Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first impression local customers get of your business. Like a well-kept garden, it needs regular care and attention to truly flourish. When optimised correctly, it can put you ahead of local competitors, boost enquiries, and drive more people through your doors (or to your website).
But here's the question: Are you making the most of it? From verification to customer engagement, every detail counts in winning more local business.
Verify and Optimise Your Google Business Profile
As a Local SEO expert, I can tell you that verifying and optimising your profile isn't just "nice to have" – it's essential if you want to rank well in Google's local search results.
How to Get Started
Begin by choosing a verification method that suits you:
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Postcard – The most common option; you'll usually receive a code within 5–7 days.
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Phone – Available for certain businesses if Google offers the option.
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Video Verification – Becoming more common for new listings and address changes. This allows you to showcase your business location, signage, and workspace. Your video must be completed in one continuous take with no cuts or edits, clearly showing your premises, signage, and any relevant equipment.
If you're using video, make sure it's clear, compliant, and includes visible landmarks, but avoid showing anything sensitive. Instant verification is rare but worth checking for.
Once verified, make sure your profile reflects your brand personality and values. Keep your workspace tidy, your information accurate, and your photos up-to-date.
Optimise Your Business Information for Local Search
Consistency is key for local SEO. Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) should match perfectly across all platforms – including your website, social media, and directories.
🎯 Top Tips for Profile Details:
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Categories – Choose the most relevant primary category and up to ten secondary ones.
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Attributes – Highlight features such as Free Wi-Fi, Wheelchair Accessible, or Pet Friendly.
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Opening Hours – Keep these accurate and update them for bank holidays or seasonal changes.
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Service Areas – If you travel to customers, specify the towns, cities, or postcodes you serve.
The more precise and accurate your profile is, the more trust you build with both Google and potential customers.
Boost Local SEO with Smart Keyword Integration
Your Google Business Profile has plenty of places to naturally weave in keywords that help you rank higher in local searches:
- Include your town/city name and nearby landmarks in your From the Business description.
- Use location-based phrases in weekly posts (e.g. "Serving homeowners across [City] since 2005").
- Keep NAP details consistent to avoid search penalties.
A well-optimised GBP not only improves visibility in the Local Pack (I like to call this Google's Money Pack) but also increases clicks, calls, and visits.
Engage with Customers – and Google Will Reward You
Google loves businesses that actively engage with customers. That means:
- Responding quickly to reviews (both good and bad) in a friendly, professional tone.
- Monitoring and answering Q&A queries promptly.
- Posting updates, offers, or events at least once a week – always with relevant photos or videos.
This activity signals to Google that your business is active, credible, and relevant, which can boost your rankings in local search results.
Use Google Reviews to Power Up Your Local Rankings
Reviews are one of the biggest factors in local search ranking. High-quality, genuine reviews not only build trust with customers but also tell Google your business is worth recommending.
🤖 My Review Boost Software:
That's why I created my Review Boost software – an AI-powered review management tool that:
- Automatically sends review requests via email and SMS.
- Generates friendly, personalised request messages (not pushy sales talk).
- Tracks new reviews in real time and suggests professional responses.
- Works seamlessly for single or multiple locations.
This isn't just about collecting stars – it's about creating an ongoing system that improves your reputation, boosts visibility, and wins you more business.
Keep Your Technical Setup Spot On
To maximise your profile's performance:
- Use a full physical address (avoid P.O. boxes).
- Keep contact details accurate and up-to-date.
- Link your website and sync your social profiles.
- Upload fresh, high-quality images regularly.
Even small technical errors can reduce your visibility in search results – so a quarterly audit is a smart move.
Visual Content: Your Secret Weapon
Photos and videos can make your profile stand out. Potential customers want to see who you are and what you do.
- Show your shop, workspace, or vehicles.
- Post pictures of staff in action.
- Use short video clips for tours or product showcases.
Authentic, up-to-date images get far more engagement than stock photos – and engagement is exactly what Google looks for.
Final Word
Optimising your Google Business Profile isn't a one-time job – it's an ongoing process. Keep it accurate, engaging, and keyword-rich, and it will reward you with more calls, more visits, and more customers.
If you'd like a Local SEO expert to help you set up, manage, and grow your profile – along with an AI-powered review system that works 24/7 – let's talk.
Your Next Step
You have two options to start getting more reviews, more visibility, and more customers:
Option 1
Claim Your 30-Day Free Trial of my AI-powered Review Boost Software and start generating reviews automatically from day one.
Option 2
Book a Free 30-Minute Local SEO Strategy Call where I'll personally show you how to optimise your Google Business Profile for maximum local impact.
Whichever you choose – you'll be taking the first step towards dominating Google's Money Pack and leaving your competition behind.