Keywords are one of the secrets to ranking Google My Business (aka Google Business Profile) to top of the page. Most people don’t understand what keywords are or how to find them.
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Navigating the intricate maze of Google rankings can be daunting for any business owner. The key to unravelling this puzzle, however, lies in understanding a fundamental aspect of SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Keywords. What are they? How do you find them? How can you leverage them to elevate your ranking on Google’s search results or Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)? We’ll delve into these questions in this blog, simplifying the arcane art of keyword optimization.
Keywords: Your Ticket to the Top
If you’ve ever wondered what exactly keywords are, here’s a simple illustration: Let’s say you’re in Sacramento, California, searching for a plumber. You’re likely to input ‘plumber Sacramento’ or ‘Sacramento CA plumber’. This combination of words is known as a keyword. The end game? To make your business rank for this keyword, thereby maximizing your visibility to potential customers.
While there’s a plethora of keywords to target, our focus here is on your primary keyword – the one that could generate the most revenue by ranking at the top of the search engine results or the map pack for your specific industry. So, how do you unearth these precious keywords?
Mining for Keywords: A Two-Step Approach
The process of keyword discovery begins with some preliminary Google searches. For example, using ‘plumber, Sacramento, California’ as the search term, scroll down to observe the top three search results. This is your sweet spot – where you can get the highest rankings, the most traffic, and the maximum return on investment. In most cases, the primary category you select for your account (in our case, ‘plumber’) is the best keyword to use.
Next, enlist the aid of Google Keyword Planner tool. Accessible for free via a Google Ads account, this tool will help you gauge the popularity and relevance of your chosen keywords. Plug in ‘plumber Sacramento’ and see the number of people typing in this keyword or similar phrases. This can guide you in selecting the most impactful, highly searched keyword for your business.
Leveraging Keywords for Rankings: Where and How to Use Them
Armed with your high-impact keywords, it’s time to strategically place them on your website. The first checkpoint is the title tag, which Google scrutinizes to determine what to rank you for. It’s essentially a concise summary of your page content. For instance, ‘Plumber Sacramento, CA’ should ideally be the first thing viewers see when they look at the title tag.
Next, ensure that your primary keyword features in the headers and body text. But remember, the goal is not to pack your content with keywords at the expense of readability. It’s about striking a balance: crafting content that appeals to your audience while signaling to Google what your primary service, category, and keyword are.
Top-ranking companies have mastered this delicate balancing act, skillfully sprinkling their keywords across title tags, headings, and content. If you examine low-ranking businesses, you’ll often find generic or sparse use of keywords, leading to lower visibility on Google.
The Secret Sauce: Keywords in Business Names
Here’s a less-known tip: Google gives special preference to businesses that incorporate the actual keyword and the city they want to rank for in their business name. So, ‘Rooter Hero Plumbing of Sacramento’ or ‘Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Sacramento’ tend to rank higher.
However, before you rush to append your business name, first change it on Facebook, Yelp, and most importantly, legally with the Secretary of State. This prevents potential Google suspension or ranking drop. If you’re a new business, consider incorporating the keyword and city name into your official business name upfront to avoid Google contention.
Wrapping It Up
Unlocking the door to Google rankings can seem intimidating, but the key lies in understanding and effectively utilizing keywords. By strategically placing them on your website and incorporating them into your business name, you can aim for the highest profit keywords, ensuring your business is seen by the right people at the right time. So, start experimenting with keywords and see your business soar to new heights in Google rankings.
For more insights and a comprehensive cheat sheet on marketing for your local business, visit bigwestacademy.com/gmbcheatsheet. Stay tuned for more valuable information in our future posts. Feel free to leave a comment or question, and we promise to respond. Until then, happy keyword hunting!
