Google Business Profile Optimisation Tips and Tricks in 2024

Want to dominate local search? Make sure that you have a Google Business Profile (GBP) listing if you haven’t created one already. Free to use, a GBP listing enables you to show up on Google Maps and local search results, making it faster and easier for target customers to find you both online and offline.

To leverage this invaluable SEO tool, you should have a few Google Business Profile optimisation tricks up your sleeve, especially in 2024. To help you gain an advantage over the competition, here’s how you can further improve the performance of your GBP listing.

1. Ensure that your business profile is complete

To optimise your GBP listing, the first thing you need to do is ensure that all of the information stated on your page is complete, accurate, and updated. Fill out all the necessary fields to provide your target audience with the details they need to contact you. These include your:

• Business name
• Physical address
• Phone number/s
• Business website
• Operating hours
• Business category and description
• Photos

2. Take advantage of your Google Posts section

As they say, web content is king. Therefore, you should make the most of your Google Posts section, which allows you to engage your audience directly on search result pages and Google Maps. Post any piece of relevant content about your business, such as articles, announcements, upcoming events, and new product/service promotions.

To get the best possible results, ensure that your GBP posts are written well. Also, make sure they are relevant and valuable. This will give your target customers the impression that your business is professional and trustworthy.

It is also worth noting that Posts older than six months get automatically archived unless you specify a start and end date for them. To keep your content fresh and your GBP profile updated, it would be wise to publish Posts regularly.

3. Ensure that your chosen category is correct

Choosing the best category for your business is essential to your local SEO. It tells Google which searches your GBP listing belongs to.

If no category matches your store or establishment, you should select a more general classification that best describes the nature of your business. Also, make sure to check the updated category option from time to time. Who knows, Google might add a category that accurately describes your business one day.

4. Always use high-quality photos

Photos help you make an excellent first impression on potential customers. In addition, a Google research revealed that businesses with pictures on their GBP listing are likely to get 42% more requests for directions to their location. They also get 35% more clicks compared to those without GBP photos.

This is why you should know how to use photos to your advantage. This includes using high-quality images for your GBP listing. Not only will this give your Google Business Profile optimisation and local SEO efforts a boost, but it can also provide your prospects with a clear idea of what they can expect from your business.

Before uploading your photos, you must ensure they meet Google’s recommended specifications. The images should be:

• In PNG or JPG format.
• Between 10KB and 5MB in size.
• At a minimum of 720×720 pixels.
• Of high quality and doesn’t use filters excessively.

5. Add a local contact number

Include a local phone number in your listing. For instance, if your base of operations is in Northampton, your phone number should use the local area code. This will let Google know that you’re a legitimate local business.

To avoid confusion, keep your contact number consistent throughout your online listings. Also, ensure the local number on your GBP page is the same as the one on your website or any landing pages linked to your listing.

6. Incorporate a Q&A section into your listing

The Q&A section provides you with the opportunity to engage your prospects. Here, web visitors can ask you questions about your business. The Q&A section can be pretty handy as it lets you quickly respond to your prospects’ concerns. 

For this reason, you should incorporate a Q&A section into your listing. Also, monitor it closely to ensure you’re responding to your customers’ query as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can lead to miscommunication or misinformation.

7. Encourage customers to review your business

Finally, as part of your Google Business Profile optimisation strategy, you should always encourage your customers to review your business. We have said it before in our previous posts, but at Springhill Marketing, we cannot stress enough how crucial customer reviews are to your local SEO.

Customer reviews help increase your click-through rates and search rankings. In addition, they give you more credibility, increasing trust amongst potential customers.

Improve Your GBP Listing for Better Results

With growing online competition in 2024, it’s more crucial than ever to optimise your GBP page. The good news is any improvements you make to your listing, whether big or small, contribute to your SEO. As such, consider the pointers discussed above to give your GBP listing a boost.

If you need help optimising your GBP page, we at Springhill Marketing are more than happy to assist you. We can offer you the local SEO solutions you need to generate more traffic and enquiries for your business. Please contact us today!