Let’s cut to the chase. Keep it between you and I – You need to optimise Google my business for Ashford business growth. There it’s off my chest.
If you’re running a business in Ashford and not leveraging the full power of Google My Business (GMB), you’re leaving serious money on the table. It’s that simple. Google My Business isn’t just a directory listing—it’s your secret weapon to dominating Google Search and Google Maps, ensuring that your potential customers find you when they’re ready to buy.
In today’s digital landscape, your online presence is everything. Whether someone is strolling through the town centre or Googling services from their sofa, they’re relying on mobile devices and search engines to find what they need. And guess what? Your Google Business Profile is the key to tapping into this massive search volume. If your Business listing isn’t optimised, you’re practically invisible. Don’t let that happen. This comprehensive guide will break down effective SEO strategies and optimisation tips to boost your online visibility in Ashford, ensuring your business stands out when and where it counts.
Why Google My Business is a Non-Negotiable for Ashford
Let’s be real: in a town like Ashford, competition is fierce. Whether you’re a service provider in the Ashford business park or running a cozy café on the high street, you need to be front and center when people search for your services. And here’s the kicker—46% of all Google searches are looking for local businesses. Google My Business is the tool that gets you in front of those searchers, increasing your chances of appearing in the coveted local “3-pack” on Google Maps and Google Search.
Your target audience isn’t scrolling through endless lists—they’re clicking on the first three businesses that pop up. That’s where you need to be. By optimising your Google Business Profile, you’ll improve your search engine rankings and skyrocket your online visibility in relevant searches. Not being there? You might as well be invisible.
Setting Up Your Google Business Profile for Success
Let’s dive in. Setting up your Google Business Profile is the first step toward claiming your spot in Google Search rankings. Here’s how to nail the setup and ensure you’re playing to win.
Step 1: Create and Verify Your Business Listing
Before you even think about SEO strategies, you need to claim and verify your Google My Business Listing. This is the foundation of everything. When you sign up, Google will send you a verification code—usually by postcard or phone. Don’t skip this step. Until you’ve completed the verification process, your business won’t show up in Google Maps or Google Search.
This is a key strategy for maximising your online presence. Once verified, you can dive into optimising your business details, such as your business location, business hours, and contact information. Trust me, you want to get this right. If any of this information is inaccurate, you risk not only confusing your target market but also frustrating potential clients.
Step 2: Choose the Right Business Categories
Selecting the right business categories is critical for your Google Business Profile. Your primary category should be laser-focused on your core service. For example, if you’re an estate agent, select “Real Estate Agent” as your primary category. But don’t stop there—secondary categories are equally important. Think of them as your opportunity to expand the net. Do you also offer property management? Include that as a secondary category.
Step 3: Complete Your Business Information
Your business description is your chance to sell. Don’t waste it with a bland summary. Make sure your informative business description speaks directly to your ideal audience in Ashford. Include relevant keywords that reflect your services, location, and specialties, such as “best café in Ashford” or “reliable plumber in Kent.” This is an SEO strategy that can boost your search rankings and help you stand out in relevant searches.
Enhance Your GMB Profile for Maximum Visibility
Here’s where you take things up a notch. Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to supercharge your Google Business Profile with enhancements that will drive traffic and boost your search engine rankings.
High-Quality Images: More Than Just Visuals
Uploading high-quality images isn’t just about making your profile look pretty. It’s about online visibility. Images are a powerful way to engage potential customers and help them visualize your business location or products. Upload a variety of high-resolution images, including 360-degree virtual tours of your premises, product images, and team photos. These not only improve user engagement but also enhance your chances of appearing in Google Search and Google Maps.
Post Updates and Specials
Your Google Business Profile isn’t static—treat it like a social media platform and keep it fresh. Use Google Posts to share updates, promotions, or upcoming events. If you’ve got a new offer, let your audience know. If you’re launching a seasonal menu, post it. Regular updates will keep your profile active and relevant, which signals to Google that your business is engaged—giving you a boost in visibility.
Leveraging Customer Reviews for SEO Success
Let’s talk reviews. If you want to rise in Google’s search engine rankings, customer reviews are your golden ticket. Positive reviews build credibility, but it’s about more than just reputation. Reviews are a direct signal to Google that your business is active, relevant, and worth ranking higher.
Encourage Reviews from Satisfied Customers
Happy customers? Don’t be afraid to ask them for a review. A steady stream of reviews not only builds trust with future clients but also boosts your local SEO ranking. The more positive reviews you collect, the better your profile will perform in local search results. It’s all about making it easy—send them a direct link to leave a review or follow up via email.
Handling Negative Reviews Like a Pro
Now, let’s talk negative reviews. They’re not the end of the world. In fact, responding to them correctly can actually boost your profile. Show your customer service skills by addressing complaints politely and offering solutions. Not only does this reassure future customers that you care, but it also helps minimize any damage to your online reputation.
Mastering GMB Insights and Tracking Performance
Want to know how well your Google My Business Profile is working? Dive into GMB Insights. This tool gives you a snapshot of how your potential clients are interacting with your profile. You’ll get data on everything from how many people viewed your business to how many clicked for directions or made phone calls.
Using Data to Drive Optimisation
GMB Insights is a powerful tool for refining your SEO strategy. If you notice that a lot of users are requesting directions but not calling, it might be a sign that your contact details are hard to find. Or if your views are high but interactions are low, you might need to revisit your business description and make it more compelling.
Long-Term Maintenance for Google My Business Success
Once your profile is up and running, don’t make the rookie mistake of leaving it to gather dust. Maintaining an active and accurate Google My Business Profile is an ongoing process. Here’s how to keep your profile fresh and at the top of Google Search rankings.
Regular Updates and Fresh Content
Your hours of operation, business location, and contact information need to stay accurate. Google loves businesses that keep their info fresh, and so do your customers. Update your business hours regularly, especially if you have holiday hours or seasonal changes.
Consistent Engagement with Reviews
Keep those customer reviews coming and respond on a regular basis. The more you engage, the more visible you’ll be in Google Search. And remember, every review is an opportunity—whether it’s a glowing 5-star review or a negative review that needs addressing.
Conclusion: Optimising Google My Business for Ashford is a Game-Changer
Let’s wrap this up. If you’re serious about dominating the local market in Ashford, optimising your Google My Business Profile is non-negotiable. From setting up your profile with accurate business information to leveraging high-quality images, customer reviews, and Google Posts, every step you take boosts your online visibility and increases your chances of landing in the top spots on Google Maps and Google Search.
It’s not just about having a presence—it’s about maximising that presence to attract potential customers, drive traffic, and grow your business. So, what are you waiting for? Optimise your Google My Business today and start seeing the results.