“Google is great because you can ask something really obvious and nobody has to know”
If you want to attract more local clients, optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) profile is key. Google My Business (GMB) listings give you the power to show up right when potential clients in your area are looking for services like yours. When optimized correctly, GMB can help you boost visibility, collect reviews, and keep your booking calendar full.
Today, we’re breaking down six easy steps to make your GMB profile a magnet for local clients. Let’s make sure your business is the first one clients find when they need your services!
Growth Hack: 6 steps to optimize your Google My Business profile for local search
Taking time to enhance your GMB profile ensures you’ll stand out in local searches, drawing in clients who are ready to book. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Complete Every Detail in Your Profile 📋
The more complete your profile, the more Google will love you.
Action items for you: 👇
- Fill out every field: Business name, description, services, hours, location, and contact info should all be there. Google ranks complete profiles higher, so make sure nothing’s left blank.
- Use high-quality images: Photos of your workspace, team, and services are essential. Listings with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites.
2. Optimize Your Business Description with Keywords 📝
Your description is valuable real estate to capture potential clients’ attention—and improve your ranking.
Here’s what to do: 👇
- Include relevant keywords: Think like your clients. Are they searching for “therapist in [city],” “best hairstylist,” or “[service] near me”? Use these terms in your description.
- Highlight what sets you apart: If you offer a specialized service or unique value, mention it here to appeal to your ideal clients.
3. Collect Reviews and Respond to Them 🌟
Reviews build trust and can significantly boost your ranking.
Steps to take: 👇
- Ask for reviews: After providing a service, send clients a quick email thanking them and requesting a review. Most clients are happy to leave one if you ask!
- Respond to reviews: Show appreciation for positive reviews and address concerns in any negative ones. Google loves businesses that actively engage with clients, and responding boosts your ranking.
4. Use GMB Posts to Keep Your Profile Fresh 🗣️
Think of GMB posts like social media updates—adding fresh content regularly keeps your profile active.
Here’s how to do it: 👇
- Share promotions or news: Are you running any special offers? Post them here.
- Introduce new services: If you add a service, create a GMB post about it to keep clients updated and engaged.
5. Activate the Messaging Feature for Instant Contact 📲
Make it as easy as possible for clients to reach out to you directly from your listing.
Steps to take: 👇
- Enable messaging: Turn on the messaging feature in your GMB settings so potential clients can text you directly.
- Respond promptly: Google tracks response times, so a quick reply could increase your chances of ranking higher in local search results.
6. List Your Services and Include Detailed Descriptions 🛠️
Make sure clients know exactly what you offer with a clear, detailed services list.
Here’s what to do: 👇
- List every service: Include everything from main offerings to specific add-ons.
- Add descriptions: Give each service a brief, keyword-rich description to help Google understand what you do and improve your chances of appearing in relevant searches.
Tweet of the Week 🐦
Imagine a camera crew is filming your success story to motivate yourself to work harder. This should inspire you to consistently put forth your best effort in every aspect of your business. After all, someone’s watching!
Link Love ❤️
Here are some resources to dive deeper into optimizing Google My Business:
👉 Ardent’s complete guide to Google My Business profile setup
👉 5 expert tips to improve your GMB ranking
👉 Why Google My Business matters for local businesses
👉 Try our free 14-day trial of Book Like A Boss!
That’s a Wrap 👊
Optimizing your Google My Business profile is one of the easiest ways to attract more local clients. It’s free, powerful, and proven to work—so get in there and make those changes!
