How To Do SEO For Google My Business

If you run a local business, getting found on Google isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

When someone searches for a place to eat, a plumber nearby, or a hair salon in their area, they’re not scrolling through 10 pages of results.

They’re looking at the top listings that pop up in the map pack or on Google Maps itself. That’s where your Google Business Profile (formerly called Google My Business) comes in.

But here’s the thing: just having a profile isn’t enough. If it’s not optimized properly, your business might never show up for the people who are searching for exactly what you offer.

And if your competitors are doing it right, they’re probably taking the customers that could’ve been yours.

So, let’s walk through how to do SEO for your Google Business Profile in a way that boosts your visibility, builds trust, and brings more customers to your door.

Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile

First things first, if you haven’t already claimed your Google Business Profile, do it now at google.com/business.

You’ll need to verify your business—usually by postcard, phone, or email—before you can edit or manage it fully.

Once verified, you’re officially in control. This is your starting point.

Step 2: Fill Out Every Section (Seriously, Every One)

The more info you give Google, the more they’ll trust your listing—and the more likely they’ll show it to people.

Here’s what to complete:

• Business Name: Use your real-world name. Don’t stuff it with keywords (Google doesn’t like that).

• Address: Make sure it matches exactly with what’s on your website and other listings.

• Phone Number: Use a local number instead of a call center or toll-free one.

• Business Category: Choose the most relevant primary category. You can add secondary ones too.

• Website: If you have one, add it. If not, consider creating a basic one.

• Business Hours: Keep these accurate and up to date, including holidays.

• Services or Products: Describe what you offer in clear, natural language.

• Opening Date: This helps show how established you are.

• Photos: Real photos of your business, team, products, or location help you stand out.

Step 3: Use Keywords Naturally (But Smartly)

You want your profile to include the words people search for. So if you’re a dentist in Austin, use phrases like “teeth cleaning in Austin” or “cosmetic dentist near downtown Austin” in your:

• Business description

• Services section

• Posts

• Reviews (encourage customers to be specific)

Just don’t go overboard or try to stuff keywords where they don’t belong. Google wants it to sound human, not robotic.

Step 4: Add High-Quality Photos (And Keep Adding Them)

Listings with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites, according to Google.

Here’s what helps:

• Logo & Cover Photo – Adds professionalism and branding

• Interior & Exterior – Shows people what to expect

• Team Photos – Builds trust

• Before/After – Perfect for services like cleaning, landscaping, or beauty

• Updated Regularly – Keeps things fresh and signals to Google that you’re active

Step 5: Collect and Respond to Reviews

Reviews aren’t just about your reputation—they’re a big SEO signal. The more positive reviews you have, the more likely you are to show up in local search results.

Tips:

• Ask after each job or visit. Make it part of your process.

• Send a direct link. Use this: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7035772

• Respond to all reviews. Thank the good ones, and politely address any negative ones. It shows you care.

And yes, keywords in reviews help too—so encouraging customers to mention the specific service or product they used can be a bonus.

Step 6: Post Regularly

Google Posts let you share updates, offers, events, and news right on your listing.

Posts are visible on both your Business Profile and in some local results. Think of it like social media for your Google listing.

Post ideas:

• Weekly specials or promotions

• New products or services

• Events, open houses, or seasonal hours

• Behind-the-scenes moments or helpful tips

Aim for at least one post a week to keep your profile fresh.

Step 7: Keep Your Info Consistent Across the Web

Google cross-checks your business info with other websites like Yelp, Facebook, and directories. If your name, address, or phone number (NAP) is different across these, it confuses Google—and hurts your rankings.

Use a free tool like Moz Local to check for consistency.

Step 8: Use the Q&A Feature

This is often overlooked, but super valuable.

Anyone can ask or answer questions about your business in the Q&A section. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Ask and answer your own FAQs. Log into a different Google account and ask real questions, then answer them clearly.

• Monitor new questions. Be the first to respond before others jump in with wrong info.

Example:

Q: Do you offer walk-in appointments?

A: Yes, walk-ins are welcome Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.

Step 9: Track Performance (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

Inside your Business Profile dashboard, you’ll find Insights, which show you:

• How people found you (Search or Maps)

• What keywords they used

• Actions taken (calls, website clicks, direction requests)

Watch for trends. If a lot of people are searching for something you don’t mention yet, you may want to add it to your profile.

Bonus: Use UTM Tracking Links

If you want deeper data on how people interact with your profile (like in Google Analytics), add UTM tags to your website URL in the listing.

Use a tool like Google’s Campaign URL Builder and keep it simple.

Example:
https://yourwebsite.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=google-my-business

FAQs

How long does it take to see results from Google Business SEO?

Sometimes you’ll see changes in a few days, but bigger results usually show up after a few weeks or months, especially if you’re in a competitive area.

Do I need a website to rank well?

It helps, but no—you can rank just fine with a solid Business Profile. That said, having a website gives you more control and credibility.

Can I pay Google to rank higher in local results?

No. Local pack rankings are based on relevance, distance, and prominence—not money. But you can run Local Services Ads or Google Ads for paid visibility.

Conclusion

Doing SEO for your Google Business Profile isn’t a one-time setup—it’s an ongoing habit. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.

By filling out your profile completely, using keywords naturally, posting regularly, and staying active with reviews and updates, you’ll put yourself miles ahead of many other local businesses.

And the payoff? More visibility, more customers, and more trust.

So here’s the big question: What’s one thing you’ll improve on your profile today?