Google My Business for Accountants
If you haven’t already claimed your Google My Business (GMB) page, you’re missing out on a seriously great marketing opportunity. It can revamp your local SEO strategy, increase engagement, convert customers and show Google that you’re a reputable business source that has every right to appear highly in the search rankings (Google loves its own products and anyone who uses them, after all). So go ahead and check out this Google My Business guide for accountants.
Step 1: Claim Your Google My Business Listing
If your Google My Business Page doesn’t already exist, you’ll need to add your business to the platform. If there’s already a GMB page set up, you might simply need to claim it. You’ll then be required to fill out important information such as business name, the category that best describes your business such as Certified Public Accountant, physical location, other service areas, phone number and website URL. You’ll then need to click finish and continue to verify your business.
Step 2: Verify Your Google My Business Listing
The verification process allows your listing to go live and is the next important step. Google will send a verification postcard in around five working days. Once you receive this, verify your listing by entering the verification code. You’ll then have access to all the great features and tools including analytical tools.
Step 3: Complete Your Listing
The next step is to make sure your data is accurate and complete. Your business name must match up to the one used on your website and social media to avoid confusion. Similarly, your address and telephone number must be your most recent points of contact. When entering information, keep SEO best practices at the forefront of your mind. Include keywords and keyword phrases in your business description and services to help Google understand exactly what it is you do.
Step 4: Add Photos
When it comes to Google My Business tips for accountants, be sure to add quality images to your listing. According to Google, businesses with photos receive 35% more click-throughs to their website than businesses that don’t have any photos, so it’s well worth taking this important step. Google includes photos in local search too, making images a great way to attract local business. Adding photos is also a good way to stay relevant and increase engagement. If you think of Google My Business as another marketing outlet and the chance to showcase what you do in the best light, you won’t go far wrong.
Step 5: Get and Respond to Google Reviews
Google My Business ideas for accountants include getting and responding to Google reviews. This is a crucial marketing step considering 90% of people read reviews before engaging with a service or business. As well as encouraging potential clients to trust and engage with you, reviews can also improve your overall search rankings as they show Google what you do and how well you do it.
Ways to get reviews include:
- Asking for them – as the saying goes, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get” and this is particularly true for reviews. People often require a prompt too, so don’t hesitate to follow up your initial request once or twice.
- Make the process easy – consumers don’t want hassle. They’re busy and so are you, so why not share a short review URL with consumers from your Google My Business dashboard and make their job simple?
Step 6: Post to Your Google My Listings Page
Google My Business operates in a similar way to other social platforms, and updates should be factored into your GMB marketing strategy. Google allows you to post news, updates, announcements, events, services and event videos to boost consumer engagement. Regular updates will also improve your online presence, provide keyword opportunities, allow you to mention local SEO terms and include calls-to-action.
Contact Whitefish Marketing today for an SEO, PPC or social strategy to suit your business needs.
