If you own a pet business, like a dog boarding facility, pet grooming salon, or dog-walking service, getting visibility online is essential. One of the best (and free!) ways to reach more local pet owners is by adding your business to Google My Business (GMB). When someone searches for pet services in your area, your business can appear in Google Search results and Google Maps—right where your potential customers are looking! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up your GMB profile and offer tips to make it as effective as possible.
Why Google My Business is Important for Pet Businesses
Google My Business is a powerful tool that helps local businesses attract nearby customers. It’s especially useful for pet businesses because:
- Visibility: Your business shows up in Google’s Local Pack (the top local search results), Maps, and more.
- Trust: A GMB listing builds credibility as customers can read reviews and see that you’re a real, trustworthy business.
- Ease of Access: It provides customers with essential info—like your location, hours, services, and contact info—all in one place.
Step 1: Set Up Your Google My Business Listing
1. Go to the Google My Business Website
- Start by going to Google My Business.
- Click the “Manage now” button.
2. Log in or Create a Google Account
- If you don’t have a Google account for your business, create one now.
- It’s best to keep your business and personal accounts separate, so consider making a dedicated email if you haven’t yet.
3. Enter Your Business Name and Category
- Type in your business name as you want it to appear.
- Select the most relevant category, such as “Pet Boarding Service,” “Pet Groomer,” “Pet Supply Store,” etc. This helps Google show your business in relevant searches.
4. Add Your Business Location
- If customers visit you in person, enter your address so Google can place your business on Maps.
- If you serve a larger area (like a pet sitter or mobile groomer), you can specify your service areas instead of a physical location.
5. Input Contact Information
- Add your business phone number and website URL.
- Ensure this information matches what’s on your website and social profiles for consistency and credibility.
6. Verify Your Business
- Google will mail a postcard to the address you provided with a verification code.
- Once it arrives, log in to your GMB account and enter the code to confirm your listing.
Tips for Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile
Once you’ve set up and verified your listing, it’s time to optimize it! Here are some tips to help you stand out in search results.
1. Complete Every Section
- Fill out every part of your GMB profile. This includes your business hours, services, amenities, description, and more.
- The more complete your profile, the more likely you are to rank higher in Google’s local search results.
2. Use High-Quality Photos
- Add high-resolution photos of your business, services, and team. Google recommends adding at least three photos to each category (interior, exterior, team, etc.).
- Photos build trust, and listings with more images get more engagement.
3. Write a Compelling Business Description
- Your business description is an opportunity to explain what sets your pet business apart.
- Include relevant keywords (like “pet grooming,” “dog daycare,” or “pet boarding in [Your City]”) to help people find you.
4. Encourage Reviews and Respond to Them
- Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews, as a higher rating boosts your credibility and ranking.
- Respond to every review, whether positive or negative, as it shows potential customers that you’re engaged and value feedback.
5. Add Posts Regularly
- Google allows you to post updates, offers, or events on your GMB profile. Use this feature to share news, promotions, or seasonal services.
- Aim to post weekly or monthly, as this keeps your profile fresh and signals to Google that your business is active.
6. List Your Services
- Add a complete list of the services you offer, such as “Dog Walking,” “Pet Boarding,” “Grooming Services,” and so on.
- For each service, add a description that includes relevant keywords. This helps with SEO and allows potential customers to see exactly what you offer.
7. Use the Q&A Feature
- Google’s Q&A feature lets customers ask questions directly on your listing.
- Be proactive by adding frequently asked questions and answering them yourself. This helps customers get quick answers and builds trust.
8. Monitor Your Insights
- Google provides data on how people are finding and interacting with your business listing.
- Use these insights to understand what’s working, which keywords bring you traffic, and where you might need to make improvements.
Final Thoughts
Setting up and optimizing your Google My Business listing is an easy way to attract more pet owners in your area. By making your listing as complete and engaging as possible, you’ll improve your chances of showing up in search results and building trust with potential customers. So get started today, and watch your pet business grow!
Good to know: GMB profile set up comes standard with all our pet business website designs, and if you choose our SEO add-on too, we will optimise your profile on a monthly basis. Contact us today to enquire about website design and SEO for your pet business.