In today’s digital-first world, local customers rarely open the newspaper or check the Yellow Pages when searching for a business. Instead, they go straight to Google — and often, the very first thing they see is your Google Business Profile (GBP).
Your GBP (previously Google My Business) is one of the most powerful free tools to attract local customers. The best part? You don’t need to spend extra money on ads to grow your visibility. With the right optimizations, your business can show up in local searches, attract clicks, and convert more visitors into paying customers.
In this guide, we’ll break down 5 proven ways to get more local customers using your GBP — without paying a single extra rupee or dollar on ads.
1. Fully Optimize Your Google Business Profile
The first step is making sure your GBP is 100% complete and accurate. Many businesses leave fields blank, which hurts their local rankings. Google prefers to show complete and verified profiles because it improves user trust.
What to Optimize:
- Business Name: Use your real-world business name (avoid keyword stuffing).
- Categories: Add a primary category and relevant secondary categories. For example, if you’re a “Bakery,” you might also add “Cafe” or “Cake Shop.”
- Business Hours: Keep them updated, especially on holidays.
- Address & Service Area: Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency across all platforms.
- Business Description: Write a compelling 750-character description with relevant keywords (but keep it natural).
Pro Tip: Add high-quality photos of your storefront, products, and team. Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks.
2. Post Regular Updates Like You Would on Social Media
Most businesses don’t realize that GBP allows you to post updates, offers, and announcements — just like social media. Posting regularly shows Google (and your customers) that your business is active and trustworthy.
Types of Posts You Can Share:
- New product launches or services
- Limited-time offers or discounts
- Behind-the-scenes updates
- Seasonal promotions
- Customer stories or testimonials
These posts appear directly in your business profile, which makes your listing more engaging and clickable.
Pro Tip: Use call-to-action (CTA) buttons like “Call Now,” “Book Online,” or “Get Offer” to drive conversions immediately.
3. Collect and Respond to Customer Reviews
Reviews are the backbone of local SEO. According to BrightLocal, 87% of consumers read online reviews before choosing a local business. More positive reviews not only build trust but also improve your chances of ranking higher in local search results.
Steps to Get More Reviews:
- Ask happy customers right after a purchase or service.
- Share a direct Google review link via WhatsApp, SMS, or email.
- Offer excellent service so reviews come naturally.
But it doesn’t end there. Always respond to reviews — both positive and negative. Google rewards active engagement, and potential customers notice when businesses reply.
Pro Tip: Use keywords naturally in your responses. For example:
“Thank you for visiting our bakery in Pune! We’re so glad you loved our fresh chocolate cake.”
4. Use GBP Messaging and Q&A to Connect with Customers
Did you know you can turn your Google Business Profile into a direct communication tool? GBP allows customers to message you, ask questions, and even request quotes directly from your profile.
Why It Matters:
- Faster responses = Higher conversion rates
- Builds trust before customers even visit your website
- Gives you a chance to answer FAQs once and rank for them
For example, if many customers ask, “Do you offer home delivery?” you can post the answer publicly in the Q&A section. This not only helps future customers but also improves keyword relevance.
Pro Tip: Turn on the “Messaging” feature in your GBP dashboard and connect it to your phone. Quick replies (within minutes or hours) make customers more likely to choose you.
5. Track Insights and Adjust for Better Results
The best part about GBP is that it comes with Insights — free analytics that tell you exactly how customers find and interact with your profile.
Metrics to Watch:
- Search Queries: What keywords are customers typing to find you?
- Customer Actions: How many calls, website visits, and direction requests are coming from GBP?
- Photo Views: Are your photos getting more engagement than competitors’?
- Post Performance: Which updates get the most clicks?
Use these insights to adjust your strategy. For example, if you see many people searching “best cake shop near me,” update your description and posts with similar phrases.
