How to Optimize Google Business Profile (GMB) to Target Local SEO in the USA
Standing out among a sea of small and mid-sized businesses in top-tier cities such as New York City, LA and Chicago can seem impossible. Many potential customers will not see your listing because they cannot find your business in search results when they are looking for local businesses in the area.
That’s why you need to have a presence on Google My Business (GMB), in order for your business to be included in local search results or on Google Maps. Below are some pointers that you should follow to dominate local SEO in these major markets.
1. Fully Optimize Your Profile
Seems pretty basic, but you will be surprised to know that there are so many businesses who still haven’t finished updating/optimizing their profile on GMB. It’s obvious to have a strong profile as a backbone before you dive into the technicalities. Some of these changes may appear as unnecessary/minor, but they have a major impact in the long-term.
These are some things that you should check:
- Have an accurate business name
- Website and other links are properly working
- Fully updated address and phone number
- Information about operation hours
- Profile is verified by Google
2. Use Keywords Appropriately
A description of your business is the place to include relevant keywords, so that people can easily locate your business whenever they are searching for something similar. Also, it’s important to avoid keyword stuffing.
For example, instead of stating, “we provide marketing services”, state “reliable digital marketing company in Chicago” or “affordable content marketing agency in Los Angeles”.
3. Post Quality Images Regularly
Visual content drives engagement. Profiles with images increase click throughs, phone calls and requests for direction. Strong images will help you stand out in visually driven cities like Los Angeles.
If you are confused about what you should upload, then upload:
- Exterior and interior images
- Team images
- Product/service in use
- Food or drinks menu (if relevant)
4. Collect and Manage Reviews
Reviews are one of the most significant factors in local SEO and have a serious impact on a customer’s buying decision. Ask your happy customers to add reviews.
After you have acquired a review, the next step is to respond to it regardless of whether it’s a positive or negative. In a busy environment such as in New York, enterprises with higher reviews grow quickly.
5. Post Regular Updates
Use the posting feature regularly to improve your Google Business Profile (GBP) listing. It’s one of the least-utilized features of GBP. This frequent posting sends a signal to Google that you have an active and relevant business listing. So, your chances of getting recommended whenever someone searches for your niche increases.
You can use posts to keep customers updated about your business by sharing:
- Any offers or promotions
- Upcoming events
- New services offered (or other updates)
- Company or product announcements
6. Optimize for Local Intent
Study the people in your targeted study and learn about what they want. For the local SEO in New York to work, you should have proper information about the intent and search patterns of your area’s users.
User search behavior can vary slightly across different cities such as:
- New York: Users may be searching for convenience/proximity
- Los Angeles: Users may be searching for aesthetics and quality
- Chicago: Users may be searching for reliability and value
7. Use Q&A to Your Advantage
What you can do is list some of your own questions or answers relevant to the audience. By actively providing more content to your GBP listing through Q&A, you will also enhance the overall value of your profile.
The benefits of proactively adding questions/answers includes:
- Addressing key concerns
- Highlighting key services
- Incorporating additional keywords
- Boosting local SEO signals
Conclusion
If you are competing in New York, L.A., or Chicago, then you need an absolute perfect local visibility, and GBP is the most effective way to build it.
By working with a digital marketing agency such as Alphonso Media, you will see improvements in your rankings and local traffic, because of an updated GMB profile and engagement with customers.
