Google My Business (GMB) is a game-changer for local businesses, especially if you are around areas like Plano, Texas. This tool can propel a business to the top of local search results, attract nearby customers, and significantly boost online visibility. However, managing GMB isn’t as simple as setting up a profile and letting it sit. Many business owners unknowingly make these GMB mistakes that could prevent them from reaping the full benefits of GMB. In this post, we’ll break down ten common mistakes business owners near Plano make with GMB—and more importantly, how to avoid them to ensure maximum visibility and engagement
1. Incomplete Business Information
Why It’s a Mistake
A lack of detail on your GMB profile can confuse potential customers and push them to look for more reliable options. This includes things like missing hours of operation, incorrect addresses, or lack of contact information. Imagine someone in Plano searching for a coffee shop nearby—if your hours are missing or your address is wrong, they’ll skip over your business.
How to Fix It
Fill out every possible field in your GMB profile. Include accurate business hours, physical address, phone number, website URL, and any other relevant information. Check these details regularly, especially if you make any changes to avoid these GMB mistakes.
2. Ignoring Google Reviews
Why It’s a Mistake
Reviews are critical for building trust and improving search rankings. Ignoring them, especially negative ones, makes your business look less engaged and responsive. Plano customers, like most, expect businesses to acknowledge their feedback.
How to Fix It
Respond to all reviews—both positive and negative. Thank customers for their feedback, and in case of negative reviews, offer a solution or express a willingness to resolve the issue. Being attentive to feedback shows your commitment to customer satisfaction and builds trust.
3. Using Poor-Quality Photos
Why It’s a Mistake
In an era dominated by visuals, poor-quality images can turn away potential customers. Plano’s local customers are no exception; they want a sense of what they’ll experience before they even set foot in your business.
How to Fix It
Invest in high-quality photos. Showcase your storefront, products, or services with bright, clear images. If possible, hire a professional photographer to capture your business in the best light, or take time to ensure good lighting, focus, and resolution when snapping your own photos.
4. Choosing the Wrong Business Category
Why It’s a Mistake
Your business category is vital for visibility. Selecting a broad or incorrect category makes it harder for potential customers to find you, especially in competitive markets like Plano.
How to Fix It
Choose the category that most closely represents what your business does. Google allows you to select primary and secondary categories, so use them wisely. For example, if you run a bakery that serves coffee, choose “Bakery” as the primary category and “Coffee Shop” as a secondary one.
5. Neglecting Regular Updates
Why It’s a Mistake
If your GMB profile is outdated, customers may assume you’re inactive or out of business. Plano customers often rely on Google to find real-time information, and an inactive profile can make your business appear unreliable.
How to Fix It
Update your profile regularly. Post about holiday hours, special events, new products, or temporary closures. This keeps your customers informed and lets Google know that your business is active, helping boost your search rankings.
6. Not Utilizing Google Posts
Why It’s a Mistake
Google Posts are a free, powerful way to share updates, promotions, or events with potential customers. If you’re not using this feature, you’re missing out on a valuable engagement tool.
How to Fix It
Use Google Posts to share updates about your Plano business. Post about promotions, events, or even showcase a weekly “customer spotlight.” Posts are short-lived, so keep them relevant and engaging to maintain customer interest.
7. Ignoring Insights Data
Why It’s a Mistake
GMB provides valuable insights into customer behavior, such as how they found your business, what actions they took on your profile, and where they’re located. Ignoring these insights means missing out on opportunities to improve your strategy.
How to Fix It
Regularly review your GMB insights. Pay attention to which days customers are most active, what type of posts they engage with, and which search terms they use. Use this data to optimize your content and make your profile more appealing to Plano locals.
8. Keyword Stuffing in the Business Name
Why It’s a Mistake
Adding keywords to your business name to improve search visibility is against Google’s guidelines. Known as “keyword stuffing,” this can get your profile suspended or penalized, hurting your chances of being found by Plano customers.
How to Fix It
Stick to your business’s actual name. Instead of trying to sneak keywords into the name, focus on other areas of your GMB profile to highlight your services, such as the business description, services section, and Google Posts.
9. Overlooking Q&A Section
Why It’s a Mistake
The Q&A section on your GMB profile is another direct line to customers, allowing them to ask questions about your business. Ignoring this section could lead to missed opportunities to address common customer concerns.
How to Fix It
Monitor and respond to questions promptly. Be proactive by adding FAQs yourself based on common inquiries you receive. This can provide useful information to Plano locals who might have similar questions.
10. Failing to Encourage Check-Ins
Why It’s a Mistake
Encouraging check-ins may seem insignificant, but they can boost your visibility in local search results. Plano customers checking into your business add credibility and show that your business is active and popular.
How to Fix It
Politely encourage customers to check in when they visit your business. Consider offering incentives for check-ins, like a small discount on their next visit. This not only boosts your GMB profile but also strengthens customer loyalty.
Optimize Your GMB Presence In Plano With Local SEO GMB Marketing
GMB is a critical tool for local businesses, and avoiding these GMB Mistakes can make a world of difference in how your customers in Plano engage with your business. Each of these actions, whether it’s keeping information up-to-date, responding to reviews, or engaging through posts will brings you closer to a robust online presence that reaches and resonates with your target audience.
Need expert help managing your GMB profile? At Local SEO GMB Marketing, we specialize in helping Plano businesses achieve top visibility. Contact us at gmb@localseogmbmarketing.com to schedule a consultation today!
