How to Use Google Business Profile to Rank Higher in Your City

When people need a nearby service, whether it’s a plumber, café, or legal advisor, they usually turn to Google. Local search has become the fastest and most trusted way for consumers to discover businesses in their area. And if your company doesn’t show up in those results, you’re missing out on valuable leads.

That’s where Google Business Profile (GBP) plays a crucial role. It’s one of the most effective free tools for boosting local visibility, helping you appear in Google Maps results and the top three listings, known as the local pack.

But ranking high takes more than just claiming your profile. To truly stand out in your city, businesses need smart, ongoing optimization.

A skilled digital marketing agency can help fine-tune your GBP listing, build trust signals, and connect your profile with broader SEO efforts, making sure you’re seen by the right people at the right time.

Why Google Business Profile Matters More Than Ever in 2025

90% of Local Searches Result in Action

Local search is no longer just about visibility; it’s about conversion. According to recent studies, over 90% of local searches lead to action, such as visiting a location, calling a business, or making an online purchase within 24 hours. For service-based and brick-and-mortar businesses, this means that showing up in local results is directly tied to customer acquisition.

A fully optimized Google Business Profile allows potential customers to:

• View your business hours and contact information

• Read and write reviews

• Click to call or visit your website

• Navigate directly to your storefront via Google Maps

By optimizing your GBP, you’re giving users every reason to choose you over a competitor. And with support from a knowledgeable digital marketing agency, your listing can become a lead generation tool working 24/7.

Google Maps Ranking Is Directly Tied to GBP Optimization

Ever wonder how some businesses always show up first on Google Maps? It’s not luck; it’s strategy. Appearing in the local pack (the top 3 listings that show with a map in search results) is one of the best ways to capture local intent. But getting there requires precise Google Business Profile optimization.

To rank on Google Maps, businesses need:

• Accurate, consistent business info

• Positive reviews and engagement

• Regular content updates (posts, photos, Q&A)

• Relevance to the user’s query and location

Optimizing these elements increases your chances of being featured prominently in both Maps and Search, especially for users who are ready to act. This is where a digital marketing agency can help align your local SEO strategy with the latest ranking factors.

Google Business Profile Optimization Checklist

1. Claim and Verify Your Business Profile

The first step is claiming your Google Business Profile if you haven’t already. Go to Google Business, log in with your business email, and search for your business. If it already exists, you can request ownership. If not, you can create it from scratch.

Once claimed, Google will require verification. This usually involves a postcard with a verification code sent to your business address, but phone or email verification may be available in some cases.

Verifying your profile unlocks full access to editing tools, allows reviews to appear, and ensures your business shows up on Google Maps.

1. Choose the Right Business Categories and Attributes

Selecting the most accurate primary category is one of the strongest ranking signals Google uses to understand your business. You can also add secondary categories to reflect other services you offer. Be as specific as possible. For example, “Emergency Plumbing Service” is more effective than simply “Plumber.”

Adding relevant attributes (like “wheelchair accessible”) improves visibility in filtered searches and better informs your potential customers.

This is a key part of Google Business Profile optimization, and it’s one that many businesses overlook. A digital marketing agency can ensure your categories are not only accurate but also aligned with the keywords and search queries your customers use.

1. Add a Keyword-Rich Business Description

Your GBP business description gives you 750 characters to tell your story, so use them wisely. The best descriptions:

• Include primary services and keywords

• Maintain a conversational tone

• Are clear and free from spammy language

Avoid listing promotions or using all caps. Instead, write a compelling narrative that complements the SEO strategy used on your website. A keyword-rich description is essential for local business SEO, helping your profile appear for a wider range of local search terms.

1. Upload High-Quality Photos and Videos

Images are an imperative trust signal. Businesses with a healthy stream of fresh, high-quality photos see significantly higher engagement on their profiles. Google encourages uploading:

• Exterior and interior photos

• Staff and team images

• Product and service shots

• Short videos showing behind-the-scenes or services in action

Geotagging and consistent updates tell Google your business is active and real, which can boost your ranking. Profiles with no visuals or outdated media are often passed over.

Many digital marketing agencies offer photography, editing, or asset management services to ensure your media enhances your online presence.

1. Keep Business Hours, Address, and Phone Accurate

Google uses NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone) to validate your business information across the internet. Inaccurate or conflicting details can hurt your credibility and search rankings.

It’s also critical to keep your hours updated, especially around holidays or special events. Google now allows businesses to add “More hours” for special services (e.g., delivery, online consultations), which further refines your local search visibility.

A digital marketing agency ensures this information is monitored and updated not just on your GBP, but across all listings, directories, and citations, giving you a cohesive, professional online footprint.

Boost Engagement With Posts, Reviews, and Q&A

Post Regular Updates, Offers, and Events

Google Business Profile posts allow you to publish updates directly to your search listing. Think of them as mini-ads or social posts that appear when users search your brand or related services. You can use them to:

• Share promotions or seasonal offers

• Announce events or new products

• Provide updates or business news

Each post includes a CTA button like “Learn More,” “Call Now,” or “Book Online.” Posting consistently keeps the customers informed and tells Google you’re an active business worth ranking higher.

Encourage and Respond to Reviews

Customer reviews are one of the strongest trust signals in local search. The quantity, quality, and frequency of reviews all impact your visibility and credibility.

Encourage happy customers to leave reviews by:

• Sending follow-up emails after service

• Including a review link in your signature or receipts

• Asking politely in person when appropriate

Always respond to reviews, both positive and negative, to show professionalism and build relationships. A consistent stream of honest feedback, paired with thoughtful responses, can elevate your profile and improve your chances of landing in the top local results.

Use the Q&A Section Strategically

The Q&A section on your profile isn’t just for customer questions. You can use it proactively. Add frequently asked questions, then answer them yourself to preemptively address customer concerns and add SEO-rich content to your listing.

You can also:

• Upvote helpful answers (even your own)

• Monitor and remove inappropriate or spammy content

• Highlight policies, pricing, or processes

When used correctly, this section becomes another touchpoint that builds trust and boosts engagement, both of which Google takes seriously when ranking your business locally.

Track Performance with Google Insights and UTM Tags

Understand Key Metrics in Google Business Profile Insights

Once your GBP is optimized, you need to know what’s working. Google Business Profile includes a built-in analytics section called Insights, where you can monitor:

• Searches (direct, discovery, branded)

• Profile views

• Website clicks

• Phone calls

• Direction requests

These data points help you measure how people interact with your profile and which areas need improvement.

Why Reach First Is the Right Digital Marketing Agency for Local SEO

Getting your Google Business Profile to rank higher in your city takes more than a one-time setup. It requires strategy, consistency, and an expert understanding of what Google rewards. That’s exactly what Reach First delivers.

As a full-service digital marketing agency, we specialize in helping local businesses turn their GBP into a lead-generation machine. Our team ensures your listing is:

• Fully optimized for Google Maps and search

• Packed with high-quality visuals, reviews, and updates

• Integrated with your website and overall SEO strategy

• Aligned with real-time analytics and performance data

We don’t just manage your listing. We turn it into a competitive advantage. If you’re ready to rank higher in your city and capture more local leads, let us help you get there.

Contact us today to boost your local presence with a professionally optimized Google Business Profile.