How to Set Up Google My Business for Local SEO: A Step-by-Step Guide

Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful tool to enhance your Port Elizabeth business’s local visibility, helping you appear in Google Search and Google Maps when potential customers are looking for services or products in Port Elizabeth. Follow this guide to create, verify, and optimise your Google My Business listing for local SEO success.

Step 1: Sign In to Google My Business

1. Go to the Google My Business website.
2. Click on Manage now in the upper-right corner.
3. Sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have a Google account, you’ll need to create one.

Step 2: Enter Your Business Name

1. Enter your Port Elizabeth business name in the field provided.
2. If your business is already listed on Google, it will appear in a dropdown list. You can select it and claim ownership.
3. If your business isn’t listed, select Add your business to Google.

Step 3: Choose Your Business Category

1. Select the most relevant business category that describes your services. This is crucial for helping customers find your business.
   • Example: If you own a insurance company, you might choose “Web Designer” or “Marketing Consultant.”
2. Click Next.

Step 4: Add Your Business Location (if applicable)

1. If you have a physical storefront or office where customers can visit you, select Yes when asked if you want to add a location.
2. Enter your business address.
3. If you don’t have a physical location (for example, you provide online services or work remotely), choose No and select the areas you serve (cities, regions, etc.).
4. Click Next.

Step 5: Add Your Service Areas (if applicable)

1. If you provide services in specific areas, select the regions, cities, or neighborhoods you serve. This helps ensure your business shows up for local customers in those areas.
2. You can add multiple service areas.
3. Click Next when finished.

Step 6: Add Your Contact Information

1. Enter your phone number and website URL so potential customers can reach you.
   • If you don’t have a website, you can select the option to create a free Google website based on your GMB information.
2. Click Next.

Step 7: Verify Your Business

1. Google requires businesses to verify their listing. This step ensures that only authorised owners can make changes to a listing.
2. Choose your preferred verification method:
   • Postcard by mail: Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address.
   • Phone or email: Some businesses may be able to verify by receiving a code via phone or email.
3. Once you receive the code, enter it into your Google My Business account to complete the verification.

Step 8: Optimise Your Google My Business Listing

After verification, it’s time to optimise your listing for local SEO.

1. Add Business Hours

• Go to the Info tab in your GMB dashboard.
• Enter your business hours, including any special hours for holidays or events.

2. Add Your Business Description

• Write a brief, keyword-rich description about your business.
• Include details about your services, and what sets you apart from competitors (max. 750 characters).

3. Upload High-Quality Photos

• Go to the Photos tab and upload photos of your business, team, or products.
• Adding photos helps attract more customers, as listings with photos are more likely to get clicks.
• Include a logo and cover photo for branding.

4. Add Services or Products

• If applicable, go to the Services or Products tab.
• Add specific services or products you offer, along with prices, descriptions, and images.

5. Set Up Messaging

• Enable the Messaging feature so customers can contact you directly through your GMB listing.
• You can reply to customer inquiries quickly using the Google My Business app.

Step 9: Encourage Reviews from Customers

1. Positive reviews play a significant role in improving your local SEO and credibility.
2. After delivering services, ask satisfied customers to leave a review.
   • You can share your Google My Business review link with clients via email or social media.
3. Respond to all reviews (both positive and negative) to show engagement and build trust with potential customers.

Step 10: Monitor and Update Your Listing Regularly

1. Log in regularly to ensure your business information remains up to date (especially hours and services).
2. Use the Posts feature to share news, promotions, or events, keeping your listing fresh and engaging.
   • These updates can also improve your search rankings.
3. Track your Insights (found in the GMB dashboard) to see how people are finding and interacting with your listing. This data can help you adjust your strategy for better local SEO performance.

Step 11: Use Keywords in Your GMB Listing

1. Include local keywords in your business description, services, and posts to boost your ranking for relevant searches.
   • Example: If you’re a web designer in Port Elizabeth, use terms like “Web design in Port Elizabeth” or “SEO services in Eastern Cape.”
2. Make sure the keywords are naturally integrated into the content and don’t overstuff them.

Bonus Tips for Optimising Google My Business for Local SEO

• Add Questions and Answers (Q&A): Use the Q&A section to add commonly asked questions and provide helpful answers to potential customers.
• Update Regularly: If you move locations, change services, or update hours, make sure to adjust your listing as soon as possible to keep your information accurate.
• Track Competitors: Analyse local competitors’ listings to see what features they use and how you can improve your own listing to stand out.

By following this guide, you can successfully create and optimise your Google My Business listing to improve your local SEO, attract more customers, and build a strong online presence in your community.