Crafting a great business description for your Google My Business (GMB) profile can make a huge difference in attracting customers on search engines. It’s your chance to tell people what your business is all about and why they should choose you.
A great Google My Business profile can help your business appear in the map pack. The map pack search results are different from regular search engine results.
Even if you don’t know much about SEO, you can improve your chances of showing up in the map pack by following these tips:
- Start with the target keyword you want to rank for: You can immediately indicate your business focus. For example,”Sustainable Fashion”
- Include the city: its local, so it’s better to add the city. For example, “New York”
- Front-load the keyword: Place “Sustainable Fashion” at the very start of your description for maximum impact. For example, “Sustainable Fashion in New York”
- Additionally, format your business name like this: “Your Business Name | Sustainable Fashion New York”.
To give you a better idea, here is one good complete example of GMB description:
Good Example:
“We offer a wide range of Sustainable Fashion in New York for all ages. Our eco-friendly boutique features stylish, sustainable clothing and accessories. We prioritize quality and environmental responsibility. Visit us to discover unique pieces that is perfect for the conscious shopper. Whether you’re looking for chic outfits or casual wear, join us in promoting a greener future through fashion.”
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a compelling business description for your GMB profile, along with more examples to help you get it right.
The Importance of a Great Business Description for Your Business and SEO
The description feature in Google My Business also known as Google Business Profile is a valuable tool for local businesses. It allows you to inform search users about your business and the products or services you offer. If you don’t have a GMB account yet, learn how to register on GMB, here.
Before its launch in 2018, business owners could only enter basic information such as the company name, address, phone number, hours, and payment methods accepted.
Now, this business description feature is a key part of your GMB Profile in local SEO. It gives you the chance to speak directly to potential customers, explaining what your business does and sharing details like your history, values, and mission.
Here are some reasons why good GMB business description matters;
- Inform Potential Customers: Clearly explains what your business does and the products or services you offer.
- Enhance SEO: Helps improve your search engine ranking by including relevant keywords.
- Build Trust: Establishes credibility and trust with potential customers by providing accurate and detailed information.
- Attract Target Audience: Helps attract the right customers by highlighting what makes your business unique.
- Improve Conversion Rates: Encourages potential customers to choose your business and convert sales by providing compelling reasons and clear calls to action.
Google My Business Description Guidelines
Before writing your business description, review the GMB Description Guidelines. These guidelines outline what you can and cannot include in your listing. For example, you shouldn’t include promotional details but can mention your business history.
It’s crucial to follow these rules because Google reviews descriptions and may suspend your account if you violate their policies.
Here’s summary of what Google advises;
- Description is to provide valuable information about your services, products, mission, and business history.
- Be honest and focus on relevant, useful content to help customers understand your business.
- Avoid irrelevant content or anything unrelated to your business.
Additionally, your description SHOULD NOT;
- Include low-quality or distracting content, such as misspellings, gimmicky characters, or gibberish.
- Focus on special promotions, prices, or sales offers. Examples to avoid include “Everything on sale, -50%!” and “Best bagels in town for $5!”
- Contain any links of any kind.
How Long Should Your Google My Business Profile Description Be?
When writing your business description, remember to adhere to the character limit set by Google My Business.
Currently, this limit is 750 characters. Make every word count to convey the most important information about your business clearly and concisely.
How do I write my Google My Business Profile Description
Before starting your Google Business Profile description, be ready to draft several versions. This gives you backup options if your initial description gets rejected due to guideline violations.
For ideas, check the ‘about’ page on your website. This page often contains your brand’s key details, making it a solid foundation for your Google Business Profile description.
Tips for Writing Your Google My Business Profile Description
- Start with Your Target Keyword: Place your main keyword at the beginning for better visibility.
- Add Your City: Mention your city to boost local relevance.
- Keep It Simple: Use clear language. Tools like Hemingway.app or other AI tools can help.
- Highlight Unique Aspects: Explain what makes your business stand out from competitors.
- Avoid URLs and Links: Do not include any URLs or links in your description.
- Skip Sales or Offers: Use Google Posts for promotions and special offers instead.
- Steer Clear of Keyword Stuffing: Use keywords naturally and avoid overloading your description with them.
- Include a Call to Action: Encourage visitors with phrases like ‘Visit us today’.
- No All Caps: Maintain a professional tone by avoiding all capital letters.
- Write for Your Audience: Reflect your business’s personality and cater to your target audience.
How to Add a Google Business Profile Description to Your Listing
Adding a Google Business Profile description is straightforward. Simply
- Go to the NMX and select ‘Edit Profile’;
- You’ll find ‘Description’ in the ‘About’ section.
- Be mindful, some texts will be truncated. So make sure the important stuffs are conveyed without them having to click more.
- Once you have written description, click “Apply”. Then wait for Google to review and approve your description.
- If it isn’t approved, double-check to make sure you followed their guidelines properly.
Alternatively, you can also update it using SEOCopilot’s GMB optimization feature for expert recommendations and pro-tips to enhance your profile and improve your ranking.
Here are some other examples of templates you can follow and adjust according to your business industry:
Example #1 (Physical Location – Bakery)
{Business name} is a family-owned bakery located in {location}. For over {years in business}, we have been delighting customers with freshly baked {products #1}, {products #2}, and {products #3}. Our mission is to bring joy and sweetness to every celebration and daily moment with our delicious baked goods.
Example #2 (Service Area Business – IT Services)
{Business name} is a professional IT services provider serving {target location} and surrounding areas including {nearby area #1}, {nearby area #2}, and {nearby area #3}. For over {years in business}, our experienced team has delivered {services #1}, {services #2}, and {services #3} with exceptional attention to detail. Our mission is to provide reliable and innovative IT solutions that empower businesses to thrive in a digital world.
Setting Up Your Business Profile
Creating a descriptive and comprehensive information about your business on Google My Business involves a few essential steps to ensure your company is accurately represented online. Key elements include account creation, business verification, and optimizing your business information for better visibility.
Account Creation Process
To start, visit the Google My Business website and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it first. Once logged in, click on the “Manage Now” button to begin the setup.
Enter your business name and choose the appropriate category that describes your business. Follow the prompts to add your business address, service areas, and contact information.
After filling out these details, you’ll have the option to customize your profile with photos, business hours, and a short description. Being thorough at this stage is critical as these details help potential customers know more about your business.
Verification Methods
Google requires verification to ensure all business listings are accurate and legitimate. There are several methods available:
- Postcard by Mail: The most common method. Google will send a postcard containing a verification code to the business address you provided. Enter this code in your account to verify your business.
- Phone Call: Available for some businesses. Google will call the number you’ve listed with a verification code.
- Email: In certain cases, email verification is possible if your business email domain matches the business listing.
- Instant Verification: Occasionally available for businesses already verified through Google Search Console.
Each of these methods has specific steps, and it is crucial to complete them to ensure your business listing goes live. Learn more here on our Step by Step Guide on Registering on Google My Business.
Optimizing Business Information
Optimization is key to making your business profile stand out. Start by ensuring all the basic information—address, phone number, website, and hours of operation—is accurate and up-to-date.
Add high-quality images of your business, products, and services. Engage with customers by promptly responding to reviews and questions. Utilize the “Posts” feature to share updates, promotions, and events.
Incorporate keywords in your business description to improve search visibility. For example, a bakery could say: “Family-owned bakery in downtown Chicago offering freshly baked bread, pastries, and custom cakes.”
By optimizing these elements, your business profile will be more attractive and informative to potential customers while you tweak other elements apart from GMB to gain more exposure online.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses specific strategies for writing an effective business description for Google My Business, including key elements, examples, and useful tips.
How do I craft an effective business description for my Google My Business listing?
To craft an effective business description, start with a clear and concise summary of what your business offers. Highlight unique features or services that set you apart from competitors, and use keywords that potential customers might search for.
What are some good examples of business descriptions for small businesses on Google My Business?
- Café Delights: “Café Delights offers a cozy atmosphere with homemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Located in the heart of downtown, our café is perfect for breakfast meetings, casual lunches, and relaxing afternoons.”
- Elite Fitness Gym: “Elite Fitness Gym provides state-of-the-art equipment and personalized training programs. Our experienced trainers help members achieve their fitness goals in a supportive environment.”
What key elements should I include in my business description on Google My Business?
Include your business’s name, location, and a brief summary of services or products offered. Highlight any unique selling points, like awards, certifications, or exclusive features. Make sure the description is clear, concise, and uses relevant keywords.
How can I make my Google My Business description stand out?
Use engaging language that speaks directly to your target audience. Incorporate customer testimonials or noteworthy achievements to build credibility. Ensure the first 250 characters are compelling, as they will appear in the search results preview.
Are there templates available for writing a Google My Business description?
Yes, templates are available online that can help structure your business description. These templates often include sections for your business name, mission statement, list of services, and unique selling points. Customizing a template can save time and ensure all key elements are included.
What length should my business description be for optimal results on Google My Business?
A business description should ideally be between 250 and 750 characters. This ensures it is substantial enough to give potential customers a complete picture of your business without being overly lengthy. Ensure the most critical information appears in the first 250 characters for maximum impact in search results.
