Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is often the first thing potential customers see when searching for your business or services like yours. Optimizing it can dramatically increase your visibility, calls, and foot traffic.
Why GBP Matters
Google Business Profile listings appear in the Local Pack (top 3 map results), Google Maps, and Knowledge Panels. Businesses with complete GBP listings are 70% more likely to attract location visits and 50% more likely to lead to a purchase.
Essential Optimization Steps
1. Complete Every Field
Fill out every available field: business name, address, phone, website, hours, categories, attributes, services, products, and description. Google favors complete profiles in local rankings.
2. Choose the Right Categories
Select one primary category that best describes your business and up to 9 additional categories. Your primary category has the strongest impact on which searches you appear for.
3. Add High-Quality Photos
Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks. Add exterior shots, interior photos, team pictures, and product/service images. Update photos monthly.
4. Generate Reviews Consistently
Reviews are the #1 ranking factor for Local Pack results. Ask every satisfied customer for a review. Respond to all reviews within 24 hours—both positive and negative.
5. Post Regular Updates
Google Posts allow you to share updates, offers, events, and news directly on your profile. Post weekly to show Google your business is active and engaged.
6. Use Q&A Proactively
Pre-populate the Q&A section with common questions and answers. This provides immediate value to searchers and helps control the narrative about your business.
Advanced GBP Tactics
- Add products/services with descriptions and pricing
- Enable messaging for direct customer communication
- Track insights to understand how customers find and interact with your profile
- Use UTM parameters on your website link to track GBP traffic in Google Analytics
Need Help Optimizing?
Brandastic manages Google Business Profiles for businesses across Southern California. Contact us for expert GBP optimization.
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