GMB

Google My Business

Google My Business (GMB) is the mapped section of Google. Most businesses are unaware of the power behind this ranking tool.


When searching for a business on Google, you will see certain companies pop up in the map section of the Google search, and usually the top 3 will appear beside or under the map, this is the GMB.


In order to obtain a listing in the maps section, a GMB account is needed. Setting up a Google My Business account is not extremely difficult, but like many other aspects of SEO, it takes time and several steps.


Once your GMB is set up it too will need to be optimized just like your website. Having your GMB optimized to appear in the top 3 of the map pack is the epitome of Search Engine Optimization.


At RSL Empire Marketing we get your GMB set up, and into the top 3 of the map pack, along with your website onto page number 1 of Google.

GMB Set Up

Setting up a GMB requires 3 key components which are commonly referred to as NAP: Name, Address, Phone number.


  • A Google email address (gmail address) is also needed to set up a GMB account. Once a gmail account is set up then a GMB can be created by submitting the NAP to Google.
  • After submitting the information it will need to be verified by Google, and they do this by either sending a postcard with a verification code to your company address, or by calling or texting the code to the phone number which was submit.
  • Upon receiving the confirmation code it can be enterred into the GMB account to complete the set up!

Once your GMB is set up customers can simply type your business name into Google and find you, along with all your company information!

GMB Optimization

After your GMB is set up it can be optimized to appear higher in search results for keywords related to your company. This means that potential customers looking for a company like yours will be able to find you by simply typing related search terms into Google.


In the example above, Saskatoon Drywallers can easily be found by the simple search term "drywall company saskatoon".


If you're looking to grow your business and take on more customers, then a GMB is essential to your online presence.

How To Optimize Your GMB

There's several ways to optimize your GMB listing, but it primarily involves 4 key factors: Reviews, Citations, Photos, and Posts. Other forms of optimization include providing maps on how to find your business from other areas in town, uploading videos, ensuring all listing info is correct and updated, as well as other various tweaks and tricks, but for now we will focus on the top 4.

  • Reviews: The reviews on a GMB are perhaps the most powerful tool to help the ranking position of your business. While this part of the GMB optimization is one of the most influential, it is the only part that falls onto the sole responsibility of the business owner. Positive reviews can only be added to the GMB by having regular happy customers who were pleased with using your company.


  • Citations: A citation is simply the NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) of your business. The more places your company NAP is displayed online the more visibility your GMB will get. An example of a citation would be things like online directories such as Yellowpages or Yelp. Having more citations proves to Google that you're a trustworthy business, so having more will give you a better chance of climbing the GMB rankings and being found online.


  • Photos: Constantly uploading current photos of your business or of work that your business has completed is another extremely powerful way of climbing the rankings of the GMB. An added trick to this is a technique called Geo Tagging photos; this means that photos are geographically tagged to match your business location, which further strengthens the effectiveness of adding photos.


  • Posts: Uploading posts is something that should be done frequently and as often as weekly or multiple times per week. Posts can include special offers, discounts, promotions, or even a simple happy holidays or looking forward to summer post! Posts can be creative and are meant to reflect the personality of your business. Photos and videos can also be included in posts. 

Photos and posts alone will greatly improve your visibility on Google, but having citations and tons of 5 star reviews will really separate you from the rest!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if my company doesn't have a physical address?

    We can still set up a GMB account for you! All we would require is a mailing address where a postcard could potentially be mailed to for verification (business owners usually use their home address for this). Once the GMB is verified then the address can be taken down so your mailing address won't be displayed all over the internet!

  • How much does a GMB set up cost?

    We charge a one time fee of $250 for all GMB set ups. Along with the set up you also get the gmail address associated with it! This means you'll have a brand new GMB listing and access to your new gmail account so you can edit and optimize your GMB anytime you want! 

  • What if I don't want another email address to keep track of?

    No problem! Once the GMB is set up we can easily add your current email address as an owner of the GMB so you can manage it directly from your current email.

  • How much does GMB optimization cost?

    We start our optimization services at a flat monthly fee of $150. This includes 20 citations per month, over 10 Geo tagged images per month, weekly posts, and other added optimization techniques as well. We always let our clients know exactly what we're doing with the GMB so you know exactly what you're paying for. We can also add or subtract services to come up with a plan that is perfect for you and your business needs.

  • How do you get citations?

    Citations have to be manually completed online. This is done by going to various websites, creating an account and submitting your business information. It's a time consuming process, but that's why our team is here to get it done for you!

Still Have Questions? Contact Us.