Your Google My Business Optimization Checklist

Confirm That Your Dispensary Has a Google My Business Listing

Do a Google search to see if your dispensary is listed and if you’ve claimed it. If a listing doesn’t exist or if it’s not claimed, all you need to do is log in to Google My Business and create or claim it. You’ll need a Gmail address to log in.

If someone else has claimed it, you’ll need to submit a Request of Ownership from Google.

Verify Your GMB Listing

Google requires you to verify your listing. The three primary ways to do this are email, phone, or postcard. Verifying by postcard is the most cumbersome way. If you choose phone verification, just make sure you’re there to answer the call.

Complete Basic Business Information

Complete your basic business information and make sure it’s accurate and consistent across the web. Use the exact same business name that appears on your dispensary storefront, marketing collateral, and website. Use your local business phone number that a real person will pick up.

You’ll want to choose the most relevant business categories (e.g., “cannabis store”). Don’t select irrelevant categories or try to spam your GMB listing with cities you’re not located in.

Finally, make sure your business hours are correct, including holiday hours.

Create a Compelling Description for Your Dispensary

Keep it brief, but engaging. Focus on what makes your dispensary unique. You’re allowed up to 750 characters. Google will use the first 244 words in your description for the snippet.

Add High-Quality Visual Imagery

Google (and consumers) love visual content. Upload not only your logo, but pictures of your dispensary (interior and exterior), photos of your team (preferably candid pictures of them engaging with customers), and creative videos (like educational or how-to videos). Make sure only to use high-quality photos. If you really want to stand out, include a virtual tour of your dispensary.

Collect Authentic Customer Reviews

There’s no higher ROI activity than getting high-rating reviews. Nowadays, nearly every consumer reads online reviews. Reviews can make or break your business. With 85 percent of consumers trusting online reviews as much as personal recommendations, you want to make sure your consistently getting positive reviews. Also, make sure to respond to both positive and negative reviews. Google likes to see proactive businesses, and your responsiveness will be rewarded.

Keep in mind that unlike Yelp, Google encourages businesses to ask customers for reviews. However, you’re not allowed to offer incentives to leave reviews. Offering incentives is not only against Google’s terms, it’s actually illegal.

To learn more about Local SEO and how to make the most of your GMB, check out these resources: