Is GMB Optimization Good for SEO? Does it Still Work?
Yes, Google My Business (GMB) remains a powerful tool for local SEO. It helps businesses enhance their visibility in local search results, driving more customers to their doorsteps.
Research shows that 88% of people who carry out a local search on their mobile phone visit a related store within a week. This highlights the direct connection between local search optimization and real-world results.
Keeping your GMB profile updated and optimized with relevant information helps you appear in front of potential customers when they are ready to take action.
For businesses, this is a clear signal that GMB still works. Google's algorithms prioritize businesses with complete, verified profiles. GMB optimization can lead to higher rankings, more calls, and increased foot traffic when done right.
Regularly update your business hours and services.
Add keywords that match what your customers are searching for.
Ensure your profile is verified for better SEO benefits.
7 Ways Google My Business Optimization Service Brings Local Business
1. Improved credibility
Verifying your Google My Business profile helps show that your business is real. Completing the verification steps, like receiving a postcard or phone call from Google, directly impacts your ranking.
This process is essential because it signals to Google that your business exists and can be trusted, earning you a higher credibility score. 81% of consumers look at Google reviews about a local business before deciding.
Without verification, Google won't prioritize your profile, and you risk getting fewer local search views. Many users rely on businesses they can trust; verification is key to building that trust. It's a simple step with major benefits for visibility and customer trust.
Let's say you own a bakery. Completing the verification step means that when people search for "bakeries near me," your verified business is more likely to appear at the top of the list. Google trusts that you're a real bakery and signals that to searchers.
2. Enhanced online presence
Optimizing your GMB profile by adding detailed information helps increase your presence online. Filling in accurate business hours and service areas and selecting relevant categories helps Google understand your business better.
This increases your profile's visibility in both search results and Google Maps, leading to more customers reaching you. In fact, 66% of customers contact a business based on its Google My Business profile.
Schema markup and structured data play a big role in this. When Google has clear, structured information, it shows your business to more people searching for services like yours.
High-quality photos of your business place, team, products, or services can also help boost engagement, making people more likely to visit your profile.
Include categories that reflect your main services (e.g., "restaurant," "plumber").
Add service areas if you provide delivery or at-home services.
Upload high-quality, relevant photos of your business, staff, and services.
Profile Element
Impact on Presence
Business Categories
Improves relevancy in search results
High-Quality Photos
Increases engagement and profile views
Suppose you run a plumbing business. If you add your service area and business hours, people searching for “emergency plumbing services at night” will see you if you're open. The clearer and more complete your information, the better your chances of being noticed.
3. Increased customer engagement
Regularly updating your GMB profile with posts about promotions or new services boosts engagement. When you post fresh content, customers are more likely to interact, leaving comments or asking questions. This on-site engagement shows Google that people are interested in your business, and in turn, Google's algorithms prioritize profiles that keep visitors engaged longer.
More engagement means more visibility. The more often you post, the more people will see your business, which helps build stronger relationships with potential customers. Posting also keeps your business in the loop, allowing you to announce new offers, seasonal products, or exciting updates.
Post regularly about discounts, sales, or promotions.
Share updates about new services or changes in hours.
Encourage customers to ask questions through the platform.
Post Type
Engagement Impact
Promotional Offers
Encourages comments and questions
Business Updates
Keeps customers informed and engaged
If you run a gym and announce a 50% discount on new memberships via a Google post, people interested will engage more, asking questions and commenting. As engagement increases, Google may push your business higher in local search results.
4. Valuable insights and analytics
The Google My Business dashboard offers valuable insights into customer behavior. Over time, you can see how many people clicked to call you, requested directions, or visited your website. This data helps you learn how your audience interacts with your business, allowing you to fine-tune your marketing efforts.
These analytics provide real-time, location-based data, making it easier to assess the ROI of your online marketing strategies. With information like the number of calls or visits to your store, you can adjust your campaigns to better serve your customers' needs and improve their overall journey.
Track the number of calls made directly from your profile.
View how often customers request directions to your business.
Analyze which posts generate the most engagement.
Insight Type
Actionable Data
Phone Call Clicks
Shows customer interest and leads generated
Direction Requests
Indicates foot traffic potential
Maybe you manage a local café and notice many direction requests after posting about a new menu. This can indicate that your marketing efforts are increasing foot traffic.
5. Rich business description
Writing a detailed, long-form description on your Google My Business profile helps searchers quickly understand if your business fits their needs.
If you include targeted keywords and phrases, you help your profile appear for the right searches, increasing your click-through rate (CTR) from the "About" section.
This is especially important for businesses offering specific products or services, as searchers can quickly decide to click and learn more.
A well-optimized GMB profile description can set you apart from competitors. Google's algorithms prioritize profiles that contain clear, relevant descriptions. It's not just about length but also the use of specific terms people are likely to search for when looking for your services.
Include location-specific terms (e.g., “Austin plumbing services”).
Use common service keywords to boost relevance.
Ensure the description is both informative and engaging.
Description Element
Impact on CTR
Targeted Keywords
Increases visibility in relevant searches
Location Phrases
Boosts local search relevance
6. Virtual tours
Adding virtual tours, immersive images, or videos to your Google My Business profile helps build credibility, especially for service-based businesses like contractors or retail stores.
People want to “see inside” the business before visiting, and virtual tours offer that opportunity. This is particularly useful for businesses where the physical space influences the customer decision process, such as hotels or restaurants.
Customers who prefer visual content are more likely to engage with your business when you offer these tours. In fact, businesses with photos get 42% more direction requests and 35% more clicks on their websites. Google also values profiles that provide rich multimedia content, which can help you go up in the SERPs.
Upload 360-degree images or virtual walkthroughs of your business.
Include videos showcasing your services or staff.
Use high-quality images to keep customers interested.
Media Type
Impact on Engagement
360-degree Virtual Tour
Increases time spent on profile
High-Quality Videos
Boosts credibility and customer interest
If you're a contractor, a virtual tour showing past projects or your workshop can give potential clients confidence in your skills before contacting you.
7. Calls and map views
Completing all the details on your Google My Business profile will help your organization become more prominent in local searches and Google Maps. This improved visibility is especially useful for businesses that rely on calls or navigation, like restaurants or repair services.
The click to call feature on mobile devices makes it easy for users to contact you instantly, increasing the chances of converting a searcher into a customer.
When your profile is fully optimized, it will show more frequently in the local pack, the set of results that show up right below the map for local searches. This makes it easier for people to find you and take immediate action, whether getting directions or calling your business.
Ensure your phone number is listed correctly for easy click-to-call access.
Update your business hours to reflect availability for calls or visits.
Make sure your address is accurate for Google Maps navigation.
Profile Element
Visibility Impact
Complete Business Information
Increases visibility in local pack results
Accurate Contact Info
Encourages more calls and customer action
Let's say you run a pizza delivery service. Having your phone number prominently displayed and your map location accurate ensures customers can quickly call and get directions.
How Much Does Google My Business Optimization Service Cost?
Google My Business optimization costs vary from agency to agency. At Pxel7 Media, we offer a comprehensive GMB optimization package for $299 a month. This package includes everything you need to improve your business ranking and attract more local customers.
While setting up your Google My Business profile is free, optimizing it for search visibility requires specialized expertise.
Here's what our Google My Business Optimization Service package covers:
Claiming or creating your GMB listing: We help you claim or create your business listing for free.
NAP setup: We enter your name, address, website, phone number, operational hours, and other relevant details.
Verification: Once your business is verified, we optimize the profile with relevant keywords based on competitor analysis and search data.
Continuous monitoring: After optimization, we monitor your profile's performance, make necessary adjustments, and fine-tune strategy to improve your ranking.
High-quality content updates: We regularly upload photos, respond to reviews, and create posts to keep your listing fresh and engaging.
Monthly reports: We send custom reports every month, providing complete transparency on your listing's performance and our actions.
With Pxel7 Media, you get everything you need to boost your local visibility and grow your customer base.
Pxel7 Media Offers Detailed-Oriented Google My Business Optimization Services:
Pxel7 Media's Google, my business optimization specialists, will ensure your business profile is completely optimized to maximize leads and sales from local Google searches.
Our careful, white-glove approach means your listing will outrank competitors. Contact Pxel7 Media today to boost your business with Google My Business.
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