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Google Business Profile Optimization: Rank Higher in Local Search
Maximize your Google Business Profile (GBP) for success in 2024 with this
comprehensive step-by-step guide. Learn how to set up, optimize, and rank your
GBP to dominate local search results on Google Maps and Search. Follow these
expert strategies to increase visibility, attract more customers, and grow your
business in the digital landscape.

by Shane Johnston

Last edited 3 days ago


Create Your Google Business Profile (Google Local Maps Pak) Go To;
https://www.google.com/business/

Setting Up Your Google Business Profile

1


Create a Google Account
Start by creating a separate Google account for your business. Visit
google.com/business and sign up with a new Gmail address specifically for your
business use.

2


Enter Business Details
Specify your business type (local store, service area, or both), enter your
business category, address, contact information, and website. Agree to Google's
terms and conditions.

3


Verify Your Business
Complete the verification process through text confirmation, Google Search
Console, postcard, or video verification. For video verification, provide a
continuous recording showing street view, street name sign, business signage,
and proof of ownership.

4


Add Services and Hours
Customize predefined services based on relevance and set accurate business hours
that match your website and signage. For service area businesses, enter up to 20
service areas within a 2-hour drive.

5


Optimize Your Profile
Write a concise business description (750 characters max), add authentic photos
of your products, services, and premises, and regularly update your profile to
keep it fresh and engaging.

Ranking Factors for Google Maps

1

Business Name and Location
Include keywords in your legally registered business name for better ranking.
Ensure your business is located in the target city and close to the city center
for improved visibility.

2

Categories and Services
Choose the most relevant primary category and add up to nine additional
categories. List all relevant services on your profile and create corresponding
pages on your website with links to your GBP.

3

Reviews and Engagement
Collect at least 10 reviews and continue gathering new ones regularly. Encourage
customers to add photos to their reviews and respond to all reviews to show
engagement and boost visibility.

4

Profile Optimization
Add products, optimize landing pages, ensure consistency of business information
across directories, and regularly update your profile with photos, videos, and
Google posts.

Advanced Optimization Strategies
Content Strategy
Consistently add new, high-quality content including images, videos, and Google
posts. Create engaging content that interests users and keeps them on your
profile longer. Regular updates ensure sustained high rankings.
Website Integration
Create dedicated pages for each service on your website. Utilize keyword
opportunities from the performance tab in your Google profile. Track your
rankings on Google Maps using geogrid tracking tools like Whitespark, SEMRush,
and Bright Local.
Engagement and Stick Time
Focus on increasing user engagement and stick rate to signal Google that your
profile is a valuable resource. Reply to every review with detailed and engaging
responses. Verify your website with Google Search Console to help with ranking
signals.


Local SEO Ranking Factors
Google Business Profile
GBP signals account for 32% of ranking factors, including primary category,
keywords in business title, and proximity to the searcher.
On-Page Signals
Website factors contribute 19% to rankings, emphasizing the importance of
optimized content and internal linking to GBP landing pages.
Review Signals
Reviews make up 16% of ranking factors, with emphasis on good Google ratings,
number of reviews, and sustained influx over time.
Link Signals
While decreasing in importance, links still account for 11% of ranking factors,
particularly from locally relevant domains.

Source: Whitespark

Source: Whitespark

AI and Local Search Optimization
AI Content Preparation
Use AI tools to prepare outlines for your content, but ensure human editing to
avoid patterns and hallucinations that Google can detect.
Authentic Content
Focus on creating real, authentic content for your GBP. Use lo-fi videos showing
you in your business, answering common questions, or giving tours to demonstrate
authenticity.
Balancing AI and Human Touch
While AI can assist in optimization, remember that GBP is built on real
businesses. Prioritize showing real information, pictures, and videos to
maintain credibility.
Conversion Focus
Concentrate on factors that drive conversions like phone calls, website visits,
and driving directions requests to improve overall performance.

Critical Mistakes to Avoid
Changing core information too quickly
Make one change at a time and wait a few days before the next to avoid
suspension
Breaking Google's address rules
Do not use PO Box, UPS box, virtual office, or non-dedicated co-working spaces
Creating multiple listings
Avoid creating multiple listings for the same business unless following specific
rules
Receiving too many reviews too fast
Ask for reviews steadily over time to avoid raising red flags
Adding keywords to business name
Only include keywords if they are part of your legally registered business name
Picking the wrong primary category
Choose the category based on your most profitable service or product


Long-Term Success Strategies
1
Consistent Updates
Regularly update your GBP with fresh content, including new photos, videos, and
posts to maintain high engagement and rankings.
2
Review Management
Continuously collect and respond to reviews, encouraging detailed feedback and
addressing any concerns promptly.
3
Local Relevance
Focus on building local citations, acquiring links from locally relevant
domains, and participating in community events to strengthen your local
presence.
4
Adapt to Changes
Stay informed about Google's algorithm updates and new features, adapting your
strategy to maintain and improve your local search performance.

Top 3 GBP Key Ranking Factors
Primary Category
Keywords In Title
Proximity Address to Search Address

Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report

Top 3 Website Key Local Ranking Factors
Dedicated Page Per Service
Internal Links On Website
Authority Inbound Links


Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report

Top 3 GBP Conversion Factors
High Google Ratings
Reviews Positive Sentiment
Mobile Friendly Website Responsiveness

Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report

Top 3 GBP Negative Ranking Factors
Incorrect Primary Category
Competitors Same Category & Proximity
Site Hacked/Malware
Low Google Review Ratings


Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report

Top 3 GBP Suspension Risks
No Physical Address (PO Box, Virtual Office)
Violation Reports on your GBP
Association to other Suppressed Listings
Reports of Review Gating

Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report

Top 3 Ranking Myths
Geo-Tagged Photos on GBP
Keywords in GBP Description
Keywords in Owner Review Responses


Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report

My First GBP Client - 14 years ago!
Still going strong even with no updates!
1383 profile interactions
141 calls with only 7 missed
245 direction requests
985 website clicks

Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report

Reputation Management & Reviews Automation Workflow
Get more reviews
Automate the process
Manage reputation
Win back disatisfied customers
Turn around bad reviews

Source: Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Annual Report

GBP Help: https://support.google.com/business

Resource Links

Google Business Profile

Get Listed on Google - Google Business Profile

List your business on Google with a free Business Profile (formerly Google my
Business). Turn people who find you on Search & Maps into new customers.



support.google.com

Google Business Profile Help

Official Google Business Profile Help Center where you can find tips and
tutorials on using Google Business Profile and other answers to frequently asked
questions.



Whitespark

Citation Building & Listing Cleanup that Sparks Joy

Get effective & affordable citation building and cleanup services form the
industry-leader.



BrightLocal

Local SEO Tool for Small Businesses | Start Your 14 Day Free Trial

The local marketing platform for small businesses. Increase search visibility.
Track local rankings. Grow customers' reviews. All from a single platform. Start
a 14 day free trial


https://www.gmbeverywhere.com/

chromewebstore.google.com

PlePer Local SEO Tools - Chrome Web Store

Useful shortcuts and quick analyzes for Local SEO`s



whitespark

2023 Local Search Ranking Factors Report from Whitespark – Increase local SEO
rankings

Whitespark’s 2023 Local Search Ranking Factors survey results! Learn from the
top experts in local search about what’s working to drive rankings and
conversions in local SEO, and what’s not.



PageSpeed Insights

PageSpeed Insights




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Shane's Linktree Digital Card
Call or Text Me

Complimentary Marketing Audit

AMA Consultation (Ask Me Anything)

Insta-Dialogue AI CSR/Appointment Booking Chatbot

Impact Innovators Podcast



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Bolder Future Marketing is not just a growth marketing agency – it's a
high-octane powerhouse ready to catapult your business into the stratosphere!
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presentations.bolderfuture.com

Google Business Profile Optimization: Rank Higher in Local Search

Maximize your Google Business Profile (GBP) for success in 2024 with this
comprehensive step-by-step guide. Learn how to set up, optimize, and rank your
GBP to dominate local search results on Google Maps and Search. Follow these
expert strategies to increase visibility, attract more customers, and