The Impact of Google My Business on Local SEO for Small Businesses

Google My Business is a free tool from Google that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. They have recently rebranded to the name Google Business Profile (GBP).

Think of a digital storefront, with signs and everything, visible to millions of potential customers searching for exactly what you offer. There are even customer reviews attached to the storefront, what else could your target audience need? 

That’s the magic of GMB/GBP if done right. 

I have personally used my Google Business Profiles to grow my own companies to make millions of dollars per year, just by ranking at the top of Google.

So read this article or check out my YouTube videos to learn more about The Impact of Google My Business on Local SEO.

Your small business becomes more visible, attracts more visitors, and increases your returns if you manage and optimize your Google Profile responsibly and consistently. Focus on content, reviews, and consistency.

Here’s how GMB can become your secret weapon for local SEO success:

Rank Better in Local Searches

When people search for businesses like yours in their area using keywords like “X in [area].” GMB listings are the first to show up in search results and on Google Maps. The more optimized your GMB profile, the higher you rank, and the more local customers you attract.

Build Trust and Credibility

A well-maintained GMB profile with accurate information, high-quality photos, and regular (hopefully positive) customer reviews is gold! Reviews send SEO signals to search engines and social signals to potential customers to notice you over your competition.

Drive More Website Traffic and Phone Calls

GMB allows you to include your website address and phone number on your maps icon. This is great since it makes you more visible to customers who find you online and wish to contact you directly.

Learn how to Perform a Local SEO Audit in this Guide.

Now that it’s become clear what a gold mine Google My Business is, it’s time to learn about how you can optimize your account for the best results.

1. Claim and Verify Your Listing: The first step is to claim your existing GMB profile or create a new one. Google will send a verification code to confirm you’re the rightful owner.
2. Become an Information Powerhouse: It’s very, very important to include all your information accurately and update it on a regular basis. This includes your business name, address and exact location on the map, phone number, category (what kind of business you are), website, and opening hours.
3. Fully Optimize Your Listing: Add photos, videos, business description, hours, amenities, categories, features and more. Answer and fill out every possible section in the GBP settings.
4. Show Off with Good Photos: Good photos are everything. It’s through high-quality media formats like videos, gifs, and images that your business can show what you offer in the best light. There should be storefront photos, product or service close-ups, pictures portraying the atmosphere (if applicable), and happy team members!
5. Encourage Customer Reviews: Positive reviews will make your Google My Business account shine and stand out from the rest. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews that will build trust with potential customers.
6. Consistent Updates: Keep your information fresh by updating your hours during holidays or special events, adding new photos to keep things interesting, and responding to customer reviews (both positive and negative) to show you care. Also try to post as much as you can. GMB allows you to post updates, offers, and events. This is a great way to keep customers engaged and informed about what’s happening at your business.

While GMB is a powerful tool, there’s more you can do to get the Local SEO results you want. Here are a few final tips to boost your local performance:

• Optimize your website for local search by incorporating relevant local keywords (like your state and address) throughout your content.
• Expand your online reach by getting your business listed in local online directories and websites relevant to your industry.
• Increase your online presence by getting your business listed in local online directories and websites relevant to your industry.
• Respond to Reviews! Take the time to acknowledge positive and negative reviews and thank customers for their kind words and address any concerns raised in negative reviews. This shows you care about customer feedback.
• Focus on link building and creating citations. These are 3rd party sites that will link back to your website or reference your business information online. These create sources of information, trust and consistency.
  • Learn more about How to Create Citations for Local SEO

Doing these things for your business will create a positive impact of Google My Business on Local SEO results.