How to Add Services to Google My Business (SEO Guide & Examples)
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business, especially local businesses. Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. One of the most important aspects of optimizing your GMB listing is adding and optimizing your service list.
This guide will walk you through the process of adding services to your Google My Business listing, including best practices for SEO and examples to inspire you.
Why Add Services to Your Google My Business Listing?
There are several compelling reasons to add services to your GMB listing:
Increased Visibility: When you add services to your GMB listing, they become searchable on Google Search and Maps. This can significantly increase your visibility to potential customers searching for the services you offer in your local area.
Improved Ranking: Google considers the completeness and accuracy of your GMB listing when ranking local businesses. By adding your services, you demonstrate to Google that you provide a valuable service and cater to specific customer needs. This can lead to a higher ranking in local search results.
Enhanced User Experience: A GMB listing with a well-defined service list provides valuable information to potential customers. They can easily see what services you offer, helping them decide if your business is a good fit for their needs.
Targeted Marketing: Having a clear service list allows you to target your marketing efforts more effectively. You can use GMB features like Google Posts to highlight specific services and promotions.
How to Add Services to Your Google My Business Listing
Adding services to your GMB listing is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
Access Your GMB Listing: Log in to your Google My Business account and select the location you want to manage.
Edit Your Listing: Click on “Info” and then select “Services” from the menu.
Add Your Services: In the “Services” section, you can start typing the services you offer. Google will suggest pre-populated options based on your industry and keywords. You can choose from these suggestions or add your own custom services.
Write Service Descriptions (Optional): While not mandatory, adding brief descriptions to your services can further enhance your listing. Descriptions should be informative and keyword-rich, but concise (around 80 characters).
Save Changes: Once you’ve added your services, click “Save” to update your GMB listing.
SEO Tips for Optimizing Your Service List
Use Relevant Keywords: When adding services, include relevant keywords that potential customers might use to search for your business. Conduct keyword research to identify the most relevant terms with good search volume.
Be Specific: Don’t just list generic categories; include specific services you offer within those categories. For example, instead of just listing “plumbing,” you could specify “kitchen plumbing repair,” “bathroom faucet installation,” or “drain cleaning.”
Prioritize Services: The order you list your services can influence which ones get displayed first. Put your most in-demand or profitable services at the top.
Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Don’t overload your service descriptions with keywords. Focus on providing clear and concise information for the user.
Keep it Updated: Regularly review and update your service list as your business offerings evolve.
Examples of Optimized Service Listings
Here are some examples of how to optimize your service listings for SEO:
Example 1 (Plumber):
Service: Kitchen Plumbing Repair
Description: We fix leaky faucets, clogged drains, and garbage disposal issues. 24/7 emergency service available.
Example 2 (Hair Salon):
Service: Haircut for Men
Description: Expert haircuts for all hair types. Includes complimentary consultation.
Example 3 (Marketing Agency):
Service: Social Media Marketing
Description: Grow your online presence with targeted social media campaigns. We handle strategy, content creation, and community management.
FAQs
Can I add service areas to my GMB listing?
Yes, you can specify the areas you serve for each service. This is particularly helpful for businesses that offer services within a specific radius.
What if Google doesn’t suggest the service I offer?
If Google doesn’t suggest the service you offer, you can still add it as a custom service. However, it’s important to choose a clear and descriptive name that potential customers would understand.
Should I include pricing in my service descriptions?
Including pricing can be a double-edged sword. Transparency can be attractive to customers, but listing very low prices might attract bargain hunters who prioritize cost over quality. Consider your target audience and overall marketing strategy before including pricing.
How can I measure the impact of adding services to my GMB listing?
You can track the impact of adding services by monitoring your GMB insights. This will show you how many people are viewing your listing, how many are searching for your services by name, and how many clicks you’re getting to your website. You can also track phone calls and inquiries generated through GMB.
What if I make a mistake in my service list?
Don’t worry, mistakes can be corrected. You can easily edit or remove services from your GMB listing at any time. Simply go back to the “Services” section and make the necessary changes.
Do I need to update my service list regularly?
It’s a good practice to review and update your service list periodically. As your business grows and evolves, you may offer new services or discontinue some existing ones. Keeping your service list accurate ensures potential customers have the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
By adding a well-defined and optimized service list to your Google My Business listing, you can significantly improve your local SEO and online visibility. This will attract more potential customers searching for the services you offer, ultimately driving more business and growth. Remember, the key is to be informative, specific, and keep your service list up-to-date. By following these tips and best practices, you can create a GMB listing that effectively showcases your services and positions your business for success in the local market.