If you’re a local business owner, you’re probably aware of how much people rely on Google to find nearby services, especially through Google Maps. In 2023, more than 200 million businesses and locations were listed on Google Maps.
However, merely setting up a Google Business Profile is not enough. While it can help customers discover your business, many businesses, including those in Des Moines, IA, don’t see an increase in calls or visits.
The reason? Their profiles aren’t optimized or properly maintained. This leaves a gap that costs you potential customers, who then turn to your competitors who have a better presence on Google Maps.
In this blog, we’ll discuss NINE Google Business Profile hacks that can directly help you attract more local customers.
Hack #1: Fully Complete Your Profile (Most Businesses Skip This)
Not just in Des Moines, but in almost every region, it’s common for local shops and businesses to leave important sections like services, descriptions, and attributes incomplete. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when setting up your Google Business Profile.
Google uses this information to understand what your business offers and when to display it in local searches. Missing crucial details means you’re reducing your chances of appearing in relevant searches.
A complete profile not only improves your local SEO, but it also makes your business look more trustworthy to potential customers. If your profile is incomplete, customers may feel unsure about reaching out. Make sure you fill out every section and update your Google Business Profile regularly to stay relevant in local search results.
Hack #2: Choose the Right Primary Category
The primary category you choose for your Google Business Profile plays a significant role in your local search ranking. This category acts as one of the strongest ranking factors in local SEO, and choosing the wrong one can hurt your visibility.
If you choose a broad or inaccurate category, you might attract the wrong type of customers who aren’t looking for what you offer. The key here is to pick a category that aligns with what your business does best.
For example, if you’re a local coffee shop in Des Moines, choosing the “Coffee Shop” category helps you show up when people search for nearby places to grab a coffee. However, selecting a broad category like “Restaurant” may lead to irrelevant searches and customers looking for a full dining experience, which isn’t your primary offering.
While secondary categories can expand your reach, they should still be relevant to your business. By selecting the right category, you make sure your business appears in searches where people are looking for exactly what you provide.
Hack #3: Add Services Using Real Search Terms
During Google Business Profile optimization, too many businesses list their services in vague or generic terms. This may seem like an easy option, but it can hurt your profile’s ability to match with high-intent local searches.
To improve your visibility, you must use real search terms. Those actual local keywords people are typing when looking for services like yours. For example, instead of listing “Catering,” specify “Wedding Catering in Des Moines.” This way, your profile will match searches from people specifically looking for these services in your area, improving both visibility and relevance.
This simple Google Business Profile hack helps the search engine understand exactly what you offer. Not only will this improve your chances of appearing for relevant searches, but it will also make it easier for potential customers to know exactly what they can expect from your business.
Hack #4: Build a Consistent Review System
Reviews are a crucial part of your Google Business Profile and have a direct impact on both your rankings and conversions. Typically, a consumer uses six different review sites when choosing businesses, and Google is the most popular one, with 71% people using it to find reviews.
Many businesses make the mistake of relying on a few occasional reviews. Instead, a steady flow of reviews signals activity and customer trust to Google, which can positively affect your local SEO rankings.
In addition to gathering Google reviews, you must respond to them. Customers are twice as likely to use a local business that responds to reviews, both positive and negative. Doing this not only boosts your credibility but also shows potential customers that you’re active and responsive.
When you maintain an active Google review system, you’ll improve both visibility and customer confidence, leading to increased conversions. However, remember that Google’s review policy does not allow paid reviews or review gating. You can ask customers to leave reviews, but not in exchange for discounts or gifts.
Hack #5: Upload Real Photos Regularly
Our next Google Business Profile hack is a simple one. Remember that a Google Business Profile with no images, or worse, stock photos, won’t resonate with your potential customers. Profiles with real images of your business perform far better in terms of local engagement.
Not only do fresh GBP images help users understand what your business looks like, but they also build trust and credibility. Regularly uploading photos of your products, staff, and premises signals that your business is active and operating.
It also boosts your Google Business Profile‘s appeal by improving click-through rates. Keeping your photos updated can help you stay relevant and maintain the interest of potential customers.
Hack #6: Use Google Posts to Stay Active
Google posts are easy to ignore, but they keep your profile fresh. They allow you to update your profile with special offers, events, or even useful business updates. This keeps your Google Business Profile active and shows that your business is engaged and up-to-date.
Consistency is key when using Google Posts. Regular updates tell Google that you’re not only in business but also actively interacting with your customers. Posts also support better visibility, keeping your profile fresh and increasing the chances of attracting local customers who are looking for up-to-date information.
Hack #7: Keep Your Business Info Consistent Everywhere
Consistency is vital for all forms of local SEO, whether you want to rank in Google’s AI reviews or the Local Pack. If the name, address, or phone number (NAP) on your Google Business Profile differs from other listings on the web, it can confuse search engines and customers alike.
This inconsistency can lead to a loss of trust and authority, reducing your chances of ranking well in local search results. Make sure that your business information is accurate and uniform across all platforms, including your website and other online directories.
By maintaining NAP consistency, you reinforce your business’s authority in the eyes of Google and potential customers, leading to higher trust and improved rankings.
Hack #8: Turn On Messaging and Respond Fast
If you’re not using Google messaging, you’re missing out on potential local leads. Many users prefer messaging to make quick inquiries about your services. If you don’t enable this feature, you may lose these opportunities. Quick responses are non-negotiable because slow replies lead to lost chances for conversion.
By activating messaging and responding quickly, you not only increase your chances of converting inquiries into customers, but you also show that you’re engaged and accessible. Fast replies can build trust and boost customer engagement, encouraging more people to reach out to your business.
Hack #9: Track Performance and Improve
Whether you’re building engagement on social media or your Google Business Profile, you must track it over time. Still, many businesses neglect to track their performance.
Google offers valuable insights about how users find and interact with your profile. It provides local SEO tracking metrics, like calls, clicks, and searches, which can help you understand what’s working and what needs improvement.
Use these GBP insights to improve your local SEO strategy. The more you track and adjust, the better your results will become over time. Regular monitoring allows you to make informed decisions that can drive growth and improve the performance of your Google Business Profile.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile Today
Your Google Business Profile requires ongoing attention and updates. It’s not a one-time setup. By consistently improving your profile, even with small changes, you can directly increase the number of calls and walk-ins.
However, consistency in your updates is key to seeing long-term results. If you want to increase local customers and brand visibility, start using these Google Business Profile hacks today.
If you’re unsure how to optimize your profile, Social Nickel is here to help. From SEO services to content marketing, we specialize in all things that make local ranking better and faster. We can guide you through the process, conduct an audit, and offer personalized recommendations to help you attract more customers.
Call 515-490-3822 or drop us a message to discuss your requirements!
FAQs
- How long does it take for your Google Business Profilechanges to show up?
Most updates to your Google Business Profile can show up within a few minutes to a few days. If Google wants to review a change, it can take a little longer, so you may need to wait before you see it live.
- Why isn’t your Google Business Profileshowing up in local search?
If your profile is not showing up, your category, business details, or service area may need work. You can also run into visibility issues if your profile is incomplete or not active enough. Social Nickel can help you fix that.
- Do reviews really help your Google Business Profile rank better?
Yes, reviews can make a real difference for your Google Business Profile. When you get steady, relevant reviews and respond to them, you give Google and potential customers more reasons to trust your business.
- How often should you update your Google Business Profile?
You should update your Google Business Profile regularly, not just when something changes. Fresh photos, new posts, updated services, and recent reviews all show that your business is active and engaged.
- What’s the biggest mistake businesses make with Google Business Profile?
One of the biggest mistakes is treating your Google Business Profile like a one-time setup. If you leave sections blank or stop updating them, you can miss out on local customers who are ready to contact you.
