Using Hashtag for Google My Business
-
I was told by a Google My Business representative to include #{keywords} in my description. I was told this would boost my rankings. Has anyone else heard of this?
-
Hey John,
Hmm, what a strange answer this is:
Answer In regards to the hashtags, you can either use them or if you prefer only the related keywords to be used, that works as well. Also, you can follow the tips I have shared in my previous email.
I am totally in the dark about why Google would even mention this. Maybe I've missed something
-
So below is a recent email chain with Google I thought I would share.
Question Good morning! I have spoken with a Google representative that informed me that I should used hashtags in my GMB descriptions, and that these hashtags will help push my business result up in the results. She said the hashtags could include key search terms or the category I want to be known as. For example, #keyword and #keywords. I'd like to confirm that this information is accurate before I implement it in my listings.
Answer My name is Sophia, following up on your query for adding related keywords in the business description.
Yes, this is a good idea and you can also add the city name with the most searched terms and this also plays important role in pushing up the ranking of a business page. However, we cannot promise that it will get effective overnight as the search results are something which is automatically pulled up by algorithm. Additionally, here are some tips which will definitely help in getting better ranking of your business on Google search :
- Enter complete data: Make sure you’ve entered all of your business information in Google My Business and keep it up-to-date. For example, your physical address, phone number and category. Learn how to edit your business information
- Manage and respond to reviews: Responding to reviews shows that you value your customers and the feedback they leave about your business. High quality, positive reviews from your customers will also help improve your ranking. Learn more about responding to reviews
- Add photos: Accurate and appealing pictures can show potential customers that your business offers what they’re searching for.Learn how to add local business photos
Prefer to watch a video? We have one for you here. And don’t forget to get insights for your business’ online presence via your Google My Business Account (more details).
I hope that you will find this information helpful. In case you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you grow your business!
Question To confirm, we should just use the keywords in the description without the pound symbol (hashtag)?
Answer In regards to the hashtags, you can either use them or if you prefer only the related keywords to be used, that works as well. Also, you can follow the tips I have shared in my previous email.
-
Yeah, sounds like an untrained rep to me. That does happen. Unless - bwahhahaaa - Google just gave away the secret sauce! But ... I kinda don't think so.
Glad you asked about it though!
-
We called in to Google and asked a few questions. This is when they provided this "suggestion." I think at this point it was an untrained rep that didn't know what they were saying. If there were any legitimacy to this, I think others would have some insight to it.
-
Hi John,
Are you 100% positive you were talking to a Google rep? Did you phone them or did someone phone you? While there was the 2013 G dashboard update that permitted use of rich text in the description (with the warning that it could take longer to get approved) I do not recall ever seeing mention of the use of # in descriptions. I'm very curious about someone telling you this, and feel a little nervous that you may either have been speaking to an untrained Google rep or, possibly, a scammer misrepresenting themselves as a Google rep. Seems a bit odd.
As Eric mentions, Google has treated the description very strangely in recent years. It doesn't show in most place.
Can you shed any more light on the origin of the conversation you had?
-
They meant the description. However we have since had a conversation with a different representative they didn't agree. Sounds like Google is doing some stellar training for their representatives.
-
There aren't any rules how the description should be formatted in Google's Guidelines - https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en - however it's worth noting that the description you list in your dashboard may not show up for customers searching for your service/company. Google made the shift a little while back to show a limited amount of information (NAP, website, hours of operation, reviews) which doesn't normally include the description. I haven't seen anything to suggest adding more keywords in the description will boost ranking, especially since it's a hidden element for that page.
Local SEO Guide did a great study on Local SEO ranking factors - http://www.localseoguide.com/guides/2016-local-seo-ranking-factors/
Read through that to get an idea what to test & try to get your page ranking better.
-
That would look pretty spammy to someone viewing the business page. Are you sure they did not mean on your google my business brand page?
Best!
Matthew
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Google Knowledge Graph Missing Telephone Information/Multiple Locations
Does anyone have experience correcting the Google branded knowledge graph for a local listing? We have an issue with the knowledge graph not displaying telephone numbers on a clients local knowledge graph panel in the SERPs (for desktop searches). We manage over 1,500 local listings for the same company and the majority of those listings display telephone numbers on the right hand side of the branded knowledge graph panel. However, a handful do not display a telephone number. If you click through the map section of the knowledge graph panel, into the Google Maps/Google My Business page the numbers are listed, they are just not showing up on the knowledge graph panel in the SERPs. The local numbers are listed on the Google My Business page. Does anyone have any experience with this and can recommend what other items we should check for that could help get the numbers to show up on the on the knowledge graph panel in the SERPs? Thanks for the help!
Local Listings | | lunavista-comm0 -
Google points of Interest / POI
Hello, Looking for some guidance on how to appear and get listed in Google Points of Interest in the Search Engine Results Page. Like when searching for "attractions Seattle" at the top of the SERP these listings appear. Cannot seem to find some good resources on the topic as well. Thanks Conrad
Local Listings | | conalt1 -
Google My Business - duplicate and previous owner uncooperative
Hi there, One of my SEO clients, a summer camp, is having a problem with their GMB listing. They have two listings: the one they set up, with the correct address and other business info, and the one the previous camp owners set up, with an incorrect NAP. When we try to edit the duplicate listing, we're unable to verify that we own it because it's connected to the previous owner's phone number. They've passed away and their sons are now the contact, but they're not interested in helping out. Any suggestions on how to close the duplicate listing without being able to verify that it's your own business? Thanks, Susannah
Local Listings | | SusannahK.Noel0 -
Should add Schema markup to my sites Business Directory?
I'm adding a Business Directory to my ecom site to show where the product can be purchased/used. Some listings are stores where you can purchase others are restaurants, bars and spas the product can be used. My question is should I add relevant Schema markup for each listing? My thoughts are yes but wanted feedback from the community.
Local Listings | | ColeBField
Thanks0 -
How do I get Google Knowledge Graph to display my schema snippet added on our official website?
Right now, Google is connecting our company google query to a Knowledge Graph that contains Wikipedia information, and a map to the location of our place but with the name of the company spelled wrong. It also says 'Claim this business'. I would like to override this. We have a G+ page for our company , and as well i have added a Schema to display the information correctly in the Knowledge graph. But these changes have not seemed to help to change the knowledge graph. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Local Listings | | uthealthsa0 -
Using same business number on different websites
Hello, I have number of websites in different locations with different business name and address with verified listings. However, I am thinking to use the same phone number on all the websites as it is difficult for me to keep track of all the numbers. So, is it okay to use the same phone number on different websites with different business name and address? Waiting for your thoughts. Brian
Local Listings | | BrianBotts.0 -
How to appear on Google Maps
We have a Google+ Local page, however, we are not appearing at all in Google Maps when searched for relevant keywords, such as Tax Accountant Dandenong (for google.com.au). What can we do to make sure that our business appears on Google Maps when relevant keyword phrases are searched?
Local Listings | | Gavo0 -
Local SEO: Creating a Second home-based business?
I'm in a bit of a pickle, here's the issue: I have a home-based business with a physical address. I plan on starting another home-based business at the same physical address. I only have one phone (cellphone). I plan on operating both businesses unless one completely eclipses the other. I can probably see your head spinning right now . . . how big of NAP issues are we looking at? I own my house, I could probably add a line to the new business address (like a suite # or something) I can afford a landline or secondary cellphone if necessary Any thoughts, ideas, criticisms, direction, hate-mail, or solutions?
Local Listings | | roachdesign0