Think about your online presence as a digital first impression
Mark Smith
If you’re a business owner and looking to get more local customers, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of your most powerful (and free!) marketing tools. Whether you run a small coffee shop, a law firm, or a mobile detailing service, your Google listing can make or break your visibility on Google Search and Google Maps.
At Studio99, we help businesses just like yours dominate local search—and it all starts with a fully optimized GBP.
Here’s how to do it like a pro
1. Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile
If you haven’t claimed your listing yet, go to Google Business and search for your business. If it shows up, claim it. If not, create a new one.
Once claimed, verify it via mail, phone, or email. Without verification, you won’t be able to control or update your listing.
Pro Tip: Verified profiles are more trusted by Google—and by customers!
2. Fill Out Every Section (Yes, Every One)
Don’t leave anything blank. Google loves complete profiles, and so do your potential customers.
Here’s what you should include:
- Business Name (exactly as it appears in the real world)
- Business Category (primary + relevant secondary categories)
- Address & Service Area (especially for local SEO!)
- Phone Number
- Business Hours
- Website URL
- Business Description (use local keywords naturally)
- Appointment Links (if applicable)
Example: If you’re a plumber in Dallas, mention that! “Providing affordable plumbing services in Dallas, TX for over 10 years…”
3. Add High-Quality Photos
Google reports that listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites. That’s no small difference.
Upload:
- Exterior & interior photos of your business
- Product or service images
- Team photos (people connect with faces!)
- Logo & cover image
Keep it authentic. No stock photos if you can avoid it.
4. Get More Reviews (And Respond to Them)
Online reviews = local trust.
Ask your happy customers to leave you a review right on Google. The more positive reviews you have, the higher your chances of ranking in the Google 3-Pack (the top 3 local results on Maps).
And don’t forget to:
- Reply to every review (yes, even the bad ones)
- Use keywords naturally in your responses
- Be professional, grateful, and helpful
Example response: “Thanks so much for choosing our HVAC services in Phoenix! We’re thrilled you had a great experience.”
5. Keep Business Hours Updated
Especially during holidays or seasonal hours. Nothing frustrates potential customers more than showing up and seeing a “Closed” sign when Google said you were open.
Use the “Special Hours” feature to stay accurate.
6. Post Regular Updates
Just like social media, you can post updates on your Google Business Profile. These can include:
- Promotions or special offers
- New products or services
- Announcements or events
- Behind-the-scenes content
This keeps your profile fresh and shows Google that your business is active and engaged.
7. Use Keywords (But Keep It Human)
Sprinkle in local SEO keywords where it makes sense:
- In your business description
- In your photo filenames
- In review responses
- In posts
Examples of keywords:
“Los Angeles wedding photographer,” “emergency plumber in Miami,” “best tacos in Austin,” etc.
Just don’t keyword-stuff—it’ll hurt more than help.
8. Use Google’s Built-In Features
Take advantage of GBP’s extras:
- Bookings (great for salons, medical, wellness)
- Q&A Section (answer FAQs for customers)
- Products & Services Tab
- Messaging (let customers message you directly!)
All of these make your listing more interactive—and more likely to convert.
Final Thoughts
Optimizing your Google Business Profile isn’t a one-time task. It’s a living, breathing piece of your digital presence that needs regular care.
And trust us—when done right, it can drive a flood of local traffic, leads, and calls to your business.
At Studio99, we specialize in Local SEO and GMB Optimization for businesses across the USA. Want to save time and get pro-level results? We’ve got you.
Let’s talk about how we can grow your local visibility, together.
