Optimizing Google Business Profiles: How to Increase Your Ranking
Are you looking to optimize your Google Business Profile for better impressions, higher rankings, and more leads? Let me break it down for you!
On This Page
Use keywords in your title to boost visibility and clicks.
Write a description that inspires action.
Optimize reviews, Q&A, and services for better rankings.
Strategies to rank in the local map pack.
Leverage Keywords in Your Business Title
Your Google Business Profile title is one of the first things consumers see, and it’s a slight factor in search rankings. Incorporate relevant keywords in your business name to boost visibility and click-through rates. For example, one of my clients, Vieira Real Estate Associates, is based in Oakville, ON. Their profile reads: "Vieira Real Estate Associates - Oakville Realtors."
Why does this work?
It includes a high-volume keyword (“Oakville Realtors”) to improve discoverability.
It clearly tells potential clients what the business does and where it operates.
Another example: For a flower shop, adding (Free Delivery) to the business name could encourage more clicks and calls. This strategy was a success with our other client, Floral Diva. Tailor this strategy to what makes your business stand out. It would look something like this — “(Free Delivery) Floral Diva - King City Florist”.
Write a Compelling Business Description (But Don’t Keyword Stuff)
The description on your profile doesn’t impact rankings, but it can influence consumer decisions. Write a genuine, personal narrative highlighting your wins, history, and what sets you apart. Avoid stuffing it with keywords—focus on inspiring action instead.
TIP: Keyword stuffing in the description can negatively impact your Google Business Profile's performance. Avoid this to maintain credibility and ranking.
Optimizing Google Business Profiles: The Key Ranking Factors
While the description doesn’t affect rankings, these three areas do:
1. Reviews
Reviews are critical to your Google Business Profile’s success. Here’s how to maximize their impact:
Aim for as many 5-star reviews as possible.
Encourage clients to include relevant keywords in their reviews. For example, “Best real estate agents in Oakville.”
Respond to every review to show engagement and professionalism.
Report and work to remove fake or spam reviews by using Google’s “Report” feature. It’s on the top right of the review!
Tip: If you’d like to automate review requests, book a free consultation with us to learn how.
2. Q&A Section
The Q&A section is a unique tool that can improve your rankings. While it’s intended for consumers to ask questions, here’s an interesting insight: Google only displays the responder’s name, not the original question.
This creates a great opportunity to preemptively add questions you know your audience wants answers to. This section is often overlooked but can significantly improve rankings. Use it strategically:
Ask and answer your own questions based on customer needs.
Include keywords in your answers to improve SEO. For instance:
Q: Are you a real estate agent in Oakville?
A: Yes, we are real estate agents based in Oakville.
This approach added important keywords to their profile, helping boost rankings. Repeating this process with 25-50 relevant questions can enhance SEO and improve user experience. Don’t limit yourself to keywords—include common consumer questions to make the section genuinely helpful.
3. Services Section
The Services section is just as important as reviews. Here’s how to optimize it:
List every service your business offers, and categorize them if possible.
Include relevant keywords and geographic terms. For example, for Vieira Real Estate Associates:
Appraisals
Home renovations
Oakville real estate brokerage
Homes for sale in Oakville
Oakville Real Estate Agent
And so on! Add as many relevant services as possible, but focus on those that are most impactful based on your data. If you’re unsure what to include, research popular keywords and identify which businesses rank in the local map pack (the top 3 Google Business Profiles for that search).
Check their Q&A and Services sections to gain insights into what’s working for them. If they rank high but have limited information, it’s likely due to their reviews—the number, quality, and relevance of them play a crucial role.
Results You Can Expect
By optimizing these areas, Vieira Real Estate Associates achieved:
#1 ranking for “Oakville real estate”
#3 ranking for “real estate agents in Oakville”
#3 ranking for “realtors in Oakville”
That’s just a few, leading to more calls, higher revenue, and increased visibility.
Take Action
Optimizing your Google Business Profile takes time and effort, but the results are worth it.
If you’re short on time, let our digital marketing specialists handle it for you. We’ll use data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and ensure your business thrives locally.
