Introduction:
Want to Get Your Business on the Map?
Google Business Profile (GBP) is the place to start.
If you’re looking to get your business noticed by nearby customers, optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the first step in any local SEO strategy. Location-based businesses such as salons, local shops, electrical services, and bakeries can greatly benefit from a well-optimized GBP listing to ensure their business shows up in local search results.
Once you’ve created your Google Business Profile, your business will appear in Google Maps, Google Local Finder, and other search results specific to your location. This makes it easier for potential customers in your area to discover your business when they search for services like yours.
But simply having a basic listing won’t cut it. To truly benefit from local search traffic, you need an optimized listing designed to attract and convert nearby customers.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to optimize your Google Business Profile for better rankings and conversions, and how local SEO services can take your business to the next level.
11 Local SEO Secrets to Make Your Google My Business Listing Shine
When it comes to optimizing your Google Business Profile, working with an expert local SEO company can help you unlock its full potential. These experts understand the nuances of local search optimization and know exactly how to make your profile stand out.
In this section, we’ll share 11 proven strategies that can elevate your Google Business Profile and improve organic rankings.
1. Complete Your Profile Fully
By “completely,” we mean every section. A fully completed listing isn’t just an advantage when a prospect lands on it; it also increases the likelihood of ranking in organic search results. To start, make sure your business name, contact number, address, and working hours are included.
Next, fill in the sections that require more effort:
- Categories
- Products and services
- Owner-generated questions and answers
In each section, make sure the details align with how customers would search for your business. Using customer-centric language helps improve the weightage of your local SEO and increases visibility in search results.
2. Update the Listing Regularly
Are you changing store hours? Have you added new services or products? Do you have new offers to share?
Make sure that the changes you make to your business are reflected immediately in your Google Business Profile. Nothing turns off a customer like incorrect or outdated information. By regularly updating your profile, you ensure that your information remains current and trustworthy for both search engines and potential customers.
3. Review Your Listing Often
Maintaining an up-to-date listing isn’t the only reason why reviewing your Google Business Profile is crucial. Google allows anyone to suggest edits to your listing, which means your details can be changed without your permission. It’s important to regularly check your profile for unauthorized changes.
You can monitor changes through “Google Updates” in your business profile. Be proactive in reviewing these updates and confirm that all information https://www.yellowfindigital.com/local-seo-services/ is correct.
4. Customize Your Primary Button
Depending on your business, you can customize various primary buttons. This button is the first thing a visitor will see when they land on your Google Business Profile. Here are a few customization options for the primary button:
- Get Directions
- Call Now
- Make Appointment
- Place Order
- Message Us (via SMS or WhatsApp)
- Get Quote
Choose a primary button that offers a clear next step for the user, helping to increase engagement and drive conversions.
5. Post Regular Updates
Just like on social media platforms, you can create posts for your business on your Google Business Profile. You can post pictures, add links to your website, include calls to action (CTAs), and share relevant updates.
These posts appear below your business listing in Google Search and Google Maps, making it important to keep your posts engaging and useful. Post about new discounts, product additions, holiday greetings, or any other updates that showcase your business.
6. Include Lots of Pictures
How do images impact your Google Business Profile? Let’s look at a recent survey conducted by BrightLocal.
According to their research, businesses with more than 100 images on their GMB listings get 520% more calls, 2,717% more direction requests, and 1,065% more website clicks than the average business.
That’s a staggering statistic and a useful hack to skyrocket your conversions by adding many images. And it goes without saying that every single one of the images you add should reflect your business in the best way and add value to your business profile.
7. Add Services/Menus
If your business offers fixed-rate products or services, use the “Services” feature on your Google Business Profile to list them. Including details about your services or menu helps your customers understand your offerings and pricing, making it easier for them to make purchasing decisions.
8. Answer User Questions Quickly
Under the Questions & Answers section of your Google Business Profile, users can ask questions about your business. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to respond to these questions promptly.
Make sure to answer questions politely and helpfully, maintaining consistent messaging that aligns with your brand. A quick, thoughtful response can build goodwill among your customers and improve your local SEO ranking.
9. Leverage the Messaging Feature
Google rolled out a messaging feature that allows potential customers to communicate with your business via text messages directly on your Google Business Profile.
Set up messaging on your profile, and respond to customers promptly. Real-time communication can increase customer satisfaction and help lead to higher conversions.
10. Ask for Reviews
Google encourages businesses to ask their customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews not only boost your credibility but also help improve your local SEO rankings. With 57% of consumers using Google to read reviews, asking for feedback can have a major impact on your business.
Encourage customers to leave reviews, and always respond to them, whether the feedback is positive or negative. Address negative reviews professionally to show your commitment to resolving customer issues.
11. Interact with Your Customers
Google values engagement between businesses and their customers. The more you interact with users through reviews, questions, posts, and images, the better your local SEO ranking will be.
Be active in responding to reviews and questions, and keep your posts fresh and relevant. The more you engage with your local community online, the more likely your business will show up in local searches.
Maximize Your Local Presence with Expert Local SEO Services
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is essential for improving your local SEO performance and ensuring that your business stands out in local search results. By following these 11 optimization tips, you can enhance your profile, engage more effectively with customers, and drive higher conversion rates.
However, maintaining and optimizing your Google Business Profile can be time-consuming, especially when you want to stay ahead of the competition. That’s where partnering with an expert local SEO company like YellowFin Digital can make all the difference.
Our team specializes in optimizing Google Business Profiles to ensure they are fully aligned with your business goals and SEO best practices.
Contact us today to learn how our expert team can help you take your local SEO strategy to the next level.
