Get Found Locally: Local SEO & Google Business Profiles

Get Found Locally: How to Use a Free Google Business Profile to Boost Your Local SEO

If you want your business to appear in local search results and get found by customers nearby, you need a strong local SEO strategy.

Setting up a free Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to improve your visibility on Google Maps and in local search results.

This guide explains why a business profile is so important, how it fits into your overall local SEO, and how to make the most of the free tools Google offers.

Whether you're a small local business or just getting started, these local SEO tips will help you get found locally, boost your local presence, and convert search and maps into new customers.

Outline:

1. What is Local SEO and Why Is It Important for Your Business?

2. What Is a Google Business Profile and How Does It Work?

3. How Do I Set Up a Google Business Profile from Scratch?

4. Why Your Business Profile Needs to Be Verified

5. What Information Should You Include in Your Google Business Listing?

6. How to Optimise Your Google My Business Profile for Local SEO Success

7. How Google Maps Helps Local Customers Find Your Business

8. Where Your Business Profile Appears on Google Search and Maps

9. What Happens If Your Business Doesn’t Show on Google?

10. Tips to Get Seen on Google and Stay at the Top of Local Search Rankings

11. How to Use Local Keywords to Improve Your Local SEO

12. Using Photos of Your Business to Build Trust and Get Discovered

13. How Local Reviews Help Your Business Get Found Locally

14. Using Social Media for Local SEO and Visibility

15. Common Mistakes to Avoid with Your Business Profile

1. What is Local SEO and Why Is It Important for Your Business?

Local SEO is about improving your business’s visibility in local search results. When someone searches for a product or service near them, Google shows local results - often through Google Maps or the ‘local pack’ on the search engine results page.

If you want to get your business found locally, this is where you need to appear.

A good local SEO strategy helps you show up when nearby customers search for services you offer.

It’s especially important for businesses with physical locations or those providing local services. Local SEO helps you appear in front of people who are most likely to visit, call, or message you.

Getting listed correctly and managing your presence across Google can significantly boost your local SEO and make sure your business gets discovered.

2. What Is a Google Business Profile and How Does It Work?

A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool that allows you to manage how your business appears in Google Search and Maps. It includes your business name, business address, phone number, business hours, photos, reviews, and more.

When customers search for services like yours, a well-optimised profile increases the chance of your business being shown on Google. It’s not just about visibility- it’s also about giving search engines like Google the right information about your business so it appears in the correct context.

A complete and verified profile helps Google understand your business and improves your chance of appearing on the results page.

3. How Do I Set Up a Google Business Profile from Scratch?

Setting up your Google Business Profile is simple:

• Go to Google and search for “add your business.”

• Click the link to start creating your free business profile.

• Enter your business name, choose your business category, and follow the steps to add your business address and contact info.

After setting up, you'll need to verify your business, which usually involves receiving a code by post or email. Once verified, your profile becomes eligible to appear on Google Maps and Search.

It’s important to include your phone number and correct business information upfront to avoid confusion and help customers get in touch.

4. Why Your Business Profile Needs to Be Verified

Google wants to be confident that the business listed is legitimate and that the information provided is accurate. Verifying your business is how you tell Google your business is active and based where you say it is.

Without verification, your profile won’t show on Google Maps or Search. If you're trying to get your business on Google Maps or improve your position on the search results, this step is essential.

Claiming a Google business profile and verifying it is a key part of managing your online presence and is important for your business to appear in local searches.

5. What Information Should You Include in Your Google Business Listing?

Google uses the information you provide to show your business in search engine results. Include the following in your profile:

• Your full business name

• Accurate business address

• Local phone number

• Clear business hours

• Categories that match your services

• Photos of your business

• Attributes to show your business identifies (like wheelchair access, outdoor seating, etc.)

List helpful business info upfront and save your customers time. The more complete and accurate your listing, the better your local search results will be.

6. How to Optimise Your Google My Business Profile for Local SEO Success

To significantly boost your local SEO, you need more than just a basic profile. Here’s how to get the most from your listing:

• Use relevant local keywords in your business description.

• Regularly update your profile with posts and photos.

• Respond to reviews promptly.

• Add services and products with descriptions and pricing if applicable.

Optimising your Google My Business listing shows search engines that your business is active and helps you move up in local search rankings.

7. How Google Maps Helps Local Customers Find Your Business

When someone searches using Google Maps, Google shows local businesses that match the query. If your business is listed and optimised, you’re more likely to appear.

Maps search is especially useful for customers who are already near your location. Whether you're a café, a plumber, or a shop, Google Maps helps turn local searches into visits.

Being listed on Google Maps also builds trust - customers expect to find a business on Google Maps and may not trust one that isn’t there.

8. Where Your Business Profile Appears on Google Search and Maps

Your business profile can appear in several places:

• In the Google Maps app and web results

• On the right-hand side of Google Search results (desktop)

• In the local pack – the list of three local businesses under the map

• In local listings when searching with terms like “near me”

Your profile also appears when someone searches directly for your business. A strong Google presence means you appear across Google, not just on Maps.

9. What Happens If Your Business Doesn’t Show on Google?

If your business doesn’t show up on Google:

• Your profile may not be verified

• Your business info might be incomplete or incorrect

• You may be using a category that doesn't match your services

Other reasons include low engagement or no local reviews. Fixing these issues can help your business appear in search engine results and improve your position on the results page.

10. Tips to Get Seen on Google and Stay at the Top of Local Search Rankings

Want to improve your visibility? Use these tips:

• Add your business to local directories and link them back to your site. Use well-known local directories such as the DesignRush directory to strengthen your online footprint.

• Ask customers to leave reviews and reply to them.

• Keep your business info up to date – especially phone number and hours.

• Post regular updates with news, offers, and events.

These local SEO tips help build local trust and show Google that your business is active and relevant.

11. How to Use Local Keywords to Improve Your Local SEO

Keywords help Google understand what you do and where. Use local keywords in your profile description, posts, and website.

For example: instead of “plumber,” say “plumber in Weston-super-Mare.” This helps your business appear for local searches and helps Google match your profile to nearby searchers.

Use local keywords naturally, and focus on what your local customers are actually typing into the search bar.

12. Using Photos of Your Business to Build Trust and Get Discovered

Photos aren’t just for looks - they play a role in local Search Engine Optimisation. Businesses with high-quality images get more clicks and calls from their listings.

Add photos of your shopfront, team, services, or products. Include your logo and recent photos that reflect your current offering.

Photos show your business is real and help customers get familiar with it before visiting. This helps convert map views into actual visits.

13. How Local Reviews Help Your Business Get Found Locally

Reviews are one of the strongest signals in local search. The more high-quality, relevant reviews you get, the more likely your business is to appear in top results.

Encourage happy customers to leave feedback, and always reply. When Google sees reviews your business gets - especially recent ones - it sees this as a sign of an active, trusted business.

Local reviews also influence buying decisions and build social proof.

14. Using Social Media for Local SEO and Visibility

Social media signals aren’t a direct ranking factor for local SEO, but they can help indirectly. Posting regularly and engaging your local audience drives traffic and builds awareness.

Link your Google Business Profile from your social bios and include posts about local events or services.

Use social media for local promotion and to get your business name out in your local area.

15. Common Mistakes to Avoid with Your Business Profile

Some mistakes will hurt your local SEO efforts. Watch out for:

• Inconsistent business name, address, or phone number

• Using irrelevant categories

• Neglecting to verify your business

• Forgetting to update opening hours

• Ignoring reviews

• Using spammy keywords

Your profile should be clear, complete, and accurate. Search engines like Google prefer profiles that help users find useful, trustworthy information.

Summary: Key Points to Remember

• A free Google Business Profile is essential for any local business that wants to be found on Google Maps and in search results.

• Verifying your profile is necessary to get listed.

• Include complete and accurate business information including your business name, address, phone number, and hours.

• Use local keywords naturally to improve your local SEO.

• Post regularly, add photos, and respond to reviews to show your business is active.

• Keep your details up to date and avoid common profile mistakes.

• Use your business profile alongside social media and your website for full visibility.

• A strong profile helps you get found locally and convert search and maps into new customers.

Need help getting your business listed and seen? You don’t need to do it alone. But it starts with claiming your Google Business Profile and taking control of how your business shows up online.

If you need help getting your business found, contact SEOJet today!