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Google Business Profile Optimization: Rank Higher in Local Search
Maximize your Google Business Profile (GBP) for success in 2024 with this comprehensive step-by-step guide. Learn how to set up, optimize, and rank your GBP to dominate local search results on Google Maps and Search. Follow these expert strategies to increase visibility, attract more customers, and grow your business in the digital landscape.

by Shane Johnston

Create Your Google Business Profile (Google Local Maps Pak) Go To; https://www.google.com/business/
Setting Up Your Google Business Profile

1

Create a Google Account
Start by creating a separate Google account for your business. Visit google.com/business and sign up with a new Gmail address specifically for your business use.

2

Enter Business Details
Specify your business type (local store, service area, or both), enter your business category, address, contact information, and website. Agree to Google's terms and conditions.

3

Verify Your Business
Complete the verification process through text confirmation, Google Search Console, postcard, or video verification. For video verification, provide a continuous recording showing street view, street name sign, business signage, and proof of ownership.

4

Add Services and Hours
Customize predefined services based on relevance and set accurate business hours that match your website and signage. For service area businesses, enter up to 20 service areas within a 2-hour drive.

5

Optimize Your Profile
Write a concise business description (750 characters max), add authentic photos of your products, services, and premises, and regularly update your profile to keep it fresh and engaging.
Ranking Factors for Google Maps

1

Business Name and Location
Include keywords in your legally registered business name for better ranking. Ensure your business is located in the target city and close to the city center for improved visibility.

2

Categories and Services
Choose the most relevant primary category and add up to nine additional categories. List all relevant services on your profile and create corresponding pages on your website with links to your GBP.

3

Reviews and Engagement
Collect at least 10 reviews and continue gathering new ones regularly. Encourage customers to add photos to their reviews and respond to all reviews to show engagement and boost visibility.

4

Profile Optimization
Add products, optimize landing pages, ensure consistency of business information across directories, and regularly update your profile with photos, videos, and Google posts.
Advanced Optimization Strategies
Content Strategy
Consistently add new, high-quality content including images, videos, and Google posts. Create engaging content that interests users and keeps them on your profile longer. Regular updates ensure sustained high rankings.
Website Integration
Create dedicated pages for each service on your website. Utilize keyword opportunities from the performance tab in your Google profile. Track your rankings on Google Maps using geogrid tracking tools like Whitespark, SEMRush, and Bright Local.
Engagement and Stick Time
Focus on increasing user engagement and stick rate to signal Google that your profile is a valuable resource. Reply to every review with detailed and engaging responses. Verify your website with Google Search Console to help with ranking signals.
Local SEO Ranking Factors
Google Business Profile
GBP signals account for 32% of ranking factors, including primary category, keywords in business title, and proximity to the searcher.
On-Page Signals
Website factors contribute 19% to rankings, emphasizing the importance of optimized content and internal linking to GBP landing pages.
Review Signals
Reviews make up 16% of ranking factors, with emphasis on good Google ratings, number of reviews, and sustained influx over time.
Link Signals
While decreasing in importance, links still account for 11% of ranking factors, particularly from locally relevant domains.
Source: Whitespark
Source: Whitespark
AI and Local Search Optimization
AI Content Preparation
Use AI tools to prepare outlines for your content, but ensure human editing to avoid patterns and hallucinations that Google can detect.
Authentic Content
Focus on creating real, authentic content for your GBP. Use lo-fi videos showing you in your business, answering common questions, or giving tours to demonstrate authenticity.
Balancing AI and Human Touch
While AI can assist in optimization, remember that GBP is built on real businesses. Prioritize showing real information, pictures, and videos to maintain credibility.
Conversion Focus
Concentrate on factors that drive conversions like phone calls, website visits, and driving directions requests to improve overall performance.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
Long-Term Success Strategies
1
Consistent Updates
Regularly update your GBP with fresh content, including new photos, videos, and posts to maintain high engagement and rankings.
2
Review Management
Continuously collect and respond to reviews, encouraging detailed feedback and addressing any concerns promptly.
3
Local Relevance
Focus on building local citations, acquiring links from locally relevant domains, and participating in community events to strengthen your local presence.
4
Adapt to Changes
Stay informed about Google's algorithm updates and new features, adapting your strategy to maintain and improve your local search performance.
Top 3 GBP Key Ranking Factors
Primary Category
Keywords In Title
Proximity Address to Search Address
Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report
Top 3 Website Key Local Ranking Factors
Dedicated Page Per Service
Internal Links On Website
Authority Inbound Links
Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report
Top 3 GBP Conversion Factors
High Google Ratings
Reviews Positive Sentiment
Mobile Friendly Website Responsiveness
Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report
Top 3 GBP Negative Ranking Factors
Incorrect Primary Category
Competitors Same Category & Proximity
Site Hacked/Malware
Low Google Review Ratings
Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report
Top 3 GBP Suspension Risks
No Physical Address (PO Box, Virtual Office)
Violation Reports on your GBP
Association to other Suppressed Listings
Reports of Review Gating
Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report
Top 3 Ranking Myths
Geo-Tagged Photos on GBP
Keywords in GBP Description
Keywords in Owner Review Responses
Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report
My First GBP Client - 14 years ago!
Still going strong even with no updates!
1383 profile interactions
141 calls with only 7 missed
245 direction requests
985 website clicks
Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report
Reputation Management & Reviews Automation Workflow
Get more reviews
Automate the process
Manage reputation
Win back disatisfied customers
Turn around bad reviews
Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report
Resource Links

Google Business Profile

Get Listed on Google - Google Business Profile

List your business on Google with a free Business Profile (formerly Google my Business). Turn people who find you on Search & Maps into new customers.

support.google.com

Google Business Profile Help

Official Google Business Profile Help Center where you can find tips and tutorials on using Google Business Profile and other answers to frequently asked questions.

Whitespark

Citation Building & Listing Cleanup that Sparks Joy

Get effective & affordable citation building and cleanup services form the industry-leader.

BrightLocal

Local SEO Tool for Small Businesses | Start Your 14 Day Free Trial

The local marketing platform for small businesses. Increase search visibility. Track local rankings. Grow customers' reviews. All from a single platform. Start a 14 day free trial

chromewebstore.google.com

PlePer Local SEO Tools - Chrome Web Store

Useful shortcuts and quick analyzes for Local SEO`s

whitespark

2023 Local Search Ranking Factors Report from Whitespark – Increase local SEO rankings

Whitespark’s 2023 Local Search Ranking Factors survey results! Learn from the top experts in local search about what’s working to drive rankings and conversions in local SEO, and what’s not.

PageSpeed Insights

PageSpeed Insights

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Bolder Future Marketing is not just a growth marketing agency – it's a high-octane powerhouse ready to catapult your business into the stratosphere! We're not just about unlocking potential; we're the master key to your treasure chest of dreams! We craft marketing plans with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker and the creativity of Picasso. Our supercharged systems are your golden ticket to effortlessly zoom into the hearts of your target market and turn those leads into an avalanche of loyal customers! What’s in our secret sauce? It's 25 years of battling the storms and cracking codes to grow hundreds of businesses like yours. Are you ready to conquer? To climb mountains? To make waves? Tap that link to get your marketing assessment."

Download GBP Presentation Deck

presentations.bolderfuture.com

Google Business Profile Optimization: Rank Higher in Local Search

Maximize your Google Business Profile (GBP) for success in 2024 with this comprehensive step-by-step guide. Learn how to set up, optimize, and rank your GBP to dominate local search results on Google Maps and Search. Follow these expert strategies to increase visibility, attract more customers, and