Want More Customers? Do THIS on Google My Business Today
- Andrea Gascoigne
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
In today's digital landscape, businesses that aren’t optimised for local search are leaving money on the table. Consumers are actively looking for products and services in their area, and if you’re not showing up in their searches, you’re handing business to your competitors. That’s where local search and Google My Business (GMB) come in.
I help businesses like yours maximise their visibility using local SEO strategies, and in this blog, I’ll break down why local search and GMB are absolute game-changers – plus how you can optimise them to get ahead.
Why Local Search Matters for Businesses
Local search is all about connecting businesses with people searching in their area. With mobile searches like “near me” skyrocketing, Google prioritises local businesses in search results. Here’s why that matters:
Higher Visibility: 76% of people who search for something nearby on their phone visit a business within a day. If you're not optimised for local search, you're missing out on these high-intent customers.
Trust & Credibility: A fully optimised Google My Business profile makes your business appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
More Leads & Sales: Customers who find businesses via local search are ready to buy. In fact, 28% of local searches result in a purchase.
If you’re serious about increasing footfall, leads, and sales, local search needs to be part of your digital marketing strategy.
Google My Business: The Secret to Local Success
Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses to manage how they appear in search results and Google Maps. It’s one of the most powerful yet underutilised tools for local businesses. When optimised correctly, it can put you ahead of the competition.
Benefits of an Optimised GMB Profile
Increased Search Visibility – Your business will appear in Google’s Local Pack, Maps, and organic search results.
Better Customer Engagement – You can directly interact with potential customers by responding to reviews, answering questions, and posting updates.
Enhanced Local SEO – An active GMB profile signals to Google that your business is relevant, helping it rank higher.
More Website Traffic & Conversions – A well-optimised GMB listing drives more traffic to your website and increases inquiries.
How to Optimise Your Google My Business Listing
If you want to dominate local search, follow these steps to optimise your GMB profile:
1. Complete Every Section of Your GMB Profile
Google prioritises businesses with fully completed profiles. Make sure you fill out:
Business name (matching your website and branding)
Address and phone number (consistent with all online listings)
Business category (choose the most relevant one)
Business hours (keep them updated, including holiday hours)
Website URL
Services and products offered (such as web design Durham, website design Durham, and Newcastle website design)
Business description (use relevant keywords naturally)
2. Add High-Quality Photos & Videos
Listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their website. Include:
A professional logo
Interior and exterior shots
Team photos
Product or service images
Short videos showcasing what you do
3. Encourage & Respond to Customer Reviews
Reviews are crucial for local SEO and customer trust. Businesses with positive reviews rank higher and get more engagement.
Ask happy customers to leave a review (via email or in person)
Respond to every review (good or bad) to show you care
Address any negative feedback professionally
4. Post Regular Updates & Offers
Google rewards active businesses. Use the Posts feature to share:
Promotions and special offers
Business updates (new services, events, news)
Blog posts or helpful content
5. Use the Q&A Feature to Your Advantage
Customers can ask questions directly on your GMB profile. Be proactive:
Answer common questions yourself
Monitor and respond to queries quickly
Use keywords naturally in your answers
6. Track Performance with GMB Insights
GMB provides valuable data on how customers find and interact with your business. Monitor:
How people search for your business
Where they find you (Search vs. Maps)
What actions they take (clicks, calls, direction requests)
Use these insights to refine your strategy and improve engagement.
The Future of Local Search: Trends You Need to Know
Local search is evolving fast, and staying ahead of the curve is key to maintaining visibility. Here are the biggest trends shaping the future:
1. Voice Search is Growing
With the rise of Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, more people are searching using voice commands. Optimise for voice search by:
Using conversational keywords (e.g., "Where’s the best coffee shop near me?")
Answering common customer questions directly in your content
2. AI-Powered Search & Personalisation
Google is getting smarter at delivering personalised results based on user behaviour. This means:
Having an active and up-to-date GMB profile is even more crucial
Your reviews, posts, and engagement levels influence rankings
3. Zero-Click Searches Are Increasing
More users are getting answers directly from Google without clicking on a website. Optimise your GMB listing and FAQ sections to provide instant, valuable information.
4. Mobile-First Indexing is Here to Stay
Most local searches happen on mobile. Ensure your website is:
Mobile-friendly
Fast-loading
Easy to navigate
Ready to Dominate Local Search? Let’s Talk!
If you’re not leveraging local search and Google My Business, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to grow your business. I specialise in helping businesses optimise their online presence, improve rankings, and attract more local customers. If you want to:
Get found in local search results
Rank higher than your competitors
Increase leads and sales
Build a strong online reputation
