Boost your Google Business Profile rankings: 6 easy game-changing edits!

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Choosing the Right Primary Business Category
3. The Impact of Business Name on Rankings
4. Utilizing Secondary Categories
5. Maximizing the Potential of Website Links
6. The Power of Pre-defined Services
7. Leveraging Identity Attributes
8. Summary and Conclusion

Boost Your Google Business Profile Rankings with These Simple Edits

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for the success of any business. When it comes to local search, Google Maps is a powerful tool that can significantly impact your visibility and rankings. But did you know that there are specific elements in your Google Business Profile that you can edit to make a real difference in your rankings? In this article, we will explore the six editable features that can give your business an instant boost on Google Maps and help you secure a spot in the coveted Google Map Pack.

1. Choosing the Right Primary Business Category

According to the 2023 Local Ranking Factor survey, the primary business category is the number one element that Google considers when ranking your listing on Google Maps and the Map Pack. Therefore, it is crucial to choose your primary business category wisely. While some businesses have a straightforward category to select, others may find it challenging to determine the most suitable one. For example, if you're a lawyer who offers various services, it is advisable to choose the most profitable service as your primary category. This strategic decision can help your listing rank higher for specialized searches and attract more relevant leads. However, it is important to note that picking the right primary category can be tricky for certain businesses, so careful consideration is required.

2. The Impact of Business Name on Rankings

The second most influential factor that can improve your Google Maps rankings is your business name. Including relevant keywords in your business title can significantly boost your rankings for specific search queries. For example, a landscaping business that includes keywords related to "landscape gardening" in its name is more likely to rank higher for landscape gardening-related keywords. However, it is essential to adhere to Google's rules and ensure that your business name matches the real-life name of your business as it appears on your website, storefront, and marketing materials. Attempting to manipulate your business name by adding random keywords is strictly against Google's guidelines and may result in your listing being suspended.

3. Utilizing Secondary Categories

While the primary category holds the most weight in terms of rankings, secondary categories also have a direct influence on your listing's performance on Google Maps. While not as impactful as your primary category, including relevant secondary categories can still improve your rankings. Researching your competitors is an effective way to identify which secondary categories to add to your listing. By utilizing a Chrome extension called GMB Everywhere, you can discover the secondary categories your competitors are using. Adding these relevant secondary categories can enhance the relevance and visibility of your listing, potentially leading to higher rankings.

4. Maximizing the Potential of Website Links

The website link you choose to associate with your listing can impact your rankings on Google Maps. While linking to your home page is a common practice, it may not always be the most effective choice, especially if your business has multiple locations. In such cases, linking to specific location pages on your website can provide a more personalized and efficient user experience. For instance, a dentist practice with branches in different cities can create separate Google Business profiles, with each profile linking to a dedicated location page on their website. This approach ensures that potential customers find the most relevant information for their specific location, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

5. The Power of Pre-defined Services

Some businesses have the option to add predefined services to their Google Business profiles. While this feature has been around for a while, its impact on rankings has only recently been confirmed by industry experts. Adding these predefined services that match your business category can significantly improve your rankings for relevant search queries. For example, an electrician can select predefined services such as "electrical repair" or "lighting installation," thus increasing their visibility for specific services they offer. If you have the option to add predefined services to your listing, take advantage of it and watch your rankings soar.

6. Leveraging Identity Attributes

Google allows businesses to share identity attributes such as being women-owned or Asian-owned. These attributes not only help customers learn more about your business but also impact your rankings for related keywords. By adding relevant identity attributes to your listing, you can increase your visibility to potential customers searching for businesses like yours. For example, if your business is women-owned, including the "women-owned" attribute can potentially improve your rankings for searches related to women-owned businesses.

In conclusion, optimizing your Google Business Profile is crucial for improving your rankings on Google Maps. By making simple edits to elements such as the primary business category, business name, secondary categories, website links, pre-defined services, and identity attributes, you can give your business a significant boost in online visibility. These editable features have been tested and proven to impact rankings, making them essential components of your local SEO strategy. So, take the time to optimize your Google Business Profile and start reaping the rewards of improved rankings on Google Maps.

Highlights:

• Choosing the right primary business category is crucial for Google Maps rankings.
• Including relevant keywords in your business name can significantly boost your rankings.
• Utilizing secondary categories can enhance the relevance and visibility of your listing.
• Linking to specific location pages on your website improves the user experience.
• Adding predefined services that match your business category can improve rankings.
• Sharing identity attributes can increase visibility and rankings for related keywords.

FAQ:

Q: Can I choose multiple primary business categories? A: No, you can only select one primary business category.

Q: Should I add random keywords to my business name? A: No, it is against Google's guidelines. Your business name should match the real-life name of your business.

Q: How many secondary categories can I add to my listing? A: You can add up to nine secondary categories to your listing.

Q: Can I change the website link associated with my listing? A: Yes, you can easily update the website link through your Google Business Profile.

Q: Are predefined services available for all businesses? A: No, predefined services may vary depending on your business category.

Q: Can identity attributes improve my rankings? A: Yes, including relevant identity attributes can impact your rankings for related keywords.

Resources:

• GMB Everywhere Chrome extension: [link to chrome extension]
• Joy Hawkins' Local SEO Agency: [link to website]
• Darren Shaw's Whitespark: [link to website]