What Should I Do After Finding My Company in the Search?

The short answer is: after locating your company in the search results, you should choose the keyword you want to check your ranking for and then pick an appropriate radius to review your position within. For beginners, a three-mile radius is recommended, while those with a strong Google My Business (GMB) presence can consider expanding that radius up to ten miles.

Full Explanation

Once you’ve identified your company in the search listings, the next important step is to focus on the specific keyword you want to evaluate. Keywords are essential because they represent the terms potential customers use to find businesses like yours. Checking your ranking based on selected keywords gives you insight into how visible your business is in search results.

After selecting the keyword, you must decide on a radius for your search. The radius determines the geographical area around your business location where you evaluate your ranking. This helps measure how your visibility changes depending on location and proximity.

If you’re new to this process, starting with a three-mile radius is a practical approach. It focuses on your immediate area and gives you a manageable view of local search performance. On the other hand, if your Google My Business listing already ranks well, it’s beneficial to look at a broader radius like ten miles. This wider radius can help you understand how far your reach extends beyond the immediate neighborhood.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

  1. Find your company in the search results.
  2. Select the keyword you want to check your ranking for.
  3. Determine an appropriate radius to analyze your position – three miles if you’re a beginner, ten miles if you already have a good GMB ranking.
  4. Review your search rankings within the chosen radius to understand your local visibility.

Real Examples

Imagine you own a local bakery and have just verified your presence in the search results. You decide to focus on the keyword “fresh bread near me.” Since you are new to ranking checks, you select a three-mile radius to see where you stand in your town. On the other hand, if your GMB listing is strong and you already see good traffic, you might select a ten-mile radius to see if your bakery also ranks well in nearby neighborhoods or cities.

Common Mistakes

  • Skipping the keyword selection step, which leads to inaccurate or unfocused ranking checks.
  • Choosing a radius that is too wide too soon, which can give misleading data for beginners.
  • Not adjusting the radius based on your current GMB performance, leading to missed opportunities in understanding your local market.

FAQs

Why is selecting a radius important?
Selecting a radius helps you understand how your business ranks within specific geographical areas, giving a clearer picture of local search visibility.
How do I know if my GMB is in a good position?
If your business consistently appears in local search results and maps rankings, it indicates your GMB is performing well.
Can I check ranking for multiple keywords?
Yes, after finding your company, you can select and check multiple keywords to measure your overall search presence.

Key Takeaways

  • After locating your company in search, pick the keyword you want to track.
  • Choose a search radius based on experience: three miles is suitable for beginners; ten miles for those with strong GMB rankings.
  • Analyzing rankings within the chosen radius helps you understand and improve your local SEO strategy effectively.