Want to get more customers from Google My Business? You’re in the right place! Google My Business (GMB), now called Google Business Profile, is a free yet powerful tool to bring in local customers. When optimized correctly, it helps your business stand out in local search results and on Google Maps.
How to Get More Customers from Google My Business: The Complete Guide
In this guide, we’ll explore how to optimize your Google My Business profile, use it to drive more traffic, and turn views into real customers—step by step.
Why Google My Business is a Game-Changer for Local Businesses
Before we dive in, let’s understand why Google My Business is essential for local marketing success.
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70% of customers use Google to search for local businesses.
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Listings with complete GMB profiles get 7x more clicks than those without.
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Voice search often pulls results directly from Google Business listings.
With that in mind, let’s explore how to get more customers through Google My Business by optimizing every element.
Optimize Your Google My Business Profile for Keyphrases
If you want to rank higher in local searches, you need to optimize your profile with long-tail keyphrases that match what your customers are searching for.
🔑 Use Keyphrases in Your Business Description
Include relevant keywords naturally in your business description. For example:
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“Best vegan bakery in Austin, Texas”
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“Affordable hair salon near downtown Miami”
Pro Tip: Keep your description clear, conversational, and packed with phrases people use in voice search.
💼 Choose the Right Business Categories
Selecting the correct category helps Google understand what you offer. Start with your primary category (like “Indian restaurant”) and then add secondary categories (like “vegetarian food delivery” or “buffet service”).
📸 Add Keyword-Rich Image Captions
Upload high-quality images and name them using your keyphrases, like:
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best-cafe-in-brooklyn.jpg -
dog-grooming-services-near-me.jpg
This helps boost your visibility in Google Images and Maps.
Encourage and Manage Customer Reviews (The Right Way)
Reviews build trust and directly impact your local SEO rankings. But here’s the trick: it’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality and keyword relevance.
✅ Ask for Reviews Using Long-Tail Keywords
Politely ask customers to mention your services in reviews. For instance:
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“I found the best Thai food in San Jose here!”
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“Their 24-hour plumbing service saved the day!”
These natural keyword mentions help boost local search rankings.
🙌 Respond to Every Review (Yes, Even the Negative Ones)
Use each response as an opportunity to show:
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Excellent customer service
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More relevant keywords
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Your business personality
Transition tip: Even when a customer has a complaint, responding professionally and promptly can turn things around.
Post Regularly on Google My Business for Visibility
Yes, you can publish posts directly on GMB! Think of it like mini blog posts or social media updates.
📢 Types of Posts That Attract Customers:
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Promotions and discounts
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Announcements about events
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Behind-the-scenes updates
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Product or service spotlights
Make sure to use long-tail keywords like:
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“Family-friendly weekend brunch in Atlanta”
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“Free yoga classes every Friday evening in San Diego”
Google rewards active listings, and frequent posting boosts engagement.
Use Google My Business Insights to Improve Performance
To get more customers from Google My Business, you need to understand what’s working—and what’s not.
📊 Track These Key Insights:
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How people find your listing (direct vs. discovery)
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What keywords they searched
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How many requested directions or visited your website
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Photo views vs. competitor averages
Transition phrase: By tracking your performance over time, you’ll uncover which keywords are bringing in the most traffic and which listings need improvement.
Optimize for Voice Search and Mobile Discovery
Since most local searches happen on phones or via voice assistants, optimizing for voice search is no longer optional.
🎙️ How to Optimize for Voice Search:
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Use natural language and question-based keywords.
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Include FAQs in your posts or description like:
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“Where can I find gluten-free pizza near me?”
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“What time does [business name] open on weekends?”
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Keep your address, hours, and contact info accurate and consistent.
List of Best Practices to Get More Customers from Google My Business
Here’s a quick checklist to boost customer engagement and leads:
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✅ Complete every section of your profile (don’t leave anything blank!)
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✅ Use your main keywords in your business name if appropriate
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✅ Add high-quality photos and videos
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✅ Post weekly updates or promotions
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✅ Reply to every review with helpful responses
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✅ Include keyphrases in image captions and posts
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✅ Add FAQs and use natural language
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✅ Use Google My Business Insights regularly
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✅ Ensure your website and citations match your GMB info
Transition phrase: Following these best practices consistently can significantly increase your local reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓How do I get more views on my Google Business Profile?
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Add new content weekly (photos, posts, updates).
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Use location-based long-tail keywords.
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Encourage happy customers to leave detailed reviews.
❓Does posting on Google My Business help SEO?
Absolutely. Regular posts signal activity to Google and help you appear in more local searches.
❓Can I use hashtags in Google My Business posts?
While hashtags aren’t clickable, they can help highlight keyphrases for voice search users and improve readability.
Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Local Reach with Google My Business
To sum up, the secret to getting more customers from Google My Business lies in optimization, consistency, and customer engagement. With the right strategy, your GMB profile can turn casual browsers into loyal buyers.
Every click counts—and your Google Business Profile is often the first impression customers get. So, make it count!
💡 Ready to Grow?
If you’re serious about growing your business, start by reviewing your profile today. Look for areas where you can add keywords, improve clarity, and boost engagement. You’re only a few steps away from standing out in local search results and getting more customers from Google My Business.
Top 20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about How to Get More Customers from Google My Business
1. What is Google My Business and why is it important?
Answer:
Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile) is a free tool that lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. It’s essential because it increases your visibility and helps local customers find you easily.
2. How can I get more customers from Google My Business?
Answer:
You can attract more customers by completing your profile, using location-based keywords, posting updates regularly, adding photos, and encouraging reviews.
3. Is Google My Business really free to use?
Answer:
Yes, Google My Business is 100% free. All businesses can create and manage a profile to boost local visibility and attract more customers.
4. How do I optimize my Google Business Profile?
Answer:
Use relevant long-tail keywords, update business info, choose the right categories, upload quality photos, and post consistently to keep it active.
5. What keywords should I use in my profile?
Answer:
Use long-tail keywords like “best Italian restaurant in Chicago” or “affordable dog grooming near me.” Think like your customers and use natural phrases.
6. How often should I post on Google My Business?
Answer:
Post at least once a week. Regular updates improve engagement, help SEO, and show that your business is active and responsive.
7. Can I reply to reviews on Google My Business?
Answer:
Yes, and you should! Responding to reviews builds trust, improves engagement, and even boosts your ranking in local search results.
8. Do Google reviews affect my local ranking?
Answer:
Yes, reviews with relevant keywords, positive ratings, and timely responses all influence your visibility in Google’s local search rankings.
9. How can I ask customers for reviews?
Answer:
Politely request them via email, SMS, or after a service is delivered. Share your Google review link to make it easy for them.
10. What types of posts perform best on Google Business?
Answer:
Promotions, event announcements, new product launches, and service updates usually perform well. Include keywords and high-quality visuals.
11. What are the best image sizes for Google My Business?
Answer:
Recommended size is 720×720 pixels. Keep images square, clear, and optimized for fast loading. Use file names with keywords.
12. Can I add videos to my Google My Business listing?
Answer:
Yes! You can upload 30-second videos that showcase your services, products, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes views of your business.
13. How do I show up in “near me” searches?
Answer:
Use your city or neighborhood in keyphrases, verify your business location, and make sure your address and service area are up to date.
14. What’s the difference between a direct search and a discovery search?
Answer:
Direct search means people searched your business name. Discovery search means people found you by searching a service or product you offer.
15. Can I include service areas in my listing?
Answer:
Yes, if you serve customers at their location (like delivery or mobile services), you can define multiple service areas in your GMB profile.
16. How can I improve my ranking in Google Maps?
Answer:
Complete your profile, add keywords, get reviews, respond to questions, and keep your business hours accurate and up-to-date.
17. Is Google My Business useful for service-based businesses?
Answer:
Absolutely. Even if you don’t have a storefront, your listing helps people find and contact you when searching for services locally.
18. Should I use call-to-action buttons in my GMB posts?
Answer:
Yes. Always use buttons like “Call Now,” “Book Online,” or “Learn More” to drive user interaction and convert views into leads.
19. Can I use emojis in Google My Business posts?
Answer:
Yes, emojis can help posts stand out and catch the eye—just use them sparingly and make sure they’re relevant to your message.
20. How do I track the performance of my Google Business Profile?
Answer:
Use Google Business Profile Insights to view clicks, direction requests, phone calls, photo views, and which keywords are driving traffic.
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