Okay, you’ve got a business here in Malaysia, and you want people to find it online, so that they can visit your physical store. Got it!
The key to that is setting up your Google Business Profile (GBP) and doing some basic Local SEO Malaysia magic.
Let me show you how to make sure people see your business when they search for what you offer.
Step 1: Set Up Your Google Business Profile
The first thing you need is a Google Business Profile. This tells Google where you are and what you do. If your business is already listed, claim it; if not, create a new one.
- Business Name: Check if your business is already on Google. If it is, just claim it. If not, create a new listing.
- Categories: Be clear about what you do. If you run a nasi lemak stall, let Google know so that people searching for “nasi lemak near me” in Malaysia can find you.
- Address: If you have a physical shop or cafe, add your address so customers can find you. But if you don’t have a walk-in business, you can hide your exact address and just show the area.
- Phone Number: Don’t forget your phone number! Malaysians love calling to ask questions, and if no one picks up, they might think your business is closed.
- Website: If you’ve got a website, link it to your profile. It’s just another way to help customers find more info about you. (If you don’t have website, do contact me, I can help you setup basic website).
Pro Tip: Verify your business location with Google. This will help you rank better on Google Maps and search results for Local SEO Malaysia.
Step 2: Optimize Your Profile for Local SEO
After setting up your profile, don’t stop there. You want your business to look good and stand out, especially in the competitive Malaysian market.
- Business Hours: List your real hours. Whether you’re open from 8 AM to 6 PM or only on weekends, make sure it’s accurate — and update it if things change.
- Photos & Videos: Upload high-quality photos of your business, products, and staff. Malaysians love to see what they’re getting into before visiting a place.
- Business Description: Write a simple, keyword-friendly description of what your business does. Throw in Local SEO Malaysia terms like “best satay in Kuala Lumpur” to make it easier for locals to find you.
Step 3: Post Regular Updates
Think of your Google Business Profile as your business’s mini social media page. Keep it active with updates that let customers know what’s new.
- What’s New?: Launching a new product? Post it. Got new menu items at your restaurant? Tell people about it.
- Deals & Offers: Post about any promotions, discounts, or sales you’re running. Malaysians love a good deal. (You can advertise using Google Ads)
- Events: Hosting a local event, like a pop-up or sale? Add it to your profile with some photos to get people interested.
Step 4: Get Customer Reviews
In Malaysia, word of mouth is huge, and online reviews are the modern version of that. Good reviews will boost your local SEO rankings and build trust.
- Ask for Reviews: If a customer loves your food, service, or products, kindly ask them to leave a review on Google.
- Make It Easy: Create a short link or QR code to make it simple for customers to leave a review — you can even put the QR code on receipts or menus.
- Respond to Reviews: Always reply to reviews, good or bad. Malaysians appreciate a business that engages with its customers, so say “thank you” for positive ones and politely handle any negative ones.
Step 5: List Your Business on Local Directories
To rank well with Local SEO Malaysia, you need to make sure your business details (name, address, phone) are listed on other platforms like Yelp, Facebook, and local Malaysian directories.
- Check for Duplicates: Make sure your business info is the same across all sites. Use tools like Moz Local to see if there’s any outdated or wrong info floating around.
- Consistency Matters: Always keep your name, address, and phone number the same across all websites. This helps Google confirm that your info is accurate.
Step 6: Use Social Media to Boost Your Local SEO
While social media doesn’t directly affect your ranking, it’s still important to be active on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. In Malaysia, many people search for businesses on these platforms before making a decision.
- Post Regularly: Share updates, new products, or behind-the-scenes looks. Malaysians love to engage with local brands on social media.
- Connect with Customers: Social media is a great way to build relationships with your customers and get them talking about your business.
So there you go! By setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile and using these Local SEO Malaysia tips, you’ll make sure your business is seen by the right people. Keep your profile updated, ask for reviews, and stay active online. Simple, right?