GoogleMyBusiness (GMB) is a free tool that lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. That includes adding your school name, location, and hours; monitoring and replying to customer reviews; adding photos; learning where and how people are searching for you, and more.
Your Google My Business and Facebook listings are the two most powerful influencers for search. We suggest that you focus just on these two platforms.
We can set up and optimize your GMB page. Find out more.
Accurate Information
It’s important the information about your school that shows up when people search Google is as accurate, complete, and optimized as possible.
Create a Google My Business Listing
- Step 1: Log into the Google Account you want to be associated with your school (or create a Google Account if you don’t already have one).
- Step 2: Go to google.com/business and select “Start now” in the top right-hand corner.
- Step 3: Enter your school name and all the information fields.
Verification
Choose the method you want to verify.
Optimizing Your Account
Once you have been verified, you can focus on optimization.
Add as much information and media as you can, including a business profile photo, the area you serve, your hours, the day and year you opened, and a public phone number and website URL.
Keep in mind that anyone can “suggest an edit” to your listing, so it’s important to A) get everything right the first time (so you don’t encourage random people to make their own changes) and B) periodically log into your GMB dashboard and make sure all the details look right.
According to Google, businesses with photos see 35% more clicks to their website and 42% higher requests for driving directions in Google Maps.
Photos should be at least 720 pixels wide by 720 pixels high and JPG or PNG files.
Cover photo
Your Google My Business cover photo is one of the most important, as it shows up front and center on your listing.
Videos
You can also add videos. Videos must be:
- 30 seconds or shorter
- 100 MB or smaller
- 720p resolution or higher
Videos can add some variety to your profile and make you stand out among other businesses in your category; however, don’t worry if you don’t have any — unlike photos, they’re not a “must have.”
Google My Business Reviews
One of the best ways to encourage future customers to leave positive reviews is to respond to current ones. Not only does leaving an appreciative response show the original reviewer you’re thankful for their support. It also makes that positive review stand out on your listing and influences people to leave their own reviews.
People might be less inclined to leave a negative review since they see that you are highly responsive to them.
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