Google My Business (formerly Google Business Profile) SEO entails optimizing your business listing to improve its rankings in local search results and on Google Maps. Key procedures include completing your profile in full, choosing the proper categories, gathering feedback and providing regular updates.
If you’re not showing up when consumers search for services nearby, start by checking your Google Business Profile (GBP). Local SEO is one of the highest ROI marketing activity for SMBs and your GBP listing is the foundation of it all.
In this tutorial, we’ll break down exactly how to optimize your Google Business Profile for search, with practical steps you can act on today.
What is Google Business Profile SEO?
Google Business Profile SEO is the technique of optimizing your free Google listing so it appears prominently in local search results, particularly the “Map Pack,” the block of three business listings that displays at the top of Google search results for local inquiries.
Ranking means greater visibility, more clicks, more foot traffic or queries without paying for ads.
How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile for SEO
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Complete every section of your profile
Google rewards full profiles. Google’s algorithm will be more inclined to view businesses as respectable when the listing is entirely completed. Fill in your :
- Business Name, Address, and Phone (NAP)
- Website link
- Hours of Operation (Holidays Included)
- Business description (insert your essential keywords naturally here)
- Products and Services
It’s about consistency. Ensure your NAP details are consistent with what is on your website and other directories.
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Choose the right primary and secondary categories
One of the most essential ranking variables for local SEO is your main category. Be very specific. A bakery shouldn’t just pick “Food & Drink” – choose “Bakery” or even “Wedding Cake Shop” if it is your specialty.
You can add up to 10 sub categories. Use them to highlight the full spectrum of your services without going into unrelated areas.
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Collect and respond to Google reviews
Reviews effect your ranking and your click-through rate. According to BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey, 98% of consumers read online evaluations for local businesses. Google’s algorithm takes into account the quantity of reviews, the age of reviews and your response rate.
Ask your happy customers to leave you a review, and always respond, positive or negative. Engagement tells Google that your listing is active and trustworthy.
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Add photos and videos regularly
Listings that have photos get 42% more inquiries for directions and 35% more hits to their website than those that don’t, according to Google. Post high quality photographs of your business, crew, products and completed work. Keep them updated often so your business looks active.
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Post updates to your listing
Google Posts are short updates that appear right on your listing. Share promotions, events, new products or blog posts with them. Posting at least once a week keeps your profile updated, and gives Google more stuff to index.
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Use the Q&A section strategically
With the Q&A function anyone can ask questions about your business—and anyone can answer them. Fill frequent questions yourself, and expect it. Use keywords naturally and keep answers direct and helpful.
A Quick Google My Business SEO Case Study
A local plumbing company in Austin, Texas has a GBP listing but very little visibility in the Map Pack. After doing a targeted local SEO analysis, they made the following changes:
- Changed their primary category from “Contractor” to “Plumber”
- 12 added service-specific sub-categories
- Replied to all the 47 existing reviews and started asking for more reviews
- Added 30 photographs of crew, vehicles and finished jobs
- Weekly Google Posts for seasonal services
In 90 days their Map Pack impressions grew by 68% and their inbound calls from Google almost doubled. No sponsored promotion was involved.
Start Ranking Locally on Google
Google Business Profile SEO doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. It demands persistence and attention to detail. Fill in your profile, choose the proper categories, collect reviews and keep the activity going with posts and pictures. Those fundamentals alone provide most businesses an edge over their local competitors.
If you haven’t claimed your Google Business Profile, that’s where to begin. Go to google.com/business claim your listing and follow each optimization process above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google My Business SEO really affect rankings?
Yes. Google’s local ranking algorithm considers relevance, distance and prominence, all of which are directly impacted by how effectively your profile is optimized.
How long does it take to see results from Google Business Profile SEO?
Most organizations experience measurable increases in impressions and clicks within 60-90 days of constant optimization.
Is Google My Business free to use?
Yes. Claiming and managing a Google Business Profile is totally free.
