How to Optimize Google My Business Profile: Best Practices

Google My Business is a free platform offered by Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. When optimized correctly, a Google My Business listing can improve your Google Ranking, boost customer engagement, and generate business traffic.

Optimizing your Google My Business profile is crucial for improving local search rankings. For businesses looking for professional guidance, a Local SEO Company in Pune can help implement the best strategies for optimizing Google My Business and improving online visibility. A professional Local SEO Agency can help you implement best practices, from optimizing business descriptions to managing customer reviews effectively.

This guide will help you better understand the best practices for optimizing your GMB profile so your business profile stands out and take full advantage of the platform and attracts the right audience.

1. Setting Up Your Google My Business Profile

Claim and Verify Your Business

The first step in optimizing your GMB profile is claiming your listing. If you haven’t done so already, follow these steps:

1. Go to Google My Business and sign in.

You need a Google Account, or you can sign in to your account with your Gmail ID.

Search for your business name and claim ownership.

If your business is already listed on Google then it will show your business profile and you can claim the ownership of the listing.

1. If your business isn’t listed, create a new profile.
2. Follow the verification process (via mail, phone, email, or instant verification).

Google may verify your business address via post card sent on your business address and it may take almost 10-15 days. Once you receive the verification code you have to log back into your Google Local Dashboard and enter the code to verify the business location.

In few cases, Google may ask you to verify your business location via video as well. You have to login into your dashboard and using the link you have to shoot your office premises area.

If your business doesn’t have a physical store and offer services to customers at their places, you have to select “I deliver goods and services to my customers” and “Hide my address” checkboxes.

Verification is crucial as it confirms ownership and allows you to manage your business profile, respond to your reviews, upload photos etc.

Choose the Right Business Category

Google uses business categories to match users with relevant search results.

• Select the most accurate primary category for your business (e.g., “Interior Designer” instead of just “Designer”).
• Add secondary categories to include additional services (e.g., “Residential Interior Designer”, or “Commercial Interior Designer” if applicable).

This helps Google showcase your business to potential customers looking for specific products or services.

2. Optimizing Business Information

Ensure NAP Consistency

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number—three key elements of local SEO.

• Your Business Name: User you Actual Business Name, adding additional keywords into your business name might result in suspending your listing.
• Keep NAP details consistent across all online directories, social media, and your website.
• Use the same format to avoid confusion (e.g., “Street” vs. “St.”).

Write a Compelling Business Description

Your business description appears in the “From the Business” section of your GMB listing.

• Use keywords naturally to enhance search visibility.
• Highlight what makes your business unique.
• You can write upto the 750-characters, but ensure the most important details appear in the first 250 characters.

Example:
“Bella’s Italian Bistro offers authentic Italian cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Located in downtown Chicago, we specialize in handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian desserts. Visit us for a cozy dining experience or order online for quick delivery!”

Keep Business Hours Updated

Accurate business hours build trust with customers.

• Update hours for holidays, special events, or temporary closures.
• Google allows you to set special hours—use this feature to avoid misleading customers.

3. Enhance Your Profile with Photos & Videos

Why Visual Content Matters

• Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks than those without.

Types of Photos to Add

• Cover Photo & Logo – Reinforce brand identity.
• Interior & Exterior Photos – Upload lots of high-resolution photos of your office, behind the scene work, your exteriors to give customers a preview of your business.
• Product or Service Photos – Showcase best-selling items.
• Team Photos – Build trust and familiarity.

Upload Videos

• Your video length should be 30 seconds or shorter and less than 100 MB in size.
• Highlight your business location, customer experience, or behind-the-scenes moments.
• Collect & Manage Reviews Effectively

Why Reviews Matter

• Reviews builds trust and influence purchasing decisions.
• Businesses with positive reviews rank higher in search results.

How to Encourage Customers to Leave Reviews

• Politely ask satisfied customers for reviews.
• Send a follow-up email or SMS with a direct review link. You can get a review link form your business profile.
• Offer incentives like a small discount (without violating Google’s review policies).

Responding to Reviews Professionally

• Positive Reviews – Thank the customer and personalize the response.
• Negative Reviews – Address concerns professionally and offer a resolution.

Example Response to a Negative Review:
“We’re sorry to hear about your experience, [Customer Name]. We strive for excellent service and would love to make this right. Please reach out to us at [contact email] so we can assist you further.”

You can also checkout our detailed post to manage the Negative Reviews on Google.

For expert help in managing reviews and maintaining a positive brand image, partnering with a Local SEO Agency can be beneficial.

• Utilizing Google My Business Posts

GMB allows businesses to share updates through Google Posts, which appear in local search results.

Types of GMB Posts

• Offers & Promotions – Announce discounts or special deals.
• Events – Promote upcoming events or sales.
• Product Updates – Showcase new arrivals or bestsellers.

Best Practices for GMB Posts

• Use high-quality images (1200×900 pixels).
• Write engaging, keyword-rich captions (150-300 words).
• Include a Call-to-Action (CTA) like “Book Now” or “Shop Now.”
• Leveraging GMB Insights & Analytics

Why Track GMB Insights?

Google normally share a monthly report on your business profile performance on registered email. GMB Insights provides valuable data on how customers interact with your listing.

Key Metrics to Monitor

• Search Queries – What keywords people use to find your business.
• Customer Actions – Clicks, calls, website visits, and direction requests.
• Photo & Post Engagement – Views and interactions.

Use these insights to refine your strategy and improve engagement.

• Advanced GMB Optimization Tips

Enable Messaging & Booking Features

• Customers can send direct messages via GMB.
• If applicable, enable booking integration for easy appointment scheduling.

Use Google Q&A to Address Common Questions

• Monitor and answer customer questions promptly.
• Add pre-filled FAQs to guide customers.

Add Products & Services

• Showcase best-selling products with descriptions and pricing.
• List services to attract relevant searches.

Conclusion

Optimizing your Google My Business profile is one of the most effective ways to improve local search rankings, boost customer engagement, and drive more traffic to your business.

To summarize, here are the key takeaways:
✅ Claim & verify your GMB listing.
✅ Keep business information (NAP, hours) accurate.
✅ Upload high-quality photos & videos.
✅ Encourage and respond to customer reviews.
✅ Use Google Posts to share updates.
✅ Monitor insights and refine your strategy.

By following these best practices, you’ll enhance your local SEO and ensure your business stands out in Google Search and Maps.

If you need expert guidance in optimizing your GMB profile, consider reaching out to a Local SEO Agency for professional support.

🚀 Start optimizing your GMB profile today and attract more local customers!