Local SEO and Google My Business

The importance of local search engine optimization, or "local SEO" for short, has increased massively in recent years. But what advantages does it offer? What should you look out for? Which functions are worth using? We have compiled the most important facts and tips for you in our short guide.

Search engines use a wealth of information to provide their users with better search results that are precisely tailored to the respective location - i.e. local SEO. If you search for "restaurant", for example, you will immediately receive suggestions for restaurants in your area. By optimizing your Google My Business data, you make it easier for the search engine to find and verify information about your business.

Google offers this service free of charge and uses it to "answer" local search queries. Depending on the configuration and search query, potential customers can see the location or locations of your company, opening hours, a direct link to the company website, route options, reviews, news or impressions via Google Search or on Google Maps. Basically, the more and the higher the quality of the information and content that you store on Google My Business, the better.

4 tips to optimize your Google My Business listing

1. Arouse the interest of your customers with high-quality images
   Photos of your products, premises or your team are appealing. Pictures give your offer a face. So invest in high-quality images. For catering businesses, for example, professional food shots or 360° panoramic shots are worthwhile to make potential guests "gluschtig".
2. Show more with a virtual tour or video
   Customers want to know what to expect at their destination. So show them your business premises. This makes an inviting impression and inspires sympathy and trust. Present the premises in a particularly realistic way by introducing yourself with a virtual tour or a short video.
3. Give users a reason to come back to you
   Keep your customers informed with news, so-called "posts", about special offers or events. Regularly update your opening hours (especially special opening hours on public holidays) or adjust contact details with just a few clicks. In this way, you create trust and offer your customers added value.
4. Let your customers have their say
   Google also offers its users a review function, which is becoming increasingly popular. This gives your customers the opportunity to provide you with feedback that you can use to improve internal processes. The stars and comments also offer other interested parties an additional source of information.