Advanced Google Business Profile Optimisation (All Business Types)
GOAL:
Get listed at the top of Google Maps, Local Pack, AI results, and drive organic customer action — bookings, calls, website visits.
1. Use Keyword-Rich Business Descriptions (Without Stuffing)
Where: GBP "Business Description" field
How: Mention core services + service areas naturally within the first 250 characters
Example for a Plumber:
We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing in Sheffield, Rotherham & Doncaster. From boiler repairs to leak detection, we offer fast, reliable service to homeowners and landlords.
Pro Tip: Use words your customers search for (not jargon).
2. Post New Photos Weekly – Not Just Once
Types of photos to add regularly:
Service in progress
Team photos (with permission)
Product shots
Before & afters
Happy customer moments
Tip: Geo-tag your images before uploading (adds location metadata)
Tools: Use GeoImgr to embed your service area into photo metadata.
3. Use Google Posts Consistently
Create weekly posts using the “What’s New” or “Offer” options.
Best Practices:
Include keywords like: "plumber in Rotherham" or "SEO services in Sheffield"
Add a CTA: “Call now”, “Book online”, or “Learn more”
Link to a relevant landing page on your website
Post Types:
Local promotions
FAQs (turn each FAQ into a post)
Customer spotlights
Seasonal tips or reminders
4. Preload Q&A Section with Common Questions
You can ask AND answer questions as the business owner.
Examples:
Q: Do you offer emergency callouts in Barnsley?
A: Yes, our team is available 24/7 for urgent issues in Barnsley and surrounding areas.Q: Do you provide free quotes?
A: Absolutely. We provide no-obligation, fixed-price quotes for all services.
Tip: Use service + location in both question and answer.
5. Create Location & Service Pages on Website, Then Link to Them
Google matches your GBP to landing pages. Create:
1 page per location (e.g., Web Design in Sheffield)
1 page per service (e.g., Laser Hair Removal)
Then add those links:
On your GBP (under “Website”)
In Google Posts
In your bio on social media
6. Get Keyword-Rich Google Reviews (Without Asking for Keywords)
When asking for reviews, say:
"We’d love your honest feedback — feel free to mention the service we provided and your town or city."
This naturally encourages reviews like:
“Brilliant digital marketing service in Doncaster — we got a fully mobile website live in 3 days.”
Why it matters: Google scans reviews for service & location keywords. They influence ranking.
7. Use UTM Parameters in Website Link (Track Clicks & Rankings)
Add UTM tracking to your website link in GBP. This lets you track GBP traffic in Google Analytics.
Example link:
bashhttps://yourwebsite.com?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=local
8. Get Industry-Specific Backlinks to Reinforce Your Profile
These boost both your site and GBP:
| Business Type | Link Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Trades | Checkatrade, Rated People |
| Health | Doctify, WhatClinic |
| Beauty | Treatwell, Fresha |
| Hospitality | Tripadvisor, Yelp |
| Marketing | Clutch, DesignRush |
Link these directories to your website and mention your GBP in the profile if possible.
9. Set Up Google’s “Booking” or “Messaging” Features
If your category allows it:
Enable “Book an Appointment”
Turn on Messaging via the Google Business app
Why it helps: Increases engagement, which signals to Google that your listing is useful and active → higher rankings.
10. Maintain Consistent NAP Across 25+ Directory Listings
Your business Name, Address, Phone number (NAP) must match exactly on:
Google
Bing Places
Yelp
Yell
Facebook
Apple Maps
Cylex
FreeIndex
ThomsonLocal
Hotfrog
Consistency = higher trust = better ranking in map and AI results.
BONUS: AI Overview Strategy (2025+)
To get listed in Google’s AI-generated overviews:
Do These:
Use FAQ schema on your website
Embed real customer reviews as on-page text (not just widgets)
Answer common service questions clearly and naturally
Post locally relevant blog content (e.g. “How to Choose the Best Roofer in Sheffield”)