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How do I use Google Justifications?

Google has added a new feature to its Google My Business tool called Google Justifications. You’ll see these displayed on the map pack results and on Google Maps. Justifications are accompanied by an icon that makes the listing stand out, as well as give the user a reason (or justification) why that listing is being shown to you. In short, justifications justify why the listing is being displayed.

If you want to attract more traffic to your site, be sure you are using one or more Google Justifications on your Google My Business listing. However, it is not simply a matter of checking a check box. According to Luc Durand of Ranking Academy, most of your success with Google Justifications can be indirectly controlled. At this time there are seven types of Google Justifications available. Here’s how they work:

Google Justification #1: Reviews

Review justifications are shown next to the snippet with a blue icon with a symbol of a person. In order for your listing to show review justifications, you need Google reviews from your customers. While this sounds easy to do, you’ll have even more success when your reviews contain keywords about the products or services you provide.

Google Justifications example of reviews
Google Justification Reviews Example

Google Justification #2: Website mentions

Your GMB listing shows website mentions if Google sees the term that the user is searching for on your site. Website mentions are accompanied by a globe icon, indicating website. Although the tip here is to make sure that you create good content on your site, be sure it is about the products or services you are targeting.

Google Justifications example of website mentions
Google Justification Website Mentions Example

Google Justification #3: Post Justification

Post justifications are snippets of text from your Google My Business listing. I know you’re thinking, “I already post on my social media channels, why should I post on Google too?” Well, now you have your reason. Post justifications come from posts that are less than 60 days old – another reason to post on GMB regularly! Post justifications are accompanied by an icon of an exclamation point inside a circle.

Google Justification #4: Provides Justification

Provides justifications are pulled from the Services section of your GMB listing. If you’re a service business, you should have this completed on your site. Provides justifications are accompanied by a checkmark in a circle.

Google Justifications example of provides justification
Google Justification Provides Example

Google Justification #5: Menu Highlight

Menu highlights come from the menu section of your Google My Business listing or from the photos that users have posted on your GMB profile. Menu highlights are accompanied by an icon of a knife and fork, or a menu icon. Make sure your menu is up-to-date and encourage customers to post on your Google page about your menu items.

Google Justifications example of menu highlight
Google Justification Menu Highlight Example

Google Justification #6: In Stock

The in stock icon makes it clear to the user that they can visit your store for the items they want. The technology behind this Pointy from Google, which connects to your point of sale system and automatically adds your in-store inventory to your Google My Business profile and to a Pointy page for your store. Similar to the Provides Justification, the in stock icon is a checkmark inside a circle.

Google Justifications example of in stock
Google Justification In Stock Example

Google Justification #7: Sold Here

Lastly, the sold here icon is a little shopping bag. Luc speculates that sold here information comes from your web site, reviews, and even user feedback. User feedback is when Google asks you “Know this place?” and occasionally prompts you to provide details about parking, what the store sells, if it’s good for kids, etc. Show up on sold here by making sure your web site is rich with keywords of items you sell, and encourage users to leave reviews that use your chosen keywords.

Google Justifications example of sold here
Google Justification Sold Here Example

It surprised me to find that, in general, many St. Croix businesses don’t take advantage of the free Google tools available. Simply maximizing your Google My Business listing can help your business stand out to users who are looking for local services!

If you need help improving your search results, managing your social media accounts, or suggestions to implementing the ideas presented here, get in touch! We’d love to help.

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