If you own a small business, chances are you’ve heard of Google My Business (GMB)—the free tool that helps you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps.
But here’s the thing: most small businesses aren’t using it to its full potential.
A well-optimised GMB profile can boost your local SEO, help you stand out in search results, and bring more customers through your door (or to your website).
In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, actionable steps to optimise your listing and get noticed by more local customers.
Why Google My Business Matters for Local Businesses
When someone searches for a service near them, your Google My Business (GMB) listing is often the first thing they see.
It shows your:
- Location
- Opening hours
- Contact details
- Customer reviews
If your listing is complete and optimised, you’ll rank higher in local searches, which means more visibility, clicks, and customers.
Key Benefits of GMB Optimisation
- Appears in local searches & Google Maps
- Boosts your local SEO rankings
- It makes it easy for customers to find you
- Encourages engagement (reviews, messages, calls)
Step 1: Claim & Verify Your Listing
Before proceeding, ensure that your business is claimed and verified.
How? Go to Google My Business, search for your business, and follow the steps to claim it.
Why? Unverified listings tend to rank lower. Google needs to confirm that you are the real owner.
Verification usually occurs via phone, email, postcard, or video—choose the fastest option for your business.
Step 2: Fill Out Every Section (Don’t Skip Anything!)
Google loves detailed profiles. The more info you provide, the better your chances of ranking.
Here’s what to include:
- Business Name – Use your real, official name (no keyword stuffing!).
- Category – Select the most relevant one (this affects how Google displays your results).
- Address and Phone – Keep them accurate and consistent, matching your website and social media.
- Opening Hours – Update regularly (including holiday hours).
- Website Link – Drive traffic straight to your site.
A complete profile = better rankings + more trust from customers.
Step 3: Add High-Quality Photos & Videos
Did you know? Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks.
What to upload:
- Storefront (inside & outside)
- Your team in action
- Products/services
- Behind-the-scenes content
Videos work too! A short clip of your business can make your listing stand out.
Step 4: Get More Reviews (and Respond to Them!)
Reviews = social proof + better rankings.
How to get more reviews:
- Ask happy customers (politely!)
- Send a direct link to your review page
Always respond—even to negative reviews. It shows you care about feedback.
Step 5: Use Posts to Stay Active
GMB lets you share updates like:
- Promotions
- New products
- Events
- Blog posts
Why post?
- Keeps your listing fresh
- Encourages engagement
- Highlights key offers
Step 6: Answer Customer Questions (Q&A Section)
People often ask questions directly on your Google My Business (GMB) profile. Answer them fast!
Common questions:
- “Do you offer XYZ service?”
- “What are your prices?”
- “Do I need an appointment?”
Tip: Add FAQS to your website and link to them in responses.
Step 7: Track Your Performance (GMB Insights)
Google provides free analytics on how customers find you.
Check:
- How many people viewed your profile
- How many called or requested directions
- Which searches led to your listing
Use this data to refine your strategy!
Final Thoughts: A Strong GMB Listing = More Customers
Optimising your Google My Business profile doesn’t take long, but the payoff is enormous.
By following these steps, you’ll:
- Rank higher in local searches
- Get more clicks & calls
- Build trust with customers
Need help? We specialise in GMB optimisation for small businesses.
Contact us today to get started!
Need help with your Google My Business optimisation?
By Bill Vasiliadis
Bill Vasiliadis is one of Australia’s leading digital marketers, having up to 25 years of experience in the industry. With a Master of Digital Marketing degree and a Bachelor of Computer Science degree, he has tremendous knowledge and experience.
