What You Must Do in 2024 to Maximize Your Google Business Profile

I've been in digital marketing for close to two decades. My passion is to help small businesses rank higher and get more clicks on Google. A question I hear all the time from people is, "What is the ONE thing I absolutely need to do with my marketing to get more customers?" The answer is easy: optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP). Google's free tool gives you the biggest bang for your buck in terms of time & effort to set up, and the results will amaze you.

The Importance of Google Business Profile: Google Business Profile serves as your digital storefront and is often the first thing potential customers will see. Statistics show that about 46% of all Google searches have local intent, and with over 8.5 billion searches conducted daily, you need to make sure your Google Business Profile is optimized so you can tap into a significant source of traffic to your business.

How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile in 2024

1. Incorporate Local Intent in Your Business Name: Making sure your name has local identifier is key. If your brand is already well known in the community, consider adding your geographic area to the end of your business name. This helps maintain brand recognition while enhancing your visibility in local searches.

2. Complete Every Section Thoroughly: The details count in your GBP. Here’s what to focus on:

• Business Name: To optimize your business name for Google, ensure it accurately reflects your business and includes a local identifier if needed. This not only helps with local SEO but also aids in customer recognition and trust. Make sure this name is consistent everywhere: on your website and any other citation of your business on the web.

• Categories: Google uses this to determine what kind of business you're running so that it appears in relevant searches. You have the option to select both primary and secondary categories. Your primary category should be the main classification of your business and is most important for your Google search visibility. Secondary categories are optional and can help capture additional niche markets related to your services. It's a good idea to research your competitors to see which categories they are using. The GMB Everywhere Chrome Extension offers a free and easy way to see what your competitors are doing.

• Photos and Videos: High-quality visuals are crucial for attracting and engaging potential customers.

  • For Businesses with Storefronts, you want to showcase the interior and exterior. Offer food? Post clear images of your menu and special dishes to entice food enthusiasts.

  • For Service Area Businesses, show action shots. Include photos of your team at work, demonstrating their professionalism and the type of services offered, such as fixing a sink or installing a water heater. Before and Afters work well, to showcase the effectiveness of your completed projects. You can also showcase equipment and tools. Display your modern and well-maintained equipment to convey a sense of reliability and expertise.

  • General Tips:

    • Always use high-resolution images that look professional. Poor quality photos can harm your business’s perceived professionalism.

    • Regularly update your photos to reflect any changes, such as new products, seasonal decorations, or updated branding.

    • Use relevant keywords in the file names and alt text of your images to improve their SEO value.

3. Encourage and Respond to Reviews: Reviews are the digital word of mouth and have tremendous value in the eyes of Google, especially based on what we learned from the 2024 Google code leak. You must actively encourage your customers to leave positive feedback and respond to every review. This interaction not only builds trust but also signals to Google that your business is active and customer-focused.

4. Utilize Posts to Engage Customers: Google Posts is a dynamic feature that lets you communicate directly with potential customers. Use it to announce offers, events, or updates. Regular posts keep your profile vibrant and engaging, improving your visibility in searches.

Conclusion

Optimizing your Google Business Profile is a straightforward yet powerful way to boost your local SEO and attract more customers in 2024. By following these essential steps, you can significantly enhance your online presence and ensure your business stands out in local searches.

Are you ready to elevate your local rankings and beat out your competitors for local SEO? Start with your Google Business Profile. If you need help or personalized advice, reach out to us at go@local-ladder.com.