GMB helps businesses like salons to appear more easily on Google when people search for them online. 

By having a GMB listing, salon owners can show important information about their business, such as their address, phone number, hours of operation, and more. 

This information makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact the salon, leading to increased visibility and potential new customers. 

Setting up and optimizing a GMB listing is essential for any salon looking to improve its online presence and reach more customers.

Setting up a Google My Business listing 

Creating a Google account 

To get started with Google My Business, you'll need a Google account. 

If you already have a Gmail email address, you already have a Google account. If not, it's easy to set one up. 

Go to the Google sign-up page and follow the steps to create your account. 

This process will allow you to access all of Google's services, including Google My Business.

Verifying your salon's location 

Verifying your salon's location on Google My Business is another simple but necessary step. 

Once requested, Google will send you a verification code to your salon's address. 

You can either enter the code online or have Google call you to provide the code. 

This process helps Google confirm that your salon is located where you say it is and ensures that your business information is accurate. Google wants to ensure that you have a brick-and-mortar physical location. 

Once your location is verified, you can start optimizing your Google My Business listing and reaping the benefits of increased visibility and customer engagement.

Completing your salon's profile 

Completing your salon's profile on GMB is an important step in using GMB to promote your salon. 

As mentioned above, your profile should include important information such as your salon's name, address, phone number, hours of operation, and website. 

Be sure your information is exactly how it appears on other online areas, such as your website.

This information will help potential customers find your salon and learn more about the services you offer. 

Double-check to ensure all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date so that customers can easily find and contact your salon.

Adding images

Adding photos and images to your Google My Business listing is another step you should complete because it helps potential customers get a better understanding of your salon. 

Including high-quality photos of your salon's interior, exterior, and services gives customers a visual representation of what they can expect when they visit your salon. 

If you don't have 'perfect' photos get something posted and swap them out once you've had a chance to get better ones.

This visual information helps customers make informed decisions about whether or not your salon is a good fit for their needs. 

So, make sure to take the time to add photos to your GMB listing to help attract more customers to your salon.

Optimizing your Google My Business listing 

Updating your salon's information regularly 

It is also important to keep your Google My Business information up to date.

You should occasionally check to ensure your business hours, phone number, and address are correct. 

You should also add new photos and update your description if anything changes. 

Doing this regularly will give customers the most accurate information about your salon and help them find you more easily. 

It will also show Google that your listing is active and relevant, which can improve your visibility on their search engine.

Encouraging customers to leave reviews 

Encouraging customers to leave reviews on your Google My Business listing is important because it can help boost your salon's visibility and credibility. 

When customers leave positive reviews, it shows potential customers that your salon is reputable and provides good services. 

Encouraging customers to leave a review is as simple as asking them if they are satisfied with their experience at your salon and if they wouldn't mind leaving a review on your GMB listing. 

The more positive reviews you have, the more likely new customers are to choose your salon over others in the area.

If you receive bad reviews, don't stress. 

Keep reading.

Responding to customer reviews 

Responding to customer reviews can be a significant part of optimizing your Google My Business listing. 

When customers leave a review, it's an excellent opportunity to show that you care about their experience and thank them for their feedback.

Responding to both positive and negative reviews politely and professionally shows that you are active and engaged on your GMB listing, which can help attract new clients and increase your overall online reputation. 

When responding to negative reviews, listen to the customer's concerns and offer a solution or an apology if necessary. 

Pro tip: Take things offline by prompting unhappy clients to either email or call you directly.

This process can turn a negative experience into a positive one and show potential customers that you are dedicated to providing great service.

Adding keywords to your salon's profile 

Adding keywords to your salon's Google My Business profile is another step you should take to help potential customers find your salon online.

Keywords are words or phrases that describe your salon's services and products. 

Including these keywords in your salon's GMB profile makes it easier for customers to find your salon when they search for related services or products. 

For example, if your salon specializes in haircuts and coloring, you can include keywords like "haircut," "hair salon," "hair color," "hair extensions," etc. 

Utilizing keywords will make it easier for people searching for these services to find your salon in their search results because Google will pair potential clients with the information you provide.

Posting updates and offers on your GMB listing

Posting updates and offers on your Google My Business listing is another way to keep your customers informed and interested in your salon. 

You can use GMB to announce new services, share special deals, and promote upcoming events. This way, your customers will always know what's going on at your salon, and they may be more likely to visit you as a result. 

You can increase your salon's online visibility by making the most of GMB's features, building stronger relationships with your customers, and growing your business.

Benefits of Google My Business for Salons 

Increased visibility on Google search and maps 

A Google My Business listing means your salon business will be more visible on Google search and maps. 

This means that when people search for salons in your area, your salon's information, such as its name, address, and phone number, will appear on the search results page. 

This makes it easier for potential customers to find your salon and get in touch with you. 

Additionally, if someone is searching for salons on Google Maps, your salon's location will appear on the map, making it even easier for people to find you. 

*As long as you've verified your physical location.

Increased online engagement and customer interaction 

Having a Google My Business listing also allows you to connect with your customers online. 

This can lead to increased engagement and interaction between you and your customers. 

By responding to their questions and reviews, you show them that you value their opinions and care about their experiences at your salon. 

This can lead to stronger relationships with your customers and, ultimately, to more repeat business and referrals.

Improved local SEO ranking 

Improved Local SEO ranking means that your salon will show up higher on search engines like Google when people search for salons in your area. 

This means that more people will see your salon's website and information when they search for salons near them, making it easier for them to find your business. 

This can lead to an increase in customers and help your salon grow. 

Easy access to analytics and insights

Google My Business provides you with easy access to important data and information about your salon. 

This includes analytics and insights that can help you better understand how customers are finding your salon online. 

By using these insights, you can see how many people are visiting your listing, how they are engaging with your business online, and how you can improve your online presence to reach even more customers. 

This data can also help you see what's working well and what areas need improvement, allowing you to make informed decisions about your digital marketing strategy. 

Overall, having easy access to analytics and insights is a valuable tool for salon owners who want to grow their salon business and attract more customers.

Closing

As you can see, Google My Business is a powerful, FREE tool that you can leverage to help your salon's visibility and overall health. 

Be sure to take your time when working through the steps to build out your listing.

Book a call today to learn more about how we can help!