Does Posting on Google My Business Help SEO?

These days, it seems like every business owner is wondering, does posting on Google My Business help SEO? With nearly everyone turning to the internet to find local businesses, a solid online presence is more important than ever. Your Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business (GMB), is your free ticket to getting seen on Google Search and Google Maps. But is just having a profile enough, or does posting on Google My Business help SEO even more? Let’s explore why those GMB posts might be the missing piece in your local SEO strategy.

Why is Google My Business Important for Local SEO?

Think about the last time you searched for a restaurant, a plumber, or a new pair of shoes in your area. Chances are, you found them through a quick Google search. What did that search result page look like? You probably saw some ads at the top, followed by a list of three businesses — that’s Google’s local 3-pack. After that come the standard organic search results.

Landing in that coveted 3-pack can make a huge difference. A complete, optimized Google Business Profile is vital to achieving just that. Studies have shown that a whopping 97% of people look online for information about local businesses. So, neglecting your GMB profile is like setting up shop on a deserted island – no one’s around to find you. Plus, don’t forget about Google Maps – an increasingly popular tool for on-the-go users.

A strong GMB presence makes sure you pop up on Maps when people are searching for businesses like yours in their neighborhood. Not convinced it’s worth the effort? Local searches lead to purchases 28% of the time. Ignoring this powerful tool is basically telling potential customers to take their business elsewhere.

How Does Google My Business Impact Local Search Ranking?

Does posting on Google My Business help SEO and your quest to conquer the Local Pack? You bet it does. Understanding how it all works is key to harnessing its full potential.

Relevance: Does your profile match what people are searching for?

Think about it this way – when someone searches for “best pizza downtown,” Google wants to make sure it delivers the most relevant results. The more information you have filled out on your GMB profile – like your address, phone number, business hours, website, categories, and attributes – the easier it is for Google to determine if your business fits the bill. This also makes it easier for Google to connect your GMB posts with other web content.

This consistent, relevant information helps to build trust, and that trust translates to higher rankings. Google relies on ranking factors to determine where your business lands in search engine rankings. Ensuring your GMB is optimized will improve local SEO.

Distance: Location, location, location.

People searching for local services want convenience. So naturally, distance plays a huge role in search rankings. If your GMB profile is optimized for your location and service area, Google will be more likely to recommend you to users who are geographically close by.

Make sure to fill out your service area; Google lets you set a radius to capture even more local customers. Don’t be afraid to get hyperlocal; mentioning landmarks or cross streets can further boost your visibility to nearby searchers.

Prominence: Stand out from the crowd.

Think of prominence as your business’s reputation both online and offline. Established businesses, landmarks, and well-known brands have an easier time ranking high. That’s why it is important to cultivate an authoritative online presence, starting with your GMB profile. Does posting on Google My Business help SEO in terms of prominence? It certainly can, but there’s more to the equation.

Positive reviews are marketing gold. Encourage customers to leave feedback – Miva found longer, more detailed reviews are more valuable to Google. Another effective tactic is to work on securing high-quality backlinks from other authoritative websites. Consider guest posting on relevant industry blogs, sponsoring local events, or getting involved with your local Chamber of Commerce. The more Google sees that your business is a trusted authority in your field, the better your chances of securing a prime position in local search results.

Using Google My Business Posts: Does It Help With SEO?

Alright, now that you’re up to speed on Google Business Profile ranking basics, let’s get into the heart of the matter. Does posting on Google My Business help SEO? Research says yes – a resounding yes. Think about it: less than 20% of businesses post on GMB weekly. An even more staggering 40% never post at all – they are missing out on a prime opportunity. Posting relevant content gives Google a fresh stream of information about your business, reaffirming those signals we talked about: relevance, distance, and prominence.

But wait, there’s more. Your GBP profile is also a platform for sharing updates. Sharing engaging content through your Google Business account can do wonders for your SEO. Unlike those fleeting social media posts, Google My Business keeps your 10 most recent posts front and center for everyone to see. You’re probably wondering – why does posting on Google My Business help SEO? It boils down to providing those crucial signals that Google loves.

How GMB Posts Help SEO:
Location-Based Relevancy: Mentioning your location and targeting local keywords in your GMB posts makes it abundantly clear to Google what areas your business serves. Think about using phrases like: “near me” or “serving [city/region]” or “[Your City]”. This boosts your visibility for hyperlocal searches, driving customers directly to your doorstep.
Keyword Opportunities Galore: Google Business posts offer another avenue for incorporating those all-important keywords. But, don’t just stuff keywords into your content – Google is too smart for that. Weaving keywords naturally into your blog and newsletter content, alongside internal linking strategies, does wonders for boosting your site’s overall SEO score and relevance to your target audience.
Build Engagement (and Impress Google.): Think beyond simple announcements. Use visuals – photos, videos – to bring your posts to life. Even better – make them interactive. Run polls, ask questions, or encourage users to share their experiences. Studies show GMB posts with images significantly increase views, clicks, and actions, indicating greater user engagement and, in turn, boosting SEO performance.

Posting fresh content regularly tells Google that you’re not just a dormant listing; you’re actively engaging with your community and providing up-to-date information. It demonstrates your commitment to being a valuable resource, which contributes positively to local search rankings. This can even improve your mobile SEO.

Does Posting on Google My Business Really Make a Difference?

Yes. Multiple case studies, including a 2019 study from Moz have found a direct correlation between posting to GMB and an improvement in local rankings, even causing some businesses to leapfrog their competitors on Google Maps. What does this mean for your business?

Well, consider this: a study conducted by Search Engine Land revealed that businesses saw significant jumps in their Local Pack rankings within a week of starting consistent GMB posting. This data suggests that the combination of regular posting and relevant, engaging content acts as a signal flare to Google, boosting your local SEO authority and attracting a continuous flow of local customers.

A Case for GMB:

Imagine a cozy, family-run bakery struggling to compete against larger chains. They were relying solely on word-of-mouth and foot traffic but weren’t seeing the growth they’d hoped for. They finally took the plunge and committed to regularly posting on their Google Business Profile, sharing mouthwatering images of their fresh pastries, announcing daily specials, and even running interactive polls about customer-favorite treats.

Within weeks, their GMB listing was getting significantly more views, website traffic surged, and most importantly, those local customers started pouring in, all thanks to consistent and engaging Google My Business posting. You can share your business logo, business description, and contact details. You can also add secondary categories and run special offers to encourage customers.

Does Google My Business Posting Really Matter That Much?

In a world saturated with marketing noise, capturing attention is a battle in itself. You’re probably thinking, “With only 17% of businesses even bothering to post weekly, does posting on Google My Business really give that big of an edge?” In short, absolutely. That stat right there highlights the incredible untapped potential GMB holds.

By simply showing up consistently, your business is already head and shoulders above the majority. You’re not just another name in the crowd; you’re an active, engaging business that values its customers. That, my friends, is invaluable.

Mastering Google My Business Posts:

Now that we’ve established that posting consistently can make a huge impact, let’s explore some strategies for crafting winning Google My Business posts. You have the content; now it’s all about presenting it in a way that captivates, engages, and encourages users to take action.

1. Timing is Key: Catch Your Audience When They’re Looking

Studies have shown that the ideal time to post is when users are actively looking for information or services like yours. For example, a restaurant might want to post tempting photos of their lunch specials around midday, while a local boutique could highlight new arrivals or flash sales on weekends. Tools can automate your posting schedule, ensuring that your GMB content goes live at peak engagement times.

2. Embrace the Visual: Pictures Tell a Thousand Words.

Did you know that listings with 100+ photos get way more clicks than those without? There’s proof – listings with more visuals tend to capture attention and entice those clicks. Showcase your space with a virtual tour (check out Google’s resources on creating 360-degree tours.).

High-quality product shots, behind-the-scenes peeks at your business in action, or even snapshots of happy customers enjoying what you offer can significantly increase engagement and tell your story visually. Experiment with different image types, use bright colors and eye-catching compositions, and keep the user experience in mind to maximize impact.

3. Let’s Get Visual: Add Video Content for Enhanced Engagement

Don’t shy away from using video either; it’s an even more impactful way to showcase your business’ personality. Even if your budget is small, you can create simple yet captivating videos directly from your phone or experiment with user-generated content. The key is to make it visually compelling and aligned with your brand message to capture those precious seconds of attention as users scroll through their search results.

4. Short and Sweet is the Name of the Game: Capture Attention Quickly

Although Google My Business lets you write posts of up to 1500 characters, try keeping your captions succinct. Think elevator pitch – you’ve got a small window to convey the most important information before a user scrolls on by.

5. Call to Action:

Every great GMB post needs a strong call to action. What do you want the user to do after they read your post? Visit your website, call for a quote, or learn more about your services? Don’t be afraid to be direct; use action-oriented phrases like “learn more”, “get directions”, “call today”, “sign up”, or “view offer.”

So, Does Posting on Google My Business Help SEO?

Without a doubt, those regular updates might be that crucial ingredient for attracting local customers. And don’t be discouraged if you’re not seeing instant results; SEO takes time. Stay consistent, be patient, and your Google Business Profile could be your best tool yet to grow your business.