18 ways to improve your Google Business Profile (GMB) to rank in your local state

The market today is more competitive than the market yesterday, and it is going to get more competitive every day! It is getting increasingly important for businesses to stay on top of the minds of their audience. A strong Google Business Profile (GMB) for businesses with active GMB optimization, essentially for small and local businesses like clinics and grocery stores, is primary to thrive. If you run a business these local strategies can improve your GMB profile to attract nearby customers, boost footfall, and improve online visibility in your local state.

!<a href=”https://staticfileslucienclients.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/LucienSolutionsWebsite/GMBChecklista9c55f4e30.jpg”>GMB Checklist

Provide all details

Start GMB optimization for your profile by completing every section with precise information. Ensure consistency across all online platforms to boost credibility and rank higher in local searches.

 

 

• Business title

 

 

• Address

 

 

• Categories

 

 

• Website link

 

 

• Hours

 

 

• Reviews

 

 

• Attributes

 

 

• Services

 

 

• Products

 

 

• Popular times

 

 

• Menu items

 

 

Select the correct business category

Choosing the right business category is crucial part of GMB optimization for visibility in local searches. it defines your business in search results. Be specific with your primary category, for instance, add “Chinese Restaurant” instead of just “Restaurant.” Accurate categories boost your visibility in discovery searches and unlock unique features, like menus or reservation buttons, improving your profile’s appeal.

Provide secondary categories

Adding relevant secondary categories showcases additional services as well as helps your business appear in more discovery searches by highlighting additional offerings. Under secondary categories for a “Chinese Restaurant,” you can add “Asian Restaurant” or “Takeout Restaurant.” Select only categories that truly reflect your business to ensure relevance and accuracy.

Craft description

For a comprehensive GMB optimization use the “From the Business” section to highlight what makes your business unique.

A few things to keep in mind

 

 

• Use all 750 characters

 

 

• Keep key details in the first 250 characters

 

 

• Include relevant keywords

 

 

• Add a short about us / mission statement

 

 

• Avoid repetitive information

 

 

• Avoid links or HTML

 

 

List all products and services

Use the “Products and Services” section to showcase all your offerings clearly. Add the name, a brief description, and pricing for each item. This highlights your specialities, boosts keyword relevance, and helps customers choose you over competitors.

Display the most important attributes

Attributes provide customers with key insights about your business, like “Wheelchair Accessible,” “Free Wi-Fi,” or “Women-Owned.” Use Google’s attribute options to highlight unique features, that ensure you stand out and meet customer expectations. Review and update attributes regularly for maximum relevance.

Use Keywords

Add keywords in description, product/service listings, posts, Q&A sections, and reviews. Focus on location-specific and industry terms. Include business name, keywords, and location on the homepage.

If your business is named “Smile Dental Hub,” located in Delhi, and you’re targeting “teeth whitening,” your title could be:

Teeth Whitening in Delhi – Affordable Care | Smile Dental Hub

Add high-quality, descriptive photos

Upload clear, professional photos of your premises, products, and services during regular GMB optimization. Active photo updates improve rankings, with profiles featuring images gaining 42% more directions and 35% more clicks.

Include these to engage customers:

 

 

• Profile photo

 

 

• Cover image

 

 

• Videos

 

 

Add a 360-degree View or a ‘Virtual Tour’

Enhance customer experience by adding a 360-degree view or virtual tour of your business using Google’s Street View app. It is ideal for restaurants and hotels as it allows potential customers to explore your space virtually, boosting engagement and trust.

Set up messaging

Activate messaging in your profile to let customers contact you directly without displaying your personal number. Enable alerts in your dashboard for prompt replies as a part of GMB optimization, as faster response times improve your ranking and customer satisfaction.

Request reviews

Customer reviews are crucial for Google rankings and building trust. Encourage loyal customers to leave feedback via follow-up emails, checkout prompts, or incentives like discounts. Studies show that 62% of customers will leave a review when asked.

Respond to the Reviews

Responding to reviews by thanking customers for positive reviews, and professionally addressing concerns in negative ones improves customer engagement and business visibility. Responding promptly, ideally within 24 hours is a crucial part of GMB optimization as it shows you value feedback and are committed to customer satisfaction.

Answer customer queries

Use the Q&A section of your GMB to address common customer queries proactively. Add frequently asked questions and provide clear answers to enhance customer experience and visibility. Monitor and respond to new questions promptly for accurate information.

Add Your Social Media Profiles

Link your social media profiles like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to your profile to enhance your business’s visibility and individuality. Consistently and engaging content on social platforms complementing the brand attracts prospective customers through organic search.

Use Posts Feature

Leveraging Google’s Posts feature is key in GMB optimization. Create engaging posts with images, CTAs, and links to attract customers. Regular posts maintain visibility and send ranking signals to Google, and you can benefit from free advertising on Search and Maps.

Post Regular Updates and Promotions

Use GMB updates to promote offers, events, or announcements. Highlight special promotions with “Offer Posts” to attract attention, drive urgency, and increase conversions. Always include clear links and CTAs for immediate action.

Make your GMB active

Keep your GMB active with updates, offers, and events regularly. Regular activity with review responses, new photos monthly, and sharing promotions with clear calls to action is vital in ongoing GMB optimization to help improve visibility and local SEO.

Adding links to your profile

Direct links and CTAs in posts to drive traffic and encourage action boosting your profile in local searches. Build high-quality backlinks from local businesses, reputable local directories, industry sites, and partners to increase your profile’s authority, visibility, and search rankings. Backlinks signal search engines about your profile credibility, which enhances your GMB visibility and drives local traffic.

!<a href=”https://staticfileslucienclients.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/LucienSolutionsWebsite/GMBOptimization658ce4c9fe.jpg”>GMB Optimization

While these strategies may seem simple and straightforward, implementing them effectively delivers unbeatable results. However, juggling these tasks with daily operations can be overwhelming for business owners. Effective GMB optimization requires consistent updates, engagement, time and expertise. In such cases, partnering with professionals can empower your GMB Profile to stay optimised, have higher visibility and attract local customers.

At Lucien Solutions, we go beyond these tactics to deliver tailored digital marketing solutions that drive measurable results. We handle everything from profile management and GMB optimization to advanced local SEO strategies. We leverage our extensive experience, so you can focus on your business, while we help you stand out in local searches and grow your customer base.