Local SEO for Printers: Google My Business

Getting your print business found online can be a struggle. Fortunately, some tools and solutions can make it easier than ever. One such tool is Google My Business.

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business (GMB) gives your print business a free business profile on Google’s search page.

To find your Business Profile, search for “my business” on Google. GMB allows you to list your business location on Google Maps and local search results. You can display important information about your business, including the opening/closing times, contact details, or a link to your website. And you can also manage multiple profiles.

Google My Business provides your print business with a wealth of benefits, including:

Local SEO
Collecting reviews
Business info directly from the search engine
Marketing and communication tool
Google My Business Insights and its benefits for analytics
Free of cost
Ease of Use

The Many Benefits of Google My Busines For Your Print Business

Let’s dive into some benefits of Google My Business a little further.

1. Better Visibility

Simply verifying your business with Google will increase your chances of visibility, but you’ll want to make sure your info is accurate and engaging.

Update all the print products and/or services you offer. Be sure your business type classification is accurate. Be sure to create posts from the page (like you do with social media).

If you want to be competitive, you’ll want to take advantage of all the features available to you (all free).

2. Local Pack

Being positioned in the Google Business Local Pack can grow your business if you mainly target the local area. It positions your print business front and center on the search engine results page or SERP. When someone searches for nearby businesses, your business location may be featured.

3. Google Reviews

Studies show that 92% of consumers read reviews before making contact with a business, and Google reviews are often the first thing people see about your business.

Trust can be built instantly through five-star Google Reviews, so ensure you have a system in place for acquiring reviews (customer service or surveys via email).

Google Reviews make up 15.4 % of local search ranking. Google needs a higher volume of reviews to trust your business is delivering quality in order for the algorithm to decide to bump your business to the top.

4. Services Reviews

Service-based reviews can easily be a part of the customer service you provide with your business.

Assign this task to customer service personnel and have them send the link to customers to provide a review immediately after service is completed. This can also be automated through email.

5. Product Reviews

Reviews are a must. For retailers, Google Product ratings require that you have a minimum of 50 reviews across all of your products. Learn more about that here.

6. Replying to Reviews

Google recommends the following for replying to reviews.

Don’t get personal
Keep it short
Thank your reviewers
Don’t “sell”

Managing your Google Business Profile

Managing your Google Business Profile is just as important as setting it up in the first place.

You can manage your business profile directly on Google Search and Maps or the Google Maps mobile app. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Claim your profile:

Add business
Claim ownership
Verify your business
Check your verification status here

2. Edit and Manage your Google Business Profile:

Service areas
Operating hours (add in custom days you are closed)
Product & service listings
Identify as (black-owned, Latino-owned, veteran-owned, and women-owned)
Provide accessibility information (wheelchair-accessible entrance, restrooms, and seating)
Promote your business
Add appointment links (for people to fill out contact forms)
Post updates [and monitor views of each]
Respond to messages
Respond to reviews

Monitor Insights Regularly

Once your Google Business page is active, you’ll want to monitor performance.

You’ll be able to see the type of traffic (Direct, Discovery, Branded, etc.), listings on search, listings on maps, website visits, requests for directions, calls, and the monthly trends (increases or decreases month).