If this is just yet another platform that you have to take the time to log into to manage and you’re thinking, “How will I have the time to do this?”, Rannko has your back. Our business management tool integrates with your Google listings and many other platforms under one place. This allows you to spend less time bogged down by marketing efforts and more time in the frontlines, where you get to really shine.
Let us know how we can help you manage your Google My Business and Google+ listings. Subscribe today!
