Google My Business (GMB) is a breakthrough in local SEO, helping businesses boost their online visibility and connect with potential customers.
A well-optimized GMB profile not only enhances rankings in Google Search and Maps but also improves customer engagement and trust. Learning how to optimize GMB for the SEO benefit is essential for businesses looking to stand out in local search results.
Stick around! GetFound will walk you through the key steps to optimizing your GMB profile—covering everything from completing your profile and using strategic keywords to engage with customers and tracking performance!
Why GMB Optimization Matters for SEO
Before diving into how to optimize GMB for the SEO benefit, it is important to understand why GMB optimization is crucial for SEO success.
Google uses Google My Business listings to provide relevant information in local search results, particularly in the Google Local Pack and Google Maps.
When a business optimizes its GMB profile, it:
- Increases visibility in local search results.
- Attracts more website visits and phone calls.
- Improves engagement through reviews and posts.
- Builds trust with potential customers.
By optimizing GMB correctly, businesses can gain a competitive edge in local search rankings.
1. Claim and Verify Your Google My Business Listing
The first step in how to optimize GMB for the SEO benefit is to claim and verify your business on Google My Business. If a business is not verified, it won’t appear in local search results, reducing its visibility.
To claim and verify a GMB profile:
- Go to Google My Business and search for your business.
- If the business is listed but unclaimed, select “Claim this business”.
- If the business is not listed, create a new GMB profile.
- Google will send a verification code via mail, phone, or email.
- Enter the verification code to activate the GMB profile.
Once verified, businesses can start optimizing their GMB listing to improve their local SEO performance.
2. Complete Your GMB Profile with Accurate Information
One of the most important aspects of how to optimize GMB for the SEO benefit is ensuring that all business information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete.
Key details to include:
- Business Name
Ensure it matches your brand name exactly.
- Category Selection
Choose the most relevant business category to improve search visibility.
- Address and Location
Ensure the address is correct and visible on Google Maps.
- Phone Number
Use a local business phone number for better credibility.
- Website Link
Link to your official website to drive traffic.
- Business Hours
Keep your opening and closing hours updated, including holiday hours.
Google prioritizes complete and accurate listings, making this a crucial step in GMB optimization.
3. Use Keywords in Your GMB Listing
Another key strategy in how to optimize GMB for the SEO benefit is keyword optimization. Just like traditional SEO, GMB listings benefit from relevant keywords that help Google understand the business’s services and match it with user searches.
To optimize GMB with keywords:
- Include primary keywords in the business description.
- Use location-based keywords to improve local SEO.
- Incorporate keywords naturally in business updates, Google Posts, and responses to customer reviews.
Keyword optimization helps GMB listings rank higher for relevant local searches.
4. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos
Visual content plays a crucial role in how to optimize GMB for the SEO benefit. Businesses with high-quality images and videos receive more engagement and clicks than those without.
To optimize images for GMB:
- Upload high-resolution photos of the business, products, services, and staff.
- Add a professional logo and cover photo.
- Regularly update images to keep the profile active.
- Upload short videos showcasing products or customer testimonials.
Google favors listings with fresh visual content, as they enhance user experience and improve rankings.
5. Encourage and Respond to Customer Reviews
Customer reviews directly impact local SEO rankings. Businesses that actively manage reviews rank higher in search results and attract more customers.
How to optimize GMB for the SEO benefit using reviews:
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews.
- Respond to all reviews (positive and negative) to show engagement.
- Use keywords in review responses to improve ranking relevance.
- Monitor and address customer concerns to maintain a positive reputation.
Google rewards businesses with frequent and positive reviews by ranking them higher in local searches.
Also Read: Struggling to Rank? Discover How to Implement Natural Language Processing in SEO
6. Utilize Google Posts and Updates
Google My Business allows businesses to create Google Posts, which act like mini-blogs or social media updates. Regularly posting on GMB signals activity to Google, improving search rankings.
To optimize GMB using posts:
- Share news, promotions, events, and product updates.
- Use relevant keywords in post descriptions.
- Include high-quality images and links to the website.
- Keep posts engaging and informative to attract customer attention.
Consistent posting increases visibility and helps maintain an active GMB presence.
7. Keep Business Information Updated
Regular updates are essential for how to optimize GMB for the SEO benefit. If business details change, they must be updated immediately to avoid customer confusion and ranking drops.
Key updates to monitor:
- New contact information (phone, email, or website).
- Changes in business hours (especially during holidays).
- New services or products offered.
- Temporary closures or special announcements.
Keeping the GMB profile up to date helps Google provide accurate search results, improving SEO performance.
8. Use GMB Insights to Track Performance
Google provides GMB Insights, a powerful tool that offers valuable data about how customers find and interact with a business.
How to optimize GMB for the SEO benefit using insights:
- Track search queries customers use to find the business.
- Analyze customer actions (website visits, calls, and direction requests).
- Monitor photo views and engagement.
- Adjust SEO strategies based on performance data.
Using insights helps businesses refine their GMB strategy and improve local search visibility.
Consult with GetFound!
Figuring out how to optimize GMB for the SEO benefit can be a big leap for businesses aiming to dominate local search results. A well-optimized Google My Business profile helps improve local rankings, attract more customers, and drive valuable traffic to your website.
Want to make the most of your GMB listing? Start by claiming and verifying your profile, ensuring all business details are accurate, and strategically using keywords.
Upload high-quality photos and videos, engage with customer reviews, post regular updates, and use GMB Insights to refine your strategy.
When done right, GMB becomes a powerful tool for boosting visibility, strengthening customer relationships, and standing out in local searches. If you need expert guidance along the way, GetFound is here to help—let’s elevate your local SEO together
