How to Get More Calls Through Google Business Profile in 2024: Local SEO Tips

In 2024, having an optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) is crucial for driving more phone calls and attracting local customers. This guide will walk you through the essential local SEO factors to optimize your Google Business Profile, helping you maximize visibility and engagement.

1. Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile

The first step in optimizing your GBP is to claim and verify it. If you haven’t done this yet, follow these steps:

• Sign in to Google My Business (now known as Google Business Profile).
• Claim your business by following the instructions provided.
• Verify your business using one of the available methods (mail, phone, email, or instant verification).Verification is crucial as it authenticates your business, making it eligible to appear in local search results and Google Maps.

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2. Optimize Your Business Information

Accurate and comprehensive business information is vital for local SEO. Ensure your profile includes:

• Business Name: Use your official business name without adding extra keywords.
• Address: Provide the exact physical address of your business. Consistency with your website and other online listings is key.
• Phone Number: Add a local phone number rather than a toll-free number. This makes your business more relatable and accessible to local customers.
• Business Hours: Keep your hours updated. If you have special hours for holidays or events, update them accordingly.

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3. Choose the Right Categories

Selecting the right business categories helps Google understand what your business offers. Here’s how to choose:

• Primary Category: Choose the most relevant category that best describes your business.
• Secondary Categories: Add additional categories that describe other services or products you offer.

Be specific to ensure you attract the right audience. For instance, if you own a bakery, you might select "Bakery" as your primary category and "Wedding Bakery" as a secondary category if you specialize in wedding cakes.

4. Add High-Quality Photos

Visual content significantly impacts user engagement. Include:

• Exterior Photos: Show your business location from the outside.
• Interior Photos: Provide a look inside your business to make it welcoming.
• Product/Service Photos: Highlight your key products or services.

Regularly update your photos to keep your profile fresh and appealing. Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites.

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5. Collect and Manage Reviews

Customer reviews influence local search rankings and customer trust. Here’s how to manage them effectively:

• Encourage Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on your GBP listing.
• Respond to Reviews: Address both positive and negative reviews promptly. This shows you value customer feedback and helps build trust.

Responding to reviews not only improves your online reputation but also signals to Google that your business is active and engaged.

6. Post Regular Updates

Google Business Profile allows you to post updates directly to your profile. Use this feature to:

• Promote Offers: Share special promotions or discounts.
• Announce Events: Inform customers about upcoming events or sales.
• Share News: Update customers on new products or services.

Regular updates keep your profile engaging and encourage more interactions from potential customers.

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7. Utilize Google’s Q&A Feature

The Q&A feature on GBP allows customers to ask questions directly on your profile. To make the most of it:

• Monitor Questions: Regularly check for new questions from customers.
• Provide Clear Answers: Respond with accurate and helpful information.

This helps potential customers get the information they need and can positively impact your local SEO.

8. Optimize for Mobile

Ensure that your GBP is optimized for mobile users:

• Mobile-Friendly Website: Link to a website that is responsive and easy to navigate on mobile devices.
• Click-to-Call: Ensure that the phone number on your profile is clickable, making it easy for mobile users to call directly.

A mobile-friendly approach ensures a seamless experience for users, increasing the likelihood of them calling your business.

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9. Use Local Keywords

Incorporate local keywords in your GBP profile:

• Business Description: Include keywords relevant to your business and location.
• Services/Products: Mention specific services or products in your description using local keywords.

This helps Google associate your business with local search queries, improving your chances of appearing in relevant searches.

By focusing on these local SEO factors, you can enhance your Google Business Profile and increase the number of calls your business receives. Regularly updating and optimizing your profile ensures that you remain visible and attractive to potential local customers. Implement these tips and watch your local search visibility and customer engagement improve in 2024.