Keep in mind that verifying your GBP is the first step. Next you’ll want to include accurate, complete, and up-to-date information. Make sure your Business Name matches your website, Address is correct, Phone Number is clickable and Hours of Operation are up to date (especially when holidays come up).

It helps to think of your GBP as a mini-website where you can include SEO-relevant keywords for your business description, services/products, and updates.

For example, if you own a bakery, include phrases like “best fresh-baked croissants in [Your City]” or “custom birthday cakes in [Neighborhood].”
Put yourself in the shoes of customers Googling a business like yours. What are they searching for? What do they care about? What makes you unique?

Okay, so now that you’ve added all this information, we can talk about photos and videos. According to Google, businesses with photos get 42% more direction requests and 35% more clicks to their websites.

Think about the customer experience. What does the interior of your spa look like? If you’re a restaurant, do you have photos of your top menu items?

You can start with photos then add video over time showing a behind the scenes look of your office space or a short video that explains what makes your business unique.

The important thing is being consistent. I recommend updating your visuals once a month if possible (remember, seasonal offers are more likely to get customers in the door!).

I recently went to an antiques store where they asked us to leave a Google review. This was a great strategy to help boost visibility on Google. Just don’t be pushy with in-store customers.

Keep in mind that not every review will be 5 stars. It’s important to be transparent with reviews and respond to every one (good and bad) instead of just deleting bad ones. In Google’s algorithm, a business with a 4.5-star rating and fresh reviews will always outrank one with no feedback!

When you’re thinking about your social media strategy, don’t ignore your GBP. Google rewards active profiles and will be more likely to show your business if you’re posting regular updates. These can be things like new client promotions, seasonal offers, new product launches, events, or tips. Aim to post 1 update/week to stay relevant.

A cool feature is also Google Business Messages and Q/A. They allow customers to message you directly from your profile. To take advantage of it, make sure messaging is enabled, and respond quickly (Google favors businesses that reply fast).

Also, check your Q&A section because Google allows anyone to ask (and answer) questions. Make sure you provide the answers to avoid misinformation.