Attributes for Google My Business are a powerful way to enhance your online presence and attract the right customers. By incorporating these attributes into your GMB profile, you can provide essential details that make your business stand out in local search results. Attributes allow potential customers to quickly identify specific features or services your business offers, such as “Pet-friendly,” “Free Wi-Fi,” or “Curbside pickup.” Utilizing attributes for Google My Business strategically not only improves your profile’s visibility but also builds trust with your audience. Whether it’s accessibility options or safety protocols, adding these details ensures your business is both informative and appealing, further establishing your competitive edge in the market
Why Choosing the Right Categories Matters
Categories are one of the most critical ranking factors in Google My Business. They tell Google what type of business you operate, what products or services you offer, and where you should appear in search results. If you choose the wrong category or fail to select all the relevant categories, you could miss out on appearing in searches where your business should be featured.
Primary Category
The primary category is the most important category you will select because it has the biggest impact on your local search ranking. It should closely reflect your core business. For example, if you run a bakery, your primary category should be “Bakery.” This will ensure that when users search for “bakeries near me,” your business has a good chance of appearing in the results.
Secondary Categories
After selecting a primary category, you can choose additional secondary categories that describe other aspects of your business. For example, if your bakery also offers catering services, you could add “Catering” as a secondary category. Google allows you to add up to 10 categories, but it’s essential to only add relevant categories that truly reflect what your business offers. Overloading your profile with irrelevant categories can confuse both Google and potential customers.
Avoid Overstuffing Categories
Some business owners make the mistake of adding too many categories, thinking it will help them rank higher in more search results. However, this strategy can backfire. Adding irrelevant or loosely related categories can dilute your local SEO efforts, confuse users, and reduce the relevance of your business to Google’s algorithm. Always focus on accuracy and relevance over quantity.
Using Attributes to Enhance Your GMB Profile
Optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) profile is a powerful way to attract potential customers and improve your local SEO. One crucial feature of GMB is the ability to use attributes to showcase unique qualities about your business. These attributes for Google My Business allow you to provide detailed information that helps customers decide whether your business meets their needs. By effectively using attributes, you can set your business apart and increase visibility in local search results.
What Are Attributes for Google My Business?
Attributes for Google My Business are additional details that describe specific services, features, or qualities your business offers. They serve as quick reference points for potential customers, allowing them to assess your business at a glance. For example, if your business offers “Free Wi-Fi” or is “Wheelchair accessible,” customers can see this information immediately when viewing your GMB profile.
By selecting the right attributes, you not only provide useful details to customers but also enhance your local search performance. Many customers use specific keywords when searching for businesses, and attributes can play a role in matching those searches. Using attributes for Google My Business strategically can therefore boost your relevance and ranking in search results.
Popular Attributes for Google My Business
Google My Business offers a wide range of attributes depending on the type of business you operate. These attributes can highlight accessibility, amenities, payment options, and more. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Accessibility Attributes:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking
- Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Outdoor seating
- Pet-friendly environment
- Payment Options:
- Accepts credit cards
- Contactless payments
Selecting appropriate attributes gives customers a better idea of what to expect when they visit your business. For instance, if a customer is looking for a café with outdoor seating, having that attribute selected on your profile increases the likelihood of them choosing your business over competitors.
How Attributes Influence Customer Decisions
Attributes for Google My Business help customers narrow down their choices by providing specific information that matches their needs. For example:
- A traveler searching for “hotels with free Wi-Fi” will be more likely to select your property if that attribute is included in your profile.
- Families with pets may search for “pet-friendly restaurants,” and your profile will stand out if it includes this attribute.
By leveraging these attributes for Google My Business, you cater to specific customer preferences, improving your chances of converting searchers into paying customers.
COVID-19 Specific Attributes for Google My Business
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Google introduced attributes that allow businesses to highlight their safety protocols and service adjustments. These attributes are particularly valuable for businesses operating in industries heavily impacted by the pandemic, such as retail, dining, and healthcare. Examples of COVID-19 specific attributes include:
- Mask required
- Staff wears masks
- Hand sanitizer provided
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery available
- Dine-in
These attributes for Google My Business offer reassurance to customers concerned about safety. For example, a restaurant with “Curbside pickup” and “Delivery available” attributes can attract customers who prefer contactless dining options. Similarly, a retail store with “Mask required” and “Hand sanitizer provided” can appeal to shoppers prioritizing safety.
Why COVID-19 Attributes Matter
Including COVID-19 specific attributes builds trust and transparency, showing customers that your business prioritizes their health and safety. In today’s competitive market, these details can make a significant difference in customer decision-making. When customers feel confident about visiting your business, they’re more likely to choose you over competitors.
How to Choose the Right Attributes for Google My Business
Selecting the right attributes for your business is crucial to ensuring an accurate and appealing GMB profile. Here are steps to help you make the best choices:
1. Be Honest and Transparent
Ensure the attributes you select genuinely reflect your business offerings. Misleading information can result in negative customer experiences and bad reviews, which can harm your reputation and local SEO ranking. For example, if you select “Pet-friendly” but do not allow pets, customers will feel misled.
2. Understand Your Customer Base
Think about the preferences and needs of your target audience. Are they likely to prioritize amenities like free Wi-Fi or accessibility features? If your customer base values these aspects, highlighting them using attributes for Google My Business will make your profile more appealing.
3. Stay Updated on Available Attributes
Google regularly updates the list of attributes, introducing new options relevant to evolving customer needs. For instance, COVID-19 specific attributes were added during the pandemic. Regularly review your GMB profile to ensure you’re taking advantage of all applicable attributes.
4. Highlight Unique Features
If your business offers something uncommon or highly sought after, make sure to include it in your attributes. For example, a gym with “24/7 access” or a restaurant with “gluten-free options” can attract niche audiences.
Optimizing Your GMB Profile with Attributes
Attributes play a significant role in shaping how customers perceive your business. When used effectively, they enhance your profile’s relevance and visibility, contributing to your overall local SEO strategy. Here are some tips for optimizing your GMB profile with attributes:
- Use Attributes as Search Triggers: Many customers use keywords directly related to attributes during their searches. By including relevant attributes, you increase your chances of appearing in these search results.
- Combine Attributes with Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to mention your attributes in their reviews. For example, a review stating “The restaurant is pet-friendly and has great outdoor seating” reinforces the information in your GMB profile.
- Monitor Competitor Profiles: Analyze the attributes your competitors use. If they highlight features that your business also offers but you haven’t selected, update your profile to stay competitive.
Benefits of Using Attributes for Google My Business
Using attributes for Google My Business provides numerous benefits, including:
1. Increased Visibility in Local Search
Attributes help Google understand your business better, making it easier to match your profile with relevant searches. This improves your local search ranking and ensures your business is seen by more potential customers.
2. Enhanced Customer Trust
Providing accurate and detailed information fosters trust with your audience. Customers appreciate knowing what to expect before they visit, and attributes play a key role in setting these expectations.
3. Higher Engagement Rates
When customers see that your business meets their specific needs, they’re more likely to engage with your profile, whether by visiting your website, calling, or making a purchase. Attributes that address customer pain points, such as “Wheelchair accessible” or “Curbside pickup,” can significantly boost engagement.
Staying Ahead with Attributes for Google My Business
Keeping your GMB profile updated with the latest attributes ensures your business remains competitive and relevant. Attributes reflect the evolving preferences of your customers, and staying proactive in updating them positions your business as reliable and customer-centric
Conclusion
Choosing the right categories and attributes is a critical step in optimizing your Google My Business profile for local SEO. By selecting the correct primary and secondary categories, you ensure that your business appears in relevant local search results. Adding attributes that reflect your business’s unique qualities can further enhance your profile and attract more customers. Taking the time to get these elements right will help improve your visibility and local SEO success.
