How Google My Business Helps You Rank Locally
A Complete Guide to Google My Business
Google My Business is your free ticket to appearing in local search results and Google Maps. A well-optimised profile can dramatically increase your local visibility.
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Why you can't ingore Google My Business in your SEO strategy
Google My Business (now Google Business Profile) is a free tool that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.
Why Google My Business Matters for SEO
Google My Business (Google Business Profile) is essential for local SEO, directly controlling your appearance in local search results, maps, and the local pack. Learn more about how SEO works and how all these elements work together.
- Appear in Local Pack: A well-optimised Google Business Profile helps you appear in the coveted local pack (top 3 local results) in search results.
- Show Up in Google Maps: Your Business Profile determines your visibility and ranking in Google Maps, crucial for local business discovery.
- Collect Customer Reviews: Reviews on your Business Profile are a major ranking factor for local search and build trust with potential customers.
- Provide Business Information: Complete Business Profile information helps Google match your business to relevant local search queries.
How Google My Business Works in SEO
Search engines like Google use sophisticated algorithms to evaluate websites across hundreds of factors.Google My Business contributes to your overall SEO performance by:
A well-optimised Google Business Profile helps you appear in the coveted local pack (top 3 local results) in search results.
Your Business Profile determines your visibility and ranking in Google Maps, crucial for local business discovery.
Reviews on your Business Profile are a major ranking factor for local search and build trust with potential customers.
Complete Business Profile information helps Google match your business to relevant local search queries.
Best Practices for Google My Business
To maximise the SEO benefits of google my business, follow these proven best practices:
Fill out every section of your Google Business Profile: hours, services, photos, description, and attributes. Complete profiles are more likely to appear in local search results.
Select the most specific primary category that describes your business, and add relevant secondary categories. Accurate categorisation helps Google match you to relevant searches.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, and respond to all reviews (positive and negative). Regular reviews and engagement signal an active, trustworthy business to Google.
Use Google Posts to share updates, offers, events, or news. Regular posts keep your profile active and can appear in local search results, improving visibility.
Upload clear, high-quality photos of your business, products, team, and workspace. Photos help users understand your business and can improve click-through rates from search results.
Related Local SEO Elements
Explore other important local seo factors that work alongside google my business:
On-page SEO for a specific geographical area
Geographical on-page SEO involves optimising your website content with location-specific keywords and information to rank for local search queries.
Learn MoreGeographical content creation
Geographical content creation involves developing location-specific pages and content that target local search queries and demonstrate your business relevance to specific areas.
Learn MoreMetadata optimised for location
Location-optimised metadata includes title tags, meta descriptions, and other HTML elements that incorporate geographical keywords to improve local search visibility.
Learn MoreNeed Help Optimising Google My Business?
Optimising google my business requires expertise and ongoing attention. Our SEO specialists understand how to properly implement and optimise google my business as part of a comprehensive SEO strategy that delivers real results.
Whether you're just starting with SEO or looking to improve your existing optimisation, we can help you get the most out of google my business and all other SEO elements.
Explore our local seo services to see how google my business fits into a complete SEO strategy, or view all our SEO services for a comprehensive overview.
Get Your Free SEO ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions About Google My Business
Google My Business is an important component of SEO, though its exact impact depends on your overall SEO strategy. When combined with other optimisation elements, google my business contributes significantly to improved search rankings and organic traffic.
Basic optimisation of google my business can sometimes be done in-house, but professional SEO expertise ensures proper implementation, avoids common mistakes, and integrates it effectively with your overall SEO strategy.
Results from optimising google my business typically begin to appear within 2-4 weeks, with more significant improvements visible over 2-3 months. However, SEO is a long-term strategy, and consistent optimisation yields the best results.
Yes, google my business is most effective when implemented as part of a comprehensive SEO strategy. Combining it with other optimisation elements creates a stronger overall SEO foundation that search engines reward with better rankings.