How to Add Keywords in Google My Business

Google My Business (GMB) has become required for businesses looking to attract local customers and increase online visibility. A well-optimized GMB listing can bring consistent leads by appearing prominently in local search results. Adding relevant keywords is one of the most effective ways to optimize your GMB listing. This blog will provide a detailed guide on strategically incorporating keywords into your Google My Business listing to boost visibility and attract your target audience.

Understanding the Importance of Keywords in GMB

Keywords play an important role in improving the discoverability of your Google My Business listing. By strategically placing keywords throughout your GMB profile, you signal to Google what your business offers, helping it rank higher in relevant search results. Here’s why keywords are essential:

• Improves Search Ranking: Including keywords boosts your chances of appearing in local search results.
• Attracts Targeted Traffic: Keywords help your listing appear in highly relevant searches to your products or services.
• Increases Engagement: When your listing appears for relevant searches, you’re more likely to get clicks, calls, and visits from potential customers.

Adding the right keywords makes your GMB profile an active tool for drawing in local customers.

Researching Effective Keywords for Your GMB Listing

Before adding keywords, conducting proper research to find those that roll with your business and audience is important. Here’s a step-by-step guide to discover the best keywords:

• Identify Core Services and Products: List your main offerings and consider what people might search for when they need your service.
• Use Keyword Research Tools: Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs provide keyword data to help identify search volume and competition.
• Look for Localized Keywords: If you operate in a specific city or region, incorporate location-based keywords such as “electrician in Austin” or “Los Angeles bakery.”
• Analyze Competitor Listings: Check out top competitors’ GMB profiles and see their keywords. This can give you insight into industry trends and relevant search terms.
• Consider Long-Tail Keywords: Long-tail keywords (phrases with three or more words) are often easier to rank and can bring in highly targeted traffic.

With a refined keyword list, you’re ready to add these to your GMB profile.

Read Also: How to Delete Google My Business Account

Where to Add Keywords in  Google My Business Profile

Adding keywords in strategic places within your Google My Business (GMB) profile can significantly enhance your visibility in local search results. Here’s where to place them:

1. Business Name (With Caution)

While Google doesn’t recommend adding keywords to your business name, it’s acceptable if they’re a natural part. For example, “Joe’s Plumbing Services – New York” will likely perform well in local searches without violating Google’s policies.

2. Business Description

The “About” section is a prime place to include your main keywords. Write a concise, engaging business description and naturally incorporate relevant keywords. For example:

“Joe’s Plumbing Services offers reliable, affordable plumbing in New York. Our licensed plumbers specialize in water heater repair, drain cleaning, and emergency plumbing.”

3. Services Section

If you offer specific services, use this section to add detailed descriptions of each one. Add keywords related to each service, as this helps Google match your listing with relevant searches.

Example for a landscaping business:

• Lawn Care Services – Expert lawn maintenance and care in Denver
• Tree Trimming – Professional tree pruning in the Denver area

4. Products Section

If your business sells products, list them here with descriptions that include relevant keywords. Each product entry can be a keyword opportunity, especially for retail and e-commerce businesses.

5. Posts on Google My Business

GMB allows you to create posts, which is a fantastic way to add keywords regularly. You can promote offers, share news, or provide updates while naturally including keywords.

• Example Post:
• “Looking for a reliable ‘emergency plumber in New York’? Our team is available 24/7 to handle all urgent plumbing issues.”

6. Customer Reviews and Responses

Encourage customers to mention specific services in their reviews, as this helps add keywords to your profile organically. You can also reply to reviews by reinforcing keywords naturally, like thanking a customer for choosing your “roofing services in Miami.”

7. Q&A Section

If customers ask questions, respond with keyword-rich answers. For example, if someone asks about service areas, you can mention your location and core services.

Tips for Optimizing Your GMB Keywords

Optimizing your keywords in Google My Business (GMB) is essential for improving local visibility and attracting targeted traffic to your business. To maximize the impact of your keywords, consider these optimization tips:

• Use Variations: Incorporate different variations of your keywords to reach a broader audience (e.g., “dentist” and “dental clinic”).
• Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Overusing keywords can make your content appear unnatural and might even violate Google’s policies.
• Focus on Readability: Write content that’s engaging and easy to read. Keywords should fit seamlessly into the text without sounding forced.
• Update Keywords Regularly: Trends change, and so should your keywords. Periodically review and update them to stay competitive.
• Monitor Keyword Performance: Use Google My Business insights to track how well your keywords are performing and adjust as necessary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Keywords in GMB

When adding keywords to your Google My Business (GMB) profile, some mistakes can hinder your profile’s performance or lead to penalties from Google. Here are common mistakes to avoid when optimizing keywords on GMB:

• Overstuffing Keywords: Repeating keywords may make your profile unreadable and could get flagged by Google.
• Inaccurate Location Keywords: Don’t add locations where you don’t operate. Misleading location keywords can harm your credibility.
• Using Irrelevant Keywords: Stick to keywords that are relevant to your services. Avoid using trendy or high-volume keywords irrelevant to your business.
• Ignoring Customer Reviews: Failing to respond to reviews or encourage keyword-rich customer feedback is a missed opportunity.
• Neglecting GMB Posts: Regularly posting with fresh keywords can boost engagement, so don’t overlook this feature. 

Tracking the Performance of Your GMB Keywords

Tracking the performance of your Google My Business (GMB) keywords is essential for evaluating how effectively your profile is driving traffic, increasing visibility, and generating customer interactions. By keeping an eye on key metrics and understanding how well your keywords align with user search behavior, you can make informed adjustments to maximize the success of your GMB profile. To measure the effectiveness of your keywords, use Google My Business insights and other tools:

• Google My Business Insights: This tool provides data on how many times your listing appear in searches, views, and clicks. Track which search terms are driving traffic to your profile.
• Google Analytics: Connect your GMB listing with Google Analytics to gain deeper insights into website traffic and conversions from your GMB profile.
• Keyword Tracking Tools: Tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush can provide valuable keyword ranking data. While these tools don’t specifically track GMB, they give a good indication of overall search visibility.

By regularly analyzing your performance, you’ll be able to make informed adjustments to improve your GMB visibility over time.

 

Conclusion

Optimizing your Google My Business profile with the right keywords can significantly boost your visibility in local search results, attracting more customers to your business. By carefully choosing and incorporating keywords, your profile will be able to increase traffic, engagement, and leads.

At Trycyfer Technologies, we specialize in digital marketing solutions that include GMB optimization and local SEO strategies. Our team of experts can help you research, implement, and monitor effective keywords that will elevate your Google My Business profile to drive better results. Partner with Trycyfer Technologies and let us help your business stand out in local searches, drawing more customers.