Google Business Profile Listing For Local SEODo You Use The Google Business Profile Listing For Local SEO?

If your business marketing strategy includes being found locally by qualified consumers, then a CRUCIAL tool is going to be the Google Business Profile (GBP) listing for local SEO. Particularly its local map and search listing tools matter, so search your business for access to a local GBP listing that might already be up or, if not, go set up your account here: https://www.google.com/business.

Note that a Google Business Profile (GBP) listing can never replace a website for a potential depth of useful information, nor for the presentation of a unique brand. These are necessary for a broader than hyper-local search visibility the GBP listing offers; however, the GBP listing will certainly detail your most fundamentally important information in parallel with a website. It is a visible hyper-local citation that can include reviews, pictures, and active posting. And by the way, the entire Google Business Profile application is FREE.

Google Produces The Majority Of Searching

After all, the majority (maybe 90 percent?) of organic searches occur at Google. And Google’s Knowledge Graph uses verified ‘Google Business Profile’ listings information to support its index or database of locally targeted business, product, and service searches. Let’s face it- when someone Googles “Security Installations Company Elizabeth NJ,” and you happen to own a security installations business in Elizabeth, NJ … you certainly want to be up the top of those search results. The local map pack area, to be specific, where GBP listings are featured. 

And folks, this is not something to set up and forget. To be the lead driver it can become for your business, a GBP listing needs to be tended to! So let’s look at how GBP will help your business capture local leads.


Google Business Profile (GBP) Listing Details

Typical search results include a stack of information including a) advertisements, b) a local Map Pack of GBP listings, and c) organic search results. With GBP, you are shooting to be in that local Map Pack of listings, just beneath the ads. Pay attention to these details in order to maximize visibility in those highly qualified local search results!

1. Listings

If you haven’t used this tool, the chances are your business is already listed … but you will need to claim your listing! To control your GBP listing, you, as the business owner or authorized representative, must be able to verify the business either has a physical location that customers can visit OR, at least, exists. In the latter, a business must demonstrate that it will travel to where customers are located. Be sure that your listing offers a) an accurate business name, b) location address (or visit area target radius), c) phone number and/or website address, d) business hours, e) the best business categories possible (chosen from a list, only) and f) a detailed business description. There are more options, so keep a close eye on your account dashboard for those. Once a new listing is created & verified, a Google Maps listing is also generated. And both are then consumed into the Google Search index for local search visibility.

2. Posts

Like with a social network account, a GBP listing offers timely posting. It’s for sharing announcements, news, offers or sales, new products, and events via a post-application standard with the listing. It includes the ability to add pictures & graphics. To ignore posts is a LOST opportunity! It’s not only timely information about your business, but it can provide trusted backlinks to website pages and blog posts where a greater depth of information can be found. It is also a chance to reinforce the keywords your business targets in search. Recommendation: post to your Google Business Profile listing every week; the potential is enormous!

3. Reviews

While no one can control who gives them a review, a public GBP listing review profile complements a web presence. A listing with reviews and consistent (to website) information offers public and, thereby, trusted local identity information. Be sure to ask customers you know are happy to review the business so that a GBP listing review history is formed. Furthermore, respond to people who have taken the time to post a review to demonstrate that you are paying attention. If someone leaves a bad review – do NOT react. Take the time to answer in a way that demonstrates professionalism and genuine concern for the public to see. 

4. Photos 

GBP offers the addition of photos. Some potential clients wish to see you, your work, and even your place of work. Listings with more photos attract more attention!

5. Insights

Google knows that you cannot grow what you do not measure. Your GBP provides data analysis in order to show what these tools, as well as the effort involved, are bringing. They may also shed light on what the listing is not bringing … and why. Knowing more about how to get a leg up with folks that were looking for what your business offers can only help to capture them as leads going forward.

Google Business Profile Listing For Local SEO, To Drive Leads & New Business

What it boils down to is local information matters to consumers, AND what people want locally matters to Google, so it had better matter to you! These details affect your business visibility when it comes to hyper-local search results and the map pack area consisting solely of Google My Business listings. So get verified, plug in your data, post, and pay attention to your GMB account. If you can’t do it, get someone in the know on Local SEO involved. We’d love to help you!

We can also help with the proper setup & management of your YouTube Channel, Google Search Console, and Google Analytics.