How to Attract More Visitors to Google Business Profile in 2024
Shehriar Awan●
July 12, 2024
●
18 min read
Imagine getting nearly 2,000 potential customers checking out your business every month, for free 😯. Sounds too good to be true, right?
Well, for verified businesses on Google Maps, it's a reality. Verified Google Business Profiles on average get 1800+ visitors each month.
But the question is, how can you attract more visitors to your Google Business Profile?
In this article, I'll share easy-to-implement tips to optimize your profile and use local SEO to rank your Google Business Profile on top and get more visitors.
We’ll learn:
- Factors that impact your Google Maps ranking
- Tips to attract more visitors to your Google Business Profile
But what if your business is not even visible on Google Maps? 🤔
Why is my business not showing up on Google?
There are plenty of reasons why your business might not show up on Google Search and Google Maps.
- Incomplete profile
- Unverified profile
- Wrong information
- Suspended GBP account
- Tough competition
- And many more
I’ve already discussed 12 most common reasons in my previous article. Check out Why Is My Business Not Showing Up On Google? [10+ Reasons].
But what if your profile is ranked too low?
Most of the time, your profile is visible but it’s ranked so low that no one ever notices your existence. Most visitors choose click top results and move on.
In this case, you may have 2 questions in your mind.
- How do I check my Google Maps ranking?
- Why am I ranking so low?
Let’s answer them one by one.
How do I check my Google Maps ranking?
It’s easy and you can do it manually without needing any tool. Here’s how to check your Google Maps ranking in 3 simple steps.
- Go to maps.google.com or open Google Maps app in your phone
- Search a keyword related to your business e.g. “Pizza joints near me”
- Scroll down and find your business in the search results
But what if your business ranks beyond 100?
Doing all this manually is time consuming and might give you a headache trying to guess your exact rank.
Well guess what, you can automate Google Maps rank tracking and even rank monitoring using Lobstr.
You can use Google Maps Search Export to scrape all Google Maps search results and export all their data to a Google sheet in a few clicks.
- Extract 35+ key data points from listing
- Collect 200+ listings per minute
- Cloud based scraping – no install required
- Schedule feature for automated data collection
- Export data to Google Sheet or Amazon S3
- Developer-ready API for integration with your own apps
I already have a detailed guide on checking your ranking in local search results. Read How to Build a Google Maps Rank Checker Without Coding for more details.
So this brings us to the second question – what’s the reason behind your low search ranking on Google Maps?
6 factors that impact Google Business Profile rankings
When we talk about ranking on search engines like Google, there are plenty of ranking factors one has to consider while doing search engine optimization (SEO).
Google has 200+ ranking factors that SEOs target and optimize for – to rank higher in search.
These factors are divided into 5 major categories.
- Meaning of the query
- Relevance of content
- Quality of content
- Usability of web page
- Context and settings
You don’t have to optimize for all 200+ ranking factors but covering the most important ones is crucial to rank higher in search.
Similarly there are many ranking factors that impact your Google Business Profile’s ranking in Google Maps and Google Search.
I have shortlisted 6 most important factors that impact your online visibility the most.
Let’s cover them one by one.
1. Relevance
Relevance means how well your Google Business Profile matches the search intent of users looking for services or products like yours.
It’s one of the 3 factors endorsed by Google itself along with proximity and prominence.
Google aims to provide the most relevant search results to users, so optimizing your profile for relevance is crucial.
There are 3 main aspects of relevance that mainly impact your local business rankings.
- Matching user intent
- Keyword relevance
- Accurate business information
1. Matching user intent
Google prioritizes profiles that accurately reflect what users are searching for. Profiles with relevant keywords, categories, and services are more likely to appear at the top of search results.
Google's algorithm considers the context of the search, including location and user history. Profiles that align with this context rank higher because they meet the user's intent better.
2. Keyword relevance
Google is getting smarter at understanding user intent but if there’s no keyword – there’s no context, and obviously Google can’t read minds to understand a searcher's intent.
Using relevant keywords helps Google understand your business and match you with the right audience. Profiles with content that closely matches search terms are more likely to rank higher.
3. Accurate business information
Providing accurate and relevant information helps Google accurately classify your business, matching it with relevant searches.
Detailed and accurate business information, such as location, NAP, category, services, etc, improves your profile's relevance to user queries and boosts its ranking.
2. Proximity
Proximity is the physical distance between a searcher’s location and the location of a business. It means how close your business is to the person conducting a local search.
Google uses the searcher’s geographic location to provide the most relevant local results, prioritizing businesses that are nearest to them.
Here are the 3 main aspects included in proximity that make it so important for local search ranking.
- Location
- Service areas
1. Location
Location is your business's physical address. Google prioritizes businesses geographically close to the searcher. Also an accurate location helps your business appear correctly on Google Maps.
2. Service areas
Not all businesses are limited to on-site operations. Service areas are geographic regions where your business provides services beyond your physical location.
Defining your service area tells Google where you operate. It prompts Google to display your business when someone from that area searches for related services or products.
3. Prominence
Prominence refers to how well-known and reputable a business is, both online and offline. It impacts your visibility, online reputation, and authority in the eyes of Google and potential customers.
Google uses prominence as a key factor to determine your Google Business Profile’s ranking in search. There are 3 factors that decide how prominent your business is.
- Online presence
- Citations
- Backlinks
1. Online presence
Online presence means your overall presence on the internet. It includes your website, your Google Business Profile, your social media presence, presence in business directories etc.
A strong online presence enhances credibility and visibility, impacting your local search ranking positively.
2. Citations
Citations are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites, directories, and social platforms.
Consistent and accurate citations signal to Google that your business is established and trustworthy.
3. Backlinks
Backlinks are links from other websites to your business website. When someone mentions your business online and links your website or Google Business Profile in the mention, it’s called a backlink.
Quality backlinks from reputable sites indicate to Google that your content is valuable and authoritative, boosting your profile's prominence.
The remaining 3 factors are actually part of prominence but since they play an important role in Google Business Profile ranking on their own, I’ve listed them as standalone factors.
4. Profile quality
Profile quality includes the completeness, accuracy, and engagement level of your Google Business Profile.
It directly influences how Google ranks and displays your business in local search results.
Google rewards profiles that are complete and engaging with higher visibility in local searches, increasing your chances of attracting more local customers effectively.
5. Reviews and ratings
Reviews and ratings are critical aspects of your Google Business Profile that significantly impact its visibility and reputation.
Google considers both the quantity and quality of reviews when determining how prominently to display your business in search results.
Positive reviews and high ratings not only build trust with potential customers but also play a key role in improving your local search ranking.
6. Behavioral signals
Behavioral signals on your Google Business Profile are actions users take, like visiting your website, asking for directions, calling your business, or interacting with posts and photos.
These actions show how interested people are in your business, and how useful and relevant your business is to potential customers.
Positive signals, like lots of engagement, tell Google that people like your business.
These were 6 important factors that impact your local search rankings.
But how do I use them to optimize my online presence and attract more visitors to my Google Business Profile?
Let’s discuss that too.
10 tips to attract more visitors to Google Business Profile
Based on our 6 key factors, here are 10 tips to optimize your local SEO to get more visitors on your Google Business Profile.
- Optimize your Google Business Profile
- Use Posts feature
- Use Q&A section
- Respond to reviews
- Use Google Ads
- Maintain NAP consistency
- Use local SEO best practices
- Integrate other marketing channels
- Monitor and analyze performance
- Stay updated and take timely measures
Let me explain them one by one.
1. Optimize your Google Business Profile
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is the most important step. Without a complete and fully optimized profile, you can’t compete with your competitors and rank above them.
Profile optimization means making sure all the information on your profile is accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date. You must include your targeted keywords in your Google Business Profile.
The more detailed and precise your profile, the easier it is for potential customers to find you and understand what you offer.
Here’s what you need to do.
- Complete all fields on your business profile
- Add targeted keywords to your business description
- Select the right business category
- Upload high quality images and videos
- Enable messaging feature
- Add products and services and integrate targeted keywords
I’ve already covered how to create a Google Business Profile in my previous article on why your business is not showing up on Google. Check it out for a brief tutorial.
But is it that simple to optimize a Google Business Profile?
No, these are just basics. If I start covering all steps to optimize Google Business Profile, this article will turn into an eBook.
Google Business Profile Optimization deserves a separate article. If you want me to write a complete Google Business Profile Optimization Guide, you can ping me on LinkedIn or tag me on X.
For now, here’s an actionable checklist you can use to optimize your Google Business Profile.
Google Business Profile Optimization Checklist
f1. Prerequisites [ ] Claim your business on Google [ ] Verify your Google Business Profile 2. Business Information [ ] Make sure your business name adheres to Google Guidelines. [ ] Select the most relevant primary and at least 3 secondary categories. [ ] Add an SEO optimized business description with your target keywords. [ ] Add opening date. [ ] Add business phone, website, and social media profiles. [ ] Make sure your NAP information is consistent on GBP, website, and social profiles. [ ] Add detailed location information. [ ] Accurately and carefully pin your location on Google Maps. [ ] Carefully add all your service areas. [ ] Add primary, special, online, and additional business hours. [ ] Add accessibility, amenities, appointment, and service options. 3. Profile Features [ ] Enable messaging feature. [ ] Add high quality photos and videos. [ ] Add booking URL. [ ] Add services and optimize service descriptions for relevant keywords. [ ] Add products and optimize product descriptions for relevant keywords. [ ] Keep your products tab updated with new products. [ ] Add Q&As and optimize answers with targeted keywords. [ ] Keep uploading posts, offers, events, and other updates.
2. Use Posts feature
The Posts feature on Google Business Profile allows businesses to share updates, business offers, events, and other relevant content directly on their profile.
You can use it to keep your audience updated about your latest offers and activities. Google Posts is a great way to create content optimized for your targeted keywords.
Here’s how to use Posts.
- Login to the Google account that manages your GBP
- Search your business name in Google
- Click on “Add update” button from the menu
- Select post type e.g. update, special offer, or event
- Add content, image, and CTA (call-to-action)
- Publish it
You can use ChatGPT to optimize your posts for relevant keywords.
3. Use Q&A section
Q&As are a great way to tell more about your business to potential customers and Google. Optimized and relevant FAQs are very helpful for SEO.
Sometimes your customers ask questions related to your business. You should always answer those questions.
But what if no one is asking questions?
Well, you can ask yourself and write detailed answers.
- Login to your business Google account
- Type your business in Google search
- Click on “Q&A” option from the menu
- Answer questions asked by customers
- To add your own questions, click “Ask a question”
- Type your question and click “Post”
- Now click “Answer” button
- Add a detailed answer
- Make sure to include targeted keywords in your answer
Again, you can ask ChatGPT to help you answer questions in such a way that they contain relevant keywords.
4. Respond to customer reviews
Responding to reviews on your Google Business Profile is an excellent way of building trust and demonstrating excellent customer service.
But the question is – how to properly respond to reviews?
- Respond to all reviews (both positive and negative)
- For positive reviews, express your gratitude
- For negative reviews, acknowledge the issue, apologize, and provide a solution
- Respond to reviews promptly
- Use ChatGPT to Incorporate relevant keywords in your responses
- Keep a consistent tone in your responses
Actively responding to reviews, you build a positive online presence and show potential customers that you are dedicated to providing excellent service.
This can lead to increased trust, better customer retention, and more visitors to your Google Business Profile.
5. Use Google Ads
Google Ads can significantly boost your visibility and drive more traffic to your Google Business Profile.
Using paid advertising, you can reach a broader audience, target specific demographics, and appear at the top of search results for relevant keywords.
Google provides $400 Google ad credit to every new business. You can claim this credit from your Google Business Profile dashboard.
But how to effectively use Google ads to get more visitors?
- Set clear campaign goals (e.g., website visits, calls)
- Choose Local or Search Campaigns with location extensions
- Research and target relevant keywords
- Write compelling ad copy with a strong CTA (you can use GPT)
- Use ad extensions for extra information (location, call, site links)
- Apply geotargeting to reach local users
- Monitor ad performance and key metrics
- Implement remarketing for previous visitors
- Link Google Ads with Google Analytics for insights
6. Maintain business information consistency
NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. Consistency in NAP across all online platforms is crucial for local SEO.
Having consistent NAP info ensures search engines have accurate information about your business, which ultimately helps improve your ranking in local searches.
Here are a few tips to maintain NAP consistency.
- Make sure your NAP info is the same on your Google Business Profile, website, social media, and all online directories
- Regularly audit your NAP information across all platforms.
- Update any inconsistencies immediately
- Use a standardized format for your NAP details
- Monitor user-generated content and correct any NAP errors
7. Use local SEO best practices
Local SEO involves optimizing your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches.
These searches usually have a geographic component, like "restaurants near me" or "plumbers in [city]."
Local SEO helps your business appear on top in local search results.
But how to do it?
For starters, follow this simple yet effective checklist.
Local SEO checklist
f1. Google Business Profile (GBP) Optimization [] Complete all tasks from Google Business Profile Optimization checklist. [] Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and respond to them promptly. 2. Website Optimization [] Ensure your website is mobile-friendly. [] Use local keywords in your website content, including meta titles, descriptions, headers, and body text. [] Display your NAP information prominently on your website, preferably in the header or footer. [] Create content relevant to your local audience, like blog posts about local events or news. [] Make sure your contact page is complete and accurate with your business details and contact information. [] Implement local business schema markup to help search engines understand your business information. [] Optimize your website for fast loading times. [] Ensure your website is secure (HTTPS). [] Create and submit an XML sitemap to search engines. [] Ensure your robots.txt file is configured correctly. 3. Local Citations and Listings [] List your business on popular local directories like Google Maps, Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Bing Places. [] List your business in industry-specific directories. [] Keep your NAP information consistent across all listings. [] Submit your business information to relevant data aggregators. 4. Reviews and Reputation Management [] Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on your GBP, Yelp, and other review platforms. [] Regularly monitor reviews and respond to them, both positive and negative. [] Address negative reviews professionally and try to resolve any issues. 5. Backlinks [] Obtain backlinks from local businesses, organizations, and blogs. [] Sponsor local events or partner with local organizations to gain backlinks. 6. Social Media [] Maintain NAP consistency across all social media platforms. [] Participate in local conversations and engage with the local community on social media. [] Share content relevant to your local audience. 7. Local Content Marketing [] Create content about local events, news, and happenings. [] Develop local guides and resources that are useful to your target audience. 8. Analytics and Tracking [] Set up Google Analytics to track website traffic and user behavior. [] Use Google Search Console to monitor and maintain your site's presence in Google Search results. [] Regularly check your GBP insights for performance metrics. [] Monitor competitors and analyze what they are doing.
This is just a broad checklist. You can check out this detailed guide on local SEO by SEMRush for more information on local SEO.
8. Integrate other marketing channels
Integrating other marketing channels with your Google Business Profile can amplify your reach and attract more visitors.
Combining efforts across various platforms can create a cohesive marketing strategy that enhances brand visibility and engagement.
Here's how to do it.
- Promote your Google Business Profile on your website and social media profiles
- Include a link to your profile in email newsletters and marketing campaigns
- Run cross-promotions with local businesses or influencers
- Use offline marketing materials (e.g., flyers, brochures) that include your Google Business Profile URL
- Collaborate with local events or community organizations and feature your profile
- Use Google Posts to share updates and events across platforms
9. Monitor and Analyze Performance
Well I have already covered most of the performance monitoring in my local SEO checklist.
You can use Google Analytics, and Google Business Profile Insights to check your performance.
But what about your competitors?
Well your competitor business owners won’t allow you to check their GBP insights or analytics report. How do you track their performance?
You can use Lobstr to consistently track their Google Maps ranking, changes in their description, and even their latest reviews.
Using Google Maps Search Export, you can build a custom Google Maps rank tracker. Here is How to Build a Google Maps Rank Checker Without Coding.
Also, you can use Google Maps Reviews Scraper to scrape all Google reviews from all your competitor businesses and analyze them to find out weaknesses and customer sentiment.
I’ve covered how to perform a detailed review analysis using Lobstr.io and ChatGPT in my article on How to Do a Google Reviews Search By Name and Keyword in 2024.
10. Stay updated and take timely measures
Staying updated with changes and trends in digital marketing and Google's algorithms is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
The best way to stay updated is – follow industry blogs, news websites, and Google's official announcements for updates.
Regularly review and update your profile according to changes in Google's guidelines.
FAQs
Why do you need to optimize your Google My Business Profile?
You should optimize your Google My Business Profile because it's a powerful tool to reach customers effectively in your local market.
What is Google Local SEO and how can small businesses get more traffic through it?
Google Local SEO helps small businesses show up in local search results, making it easier for nearby customers to find them.
By optimizing your Google Business account, using local keywords, and earning positive reviews, you can attract more local traffic.
Is local SEO necessary for small business listings?
Yes, local SEO is crucial for small business listings because it helps them appear in local search results, making it easier for nearby customers to discover and visit their business
Conclusion
That’s a wrap on how to attract more visitors to Google Business Profile. Do check out Lobstr’s Google Maps scrapers to automate your review analysis and rank tracking.
If you want a follow-up article about any of the topics discussed in this article, feel free to ping me on LinkedIn or tag me on X.
Shehriar Awan Self-proclaimed Head of Content @ lobstr.io. I write all those awesome how-tos, listicles, and (they deserve) troll our competitors.
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