Google My Business (GMB) is an invaluable tool for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence and engage with potential customers. One of GMB’s most significant features is its ability to showcase the services a business offers, enabling users to find exactly what they need. This article provides a comprehensive overview of how to locate the services connected to your GMB profile and optimise them to increase visibility on both Google Search and Google Maps. This guidance will prove beneficial whether you’re managing a single location or multiple business listings.
Why Listing Services on Your GMB Profile Matters
Your Google Business Profile often serves as the initial point of interaction for potential customers. Besides essential details like your address and contact information, it offers a snapshot of your services, helping users make informed decisions about choosing your business. From an SEO perspective, a detailed list of services populated with relevant keywords can enhance your ranking in local search results. Optimising this section ensures your business appears when users search for specific services, increasing the likelihood of attracting new customers.
Finding the Services Assigned to a GMB Profile
There are several ways to access the services associated with your GMB profile. Google offers options for both manual and automated methods to view this information.
Using the GMB Everywhere Chrome Extension
The GMB Everywhere Chrome Extension is a straightforward tool that allows you to manage and access the services listed on your GMB profile. This extension provides a snapshot of key information tied to your profile, such as your business profile ID and place ID, while offering basic audit functionalities.
Steps to Access the Services Section:
- Install the GMB Everywhere Extension: Download the extension from the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for Your Business: Navigate to maps.google.com and enter your business name.
- Audit Your Profile: On the left-hand side of the search results, locate the GMB Everywhere buttons. Select the Basic Audit button to view your business profile ID and other essential details.
- Access the Services Section: In the Other GMB Details section, you’ll find a link to the services list, which displays all services currently associated with your business.
This tool is especially useful for business owners and marketers overseeing multiple listings, as it offers quick access to essential GMB data.
Manual Method: Accessing the GMB Dashboard
For those who prefer not to use external tools, the GMB dashboard allows you to manually access and edit your services list. This straightforward method is suitable for both large and small businesses.
Steps to Access and Edit the Services Section:
- Log in to Google My Business: Access the GMB dashboard by logging into your account.
- Open the Info Tab: After logging in, click on the Info tab.
- View and Edit the Services Section: Scroll down to locate the services section. From here, you can view or modify the services linked to your business listing. Use the pencil icon to make updates.
This approach is ideal for businesses with fewer listings, offering a simple way to maintain up-to-date service information.
The Role of Services in Local SEO
An optimised services section doesn’t just help potential customers understand your offerings—it’s also a significant factor in improving local SEO performance. This section provides Google with essential information about your business, guiding the platform in determining where and when to display your business in local search results.
Enhancing Search Visibility
When users search for particular services on Google, the platform’s algorithm seeks businesses that match the query based on relevance and location. By including keywords in your service descriptions, you enable Google to better understand your offerings, thus increasing your chances of appearing in relevant search results.
For example, a business that includes “emergency plumbing services” in its services list is more likely to appear when someone searches for “emergency plumbers near me.” Specificity in your services listing helps to attract customers actively searching for what you offer.
Defining Service Areas and Business Categories
Optimising your GMB profile also involves accurately defining your service areas and business categories. By specifying the areas your business covers, you improve the likelihood of your business appearing in searches from those regions. Furthermore, ensuring that your business category is precise will help customers locate you more easily.
For example, a landscaping business could select “Landscaper” as its primary category and include services like “garden maintenance” and “tree trimming.” This approach helps Google match your business to customers searching for related services.
Common Misunderstandings About GMB Services
Several misconceptions can prevent businesses from fully utilising the services section on GMB profiles. Clarifying these misunderstandings can help businesses make the most of this feature.
Misconception 1: Services Are Automatically Generated
Many business owners assume that Google automatically creates their services list based on available information. In reality, it’s the responsibility of the business owner to input and regularly update this information. Although Google may extract some general data, a detailed and accurate list requires manual input.
Misconception 2: Only Service Area Businesses Need to List Services
Service listings aren’t just beneficial for businesses that operate across various locations. Physical locations can also benefit. For example, a café might include “catering services” in its services list, alongside its primary offerings. This additional information helps to attract a wider range of customers and clarifies the full scope of your services.
Best Practices for Optimising the Services Section
Having understood the importance of the services section, the next step is optimising it for both user experience and search engine visibility. Here are a few practices to follow:
Use Specific Keywords
When describing your services, ensure they contain relevant keywords to help Google categorise your business. This approach makes your profile more accessible to users searching for specific services. For example, instead of listing “consultation,” specify “free initial legal consultation” to better target potential clients.
Keep Your Services List Updated
Ensure that your services list reflects your current offerings. When your business introduces new services or discontinues others, update your GMB profile accordingly. Accurate information builds trust with potential customers and enhances the credibility of your brand.
Include Pricing Information
While not always required, including pricing information can aid potential customers in making informed decisions. Transparency about costs contributes to building trust and helps set expectations for visitors.
Add High-Quality Images
Adding images to your services list enhances the visual appeal of your business profile. Photos of your products, services, or location help users connect with your business and can increase engagement rates.
Tracking Performance with GMB Insights
Once your GMB services section is optimised, it’s vital to monitor its effectiveness. Google offers tools such as GMB Insights to help track how users interact with your profile.
Using GMB Insights
The GMB Insights tool provides data on metrics such as the number of users viewing your services or clicking on your website link. This information enables you to assess the effectiveness of your services section and identify areas for improvement.
Reviewing Customer Feedback
In addition to tracking user engagement, regularly audit customer reviews and feedback. Positive reviews can enhance your profile’s visibility, while negative reviews present opportunities for improvement. Address feedback promptly and update your services as needed to ensure customer satisfaction.
Case Study: Optimising Services for a Local Business
To illustrate the impact of optimising the services section, consider the example of a local hair salon. Initially, the salon’s GMB profile contained only basic information, such as its address and opening hours. After updating the profile to include services like “hair colouring” and “bridal hair styling,” the salon experienced a 30% increase in bookings within a few months.
The updated services list also improved the salon’s ranking in Google Maps, helping it appear when customers searched for salons in the local area. This example highlights the value of a well-maintained services section for attracting new customers.
Conclusion: Achieving Success with Your GMB Profile
The services section of your GMB profile plays a significant role in improving local SEO and ensuring potential customers can find and engage with your business. Whether managing a single location or multiple listings, optimising this section can substantially improve visibility and attract more customers.
By following the steps outlined in this article and using tools like the GMB Everywhere Chrome Extension or the GMB dashboard, you can keep your profile relevant. Including specific keywords, updating services regularly, and using GMB Insights to track performance will help your Google Business Profile remain competitive and effective.
For more in-depth assistance, reach out to Search Engine Ascend, where our team of specialists can support you in optimising your GMB profile to achieve your business objectives.
