How to Optimise Your Google My Business for Local SEO
In today’s competitive digital landscape, visibility is everything — especially for small businesses trying to rank locally. One of the most effective ways to boost your local search presence is to optimize your Google My Business (GMB) profile.
If you're a local business owner and want to appear in the "Local Pack" (those top 3 map listings in Google search results), it’s essential to treat your GMB profile like your second homepage. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to optimize your Google My Business to improve your local SEO and attract more nearby customers.
1. Claim and Verify Your Business
The first step to optimize your Google My Business profile is to claim it. Head to Google Business Profile and sign in. Once you claim your listing, verify it by mail, phone, or email (depending on what Google offers for your region). Verification increases trust and lets you edit key business information.
2. Use Accurate and Consistent NAP Details
Your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) should be:
Accurate
Consistent across your website, directories, and listings
Updated regularly (especially if you relocate or change contact info)
Google uses NAP data to establish authority, and consistency is key to optimize your Google My Business for ranking in local search.
3. Choose the Right Business Categories
When setting up your profile, you must select a primary category and, if relevant, additional categories. Your primary category has the most weight in determining which searches you show up for.
For example, a bakery might choose:
Primary: Bakery
Additional: Coffee Shop, Cake Shop, Dessert Shop
Choosing precise categories is critical to optimize your Google My Business for local visibility.
4. Add a Detailed Business Description
Your business description should clearly explain:
What you offer
Who you serve
What makes you unique
Keep it professional but keyword-rich. A good description helps Google understand your business and supports your local SEO efforts.
5. Upload High-Quality Photos & Videos
Businesses with quality images receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites (according to Google). Upload:
Logo
Interior & exterior photos
Team & work culture photos
Product or service videos
Visuals help build trust and support user engagement — which helps optimize your Google My Business for better conversion and SEO.
6. Get and Respond to Google Reviews
Google reviews are a major local ranking factor. Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews and always respond professionally — even to negative ones.
More authentic reviews = more trust = better rankings.
Pro tip: Use a short review link and add it to email signatures or invoices.
7. Post Regular Updates
Google allows you to post updates (like promotions, blog articles, or events) directly on your GMB profile. These posts appear in search and maps, so use them to:
Showcase offers
Promote blog content
Share COVID updates, new hours, etc.
Regular activity signals freshness and engagement — both of which help optimize your Google My Business presence.
8. Use Attributes and Services
Depending on your industry, Google lets you select specific attributes (like "wheelchair accessible," "Wi-Fi available," or "female-led business") and list detailed services.
Completing these sections not only improves visibility but also boosts click-through rates from searchers who filter results.
9. Monitor Insights and Optimize Further
Google My Business provides analytics like:
How people find you (direct vs. discovery)
Where they come from
What actions they take (calls, direction requests, website visits)
Use this data to continuously optimize your Google My Business by refining content, photos, and offers based on real performance.
Conclusion
If you want your business to stand out in local search, you must optimize your Google My Business profile with the same care you give your website or social media. A well-maintained GMB profile can drive calls, visits, and sales — even ahead of traditional SEO.
Start today, follow these best practices, and watch your local visibility grow!
