Google Business Profile SEO tips for 2024

6. Add photos

Adding photos and videos to your Google Business Profile lets potential customers see the reality of your business, while also adding to your visibility. 

Here’s how to include visuals in your Google Business Profile to boost SEO:

• Cover photo: Choose a clear image that represents your business well. It could be your storefront, your team, or a popular product line. This photo should invite people in and make them want to learn more about you.
• Interior photos: Showing off your location helps people picture themselves at your location before they even visit. Create some bright, welcoming pictures of your space’s ambiance and layout.
• Additional photos: Don’t stop at the basics. Include visuals of what makes your business unique. This could be beyond-the-scenes operations, special events, or your best work, adding more personality to your profile.
• Videos: If you can, add a video. A short clip introducing your staff, giving a tour of your business, or showcasing how you do business can be very engaging. 

Here are some creative tips to ensure your GBP visuals impact potential customers:

• Use storytelling techniques to captivate your audience, such as creating a miniseries. For instance, you can create one post per month about a new product from a line.

• Use visuals to convey your brand’s personality and values.

• Share positive Google reviews and customer photos to convey credibility. To get them, encourage customers to share their experiences with your brand.

• Create posts dedicated to seasonal trends and holidays. Use them to promote time-sensitive deals and discounts.

• Share glimpses of your team, workspace, or production process to connect with your audience on a personal level.

• Test various image and video formats to see what works best for your audience.
• Maintain a consistent brand style, including color palette, typography, and logo, just like in this example below.

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And remember: Use clear, high-resolution images and videos. Blurry or pixelated visuals might turn potential customers off, so aim for the best quality possible to make your profile stand out.

PRO TIP: Adding geotags to your Google Business Profile photos can also help with local SEO. This means including location details in the names of your visuals, like the exact coordinates of where they were taken. Doing so lets Google know exactly where your business is, making it more likely to appear in searches related to your location.

7. Write your “From the business” description

Start with the most important information. What does your business do? What makes it special? Keep your language simple and focused on key details that highlight your offerings and what sets you apart from the competition.

Additionally, think like a customer by incorporating keywords naturally into your description. These should be words that potential customers might use to find businesses like yours on Google. For example, if you run a cookware store in Atlanta, it makes sense to incorporate terms like “Atlanta kitchen shop,” “best kitchen tools,” or “bakeware,” just like in the example below:

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However, avoid stuffing keywords. Google is smart enough to recognize when you’re trying too hard, which can negatively impact your SEO efforts. 

Lastly, wrap up with a simple call to action. Invite potential customers to visit your store, call for more information, or check out your website. This makes it easy for viewers to convert to customers.

PRO TIP: Include keywords in multiple places on your profile, including your business description, the services you list, your posts, and even your Google ads. Each of these sections allows you to describe your business and what you offer, making them ideal for naturally including keywords.

8. Select the most relevant categories

Start broad, then get specific. The first category should be the one that best describes your business.

For instance, if you own a restaurant, start with “Restaurant” as your primary category. Then, you can get more specific with additional categories like “Italian Restaurant” or “Vegan Restaurant” depending on what fits your business best.

Remember, Google offers a lot of specific categories, so take some time to dig through them. You might discover categories you hadn’t thought of that are perfect for your business. Then, match these categories with the services you offer. 

For inspiration, look at the categories your competitors use, especially those that perform well in search results. While you don’t want to copy them exactly, this can give you a good idea of what categories might be fit for your business.

Lastly, as your business evolves, your categories might need to change. Regularly review and update them to ensure they still represent what you offer. New categories are added by Google over time, too, so keep an eye out for any new ones that might fit your business.

9. Select applicable attributes

Attributes on your Google Business Profile are details that highlight specific features of your business, like “Free Wi-Fi,” “Outdoor Seating,” or “Wheelchair Accessible.” These give customers a heads-up about what to expect and can help draw in people who require specific amenities.

In the “Info” section of your profile, Google will suggest certain attributes that fit the primary category of your business. For instance, if you run a restaurant, you might see options related to your dining atmosphere, what payment methods you take, and accessibility features.

Look through these attributes and pick the ones that truly reflect what your business offers. However, you must stay honest and accurate here—tagging features you don’t have can frustrate customers and backfire in the long run. Focus on the attributes that really showcase what’s special about your place or the unique amenities you provide.

10. Use the product catalog

Adding your product or service catalog to your Google Business Profile gives potential customers a sneak peek at what you have to offer right from the get-go. 

List your key products or services. You’ll want to include clear, high-quality photos and detailed descriptions. For products, mention things like sizes, colors, and prices. For services, share what’s included, how long it usually takes, and what it costs.

When crafting descriptions for your Google Business Profile, think about any word combinations your customers might type into Google when searching for what you offer. Include those that match your products or services. For example, if you run a spa, phrases like “body waxing” or “manicure” could be it, just like in the example below:

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Additionally, organize your offerings into clear categories. This makes it easier for customers to navigate your profile and helps Google get a better sense of what you provide, boosting your SEO in the process.

PRO TIP: If you have any special promotions or new products, place them front and center in your catalog. This can attract more attention both from potential customers and Google’s search algorithms.

11. Manage and respond to customer reviews

Check your Google Business Profile daily to stay on top of what customers say about your business.

Reply to every review—good or bad. Thank people for positive reviews to show you appreciate their feedback. For negative ones, stay calm, apologize if needed, and offer to fix the problem offline with an email or phone number.

Keep your tone friendly and respectful, even if the review is harsh. Use the reviewer’s name if possible to make it more personal. Also, pay attention to common feedback in reviews; it can help you improve in the long run.

You can include a keyword here and there, like your business name or location, but keep it natural. Focus on connecting with your customers, not just boosting SEO.