Boost Your Local Rankings and Get More Customers—Fast & Free
Did you know that 99% of people never go past the first page of Google? That means if your business isn’t showing up in the top 3 spots on Google Maps, you’re practically invisible to potential customers. And where are they going instead? To your competitors.
Most businesses don’t realize that ranking on Google isn’t about luck—it’s about understanding how Google chooses winners. And the number one reason you’re not ranking?
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) isn’t optimized properly.
The good news? Fixing it is easier than you think—and completely free.
In this guide, you’ll learn simple SEO tricks to improve your GBP rankings quickly. These strategies require zero technical knowledge and are perfect for small business owners who want more visibility, more calls, and more customers.
Step 1: Install These Two Free Chrome Extensions Before You Start
Before optimizing your profile, download these free Chrome tools to get a competitive edge:
1. GMB Everywhere
See how your competitors are ranking and what strategies they’re using.
2. PlePer
Get in-depth local SEO data like categories, attributes, business hours, and more.
These tools will help you analyze the top performers and reverse-engineer your way to the top of Google Maps.
Step 2: Use Keywords in Your Business Name (Legally)
Adding keywords to your business name is one of the fastest ways to jump in rankings. But Google’s rules say your name must match your “real-world” name.
Safe Ways to Include Keywords:
- New businesses: Pick a name that naturally includes your keyword (e.g., Dallas Drain Cleaning Experts).
- Existing businesses: Register a DBA (Doing Business As) with your service + location.
Don’t just stuff keywords—doing it wrong could get your listing suspended.
Step 3: Choose the Perfect Primary Category
Your primary category is one of the biggest ranking factors in Google Maps. The wrong category can send traffic to your competitors instead of you.
How to Choose the Right One:
- Focus on your main service or highest revenue offering
- See what your top competitors are using with the GMB Everywhere extension
- Use Google Keyword Planner to check what people actually search
Example: Instead of just “Dentist,” use “Dental Implants Periodontist” if that’s your specialty.
Step 4: Add Relevant Services to Your Profile
After selecting categories, Google may suggest services you can add to your listing. These help you appear in specific search results.
- Add suggested services from Google (under “Edit Services”)
- If none are shown, create your own custom services
- Support those services with dedicated content on your website (blog posts or landing pages)
Adding and optimizing services can improve your visibility in as little as 24 hours.
Step 5: Get More—and Better—Google Reviews
Google Reviews aren’t just about social proof—they’re a major local ranking factor.
What Google Looks For:
- Average rating
- Number of reviews
- Review frequency
- Recency of reviews
Use PlePer and GMB Everywhere to:
- Analyze your competitors’ review rates
- Set monthly review goals
- Track how you stack up
Pro Tip: Ask happy customers immediately after service for a review. Set up SMS or email follow-ups.
Step 6: Optimize Your Business Hours
Did you know Google considers your business hours when deciding rankings? If you’re closed and your competitor is open, they get priority.
Use PlePer to:
- See when most competitors are open
- Find opportunities (e.g., stay open Monday if others close)
- Extend hours slightly to boost rankings (especially evenings or weekends)
Example: Many beauty salons close on Mondays—staying open could win you more traffic.
Step 7: Improve the Website You Link To
The website linked on your Google Profile directly affects your rankings. Google uses this to measure your business’s trust and relevance.
Must-Haves for Your Linked Page:
- Include your main keyword + location in the page title and headings
- Match your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) exactly with your GBP
- Be mobile-friendly, fast, and easy to navigate
- Add detailed service info, not just a contact form
Check competitor links in their profiles and make sure your homepage or landing page is more optimized and useful.
Step 8: Use Attributes to Your Advantage
Attributes give Google and customers extra context about your business.
Examples:
- Wi-Fi availability
- Wheelchair accessibility
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Online booking
How to Use:
- Check your competitors’ attributes using PlePer
- Add all relevant attributes to your listing
- Avoid enabling features you don’t actually support (like online appointments)
Having more relevant attributes than competitors can help you appear in more searches.
Bonus Tip: Make Updates Slowly to Avoid Suspension
Changing too much too fast—like business name, hours, and categories—can trigger a suspension flag on your listing.
Safeguard Strategy:
- Make one to two major updates at a time
- Wait a few days before making additional changes
- Always have documentation (like a DBA certificate) in case Google requests verification
Final Thoughts: Rank Higher and Get More Local Customers—Starting Now
Optimizing your Google Business Profile doesn’t require a marketing degree. With the right tools and smart tweaks, you can:
- Increase your rankings
- Get more phone calls
- Attract more foot traffic
- Beat your competitors—even the big ones
If your phone isn’t ringing and your website isn’t getting clicks, your GBP likely needs a tune-up. Now’s the time to act.
Ready to Grow?
Check out the full video tutorial for more tips on GBP SEO.
Want help optimizing your listing professionally? Book Appointment now and let’s boost your business together.
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