Your Google My Business (GMB) page is an essential component of your local marketing strategy. It acts as a virtual storefront, providing business information, customer reviews, and photos. However, its effectiveness depends on how well you optimize it, and your GMB description plays a significant role in that. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of crafting an engaging description that reflects your business’s unique value proposition and attracts potential customers.
Understanding the Importance of Your Google My Business Description
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s first explore why your GMB description matters. It’s the first thing visitors see when they land on your page, and it helps them decide whether to click through to your website, call your business, or visit in person. A well-written description can also improve your search engine optimization (SEO) and lead to higher local search rankings.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including search and maps. Once you claim and verify your listing, you can add and edit business information, such as your address, phone numbers, opening hours, website, and photos. You can also respond to customer reviews, post updates, and track insights.
Why Your Description Matters
Your GMB description is where you can give potential customers a sense of who you are and what you offer. It’s your chance to showcase your brand personality, unique selling points, and value proposition. A compelling description can set you apart from your competitors and entice visitors to engage further with your business.
Crafting a Compelling Introduction
The first few lines of your GMB description are critical in capturing visitors’ attention and encouraging them to read on. Your introduction should be concise, clear, and intriguing, highlighting the key benefits of your business and addressing the pain points of your target audience. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling introduction:
Hooking Your Audience
Start with a compelling hook that captures your target audience’s attention and makes them want to learn more. This could be a question, a statistic, a surprising fact, or a statement that challenges conventional wisdom. For example, "Are you tired of struggling with your finances every month? Our financial planning services can help you take control and achieve your goals."
Showcasing Your Unique Selling Points
Next, highlight your unique selling points (USPs) and the benefits you offer to your customers. This could be anything that sets you apart from your competitors, such as your expertise, experience, quality, affordability, convenience, or customer service. Think about why your customers choose you over others, and emphasize those reasons. For example, "We’re the only health and wellness center in the area that offers integrative medicine services from licensed practitioners who specialize in natural healing. Our goal is to help you achieve optimal wellness, not just treat symptoms."
Highlighting Your Products and Services
Your GMB description should also provide a clear and comprehensive overview of your products and services. You want to make it easy for visitors to understand what you offer and how it can benefit them. Here are some tips to help you describe your offerings:
Describing Your Offerings
Avoid using technical jargon or generic terms that don’t convey the value of your products and services. Instead, use descriptive language that highlights the benefits and results your customers can expect. For example, instead of saying “We provide financial planning services,” say “We help you create a personalized financial plan that fits your goals, risk tolerance, and lifestyle."
Emphasizing Your Expertise
If you have specific expertise or certifications in your field, make sure to mention them in your description. This can give visitors confidence in your abilities and set you apart from businesses that may offer similar services but without the same level of expertise. For example, "Our team of certified public accountants (CPAs) has over a decade of experience in helping businesses and individuals with their tax and accounting needs."
Incorporating Keywords for SEO
Keywords are the words and phrases that people use to search for businesses like yours online. Including relevant keywords in your GMB description can improve your local SEO and increase your visibility in Google search results. Here’s how to incorporate keywords effectively:
Identifying Relevant Keywords
Start by identifying the most relevant keywords for your business and industry. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Google Trends, and SEMrush to research what people search for and how competitive each keyword is. Look for keywords that reflect your location, specialization, and value proposition.
Balancing Keyword Usage and Readability
Once you’ve identified your keywords, incorporate them naturally into your description, without overstuffing or sacrificing readability. Use different variations of your keywords, such as synonyms or long-tail phrases, to make your content more diverse and engaging. Also, remember that your GMB description should be written for humans, not just search engines, so make sure it reads smoothly and conveys your message clearly.
Showcasing Your Company Culture and Values
Finally, consider showcasing your company culture and values in your GMB description. In today’s competitive business landscape, consumers want to know not only what you offer but also who you are and what you stand for. Here’s how to incorporate your culture and values into your description:
Sharing Your Mission Statement
If you have a mission statement or company philosophy, include it in your description. This can give visitors a sense of your vision and purpose and help them align with your values. For example, "Our mission is to empower small businesses with affordable, reliable, and scalable technology solutions that streamline their operations and increase their profitability."
Highlighting Community Involvement and Social Responsibility
If your business is involved in community events, charities, or social causes, mention them in your description. This can show visitors that you care about your community and have a broader impact beyond your products and services. For example, "We’re proud to sponsor local schools and nonprofits and donate a portion of our profits to environmental conservation organizations."
