Let’s cut to the chase: If you're not ranking in your local market, you're losing business—period. And one of the most powerful tools to ensure you're visible is Google Business Profile (GBP). Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar store or a service-based business, getting to the top of the local pack on Google can make or break your visibility. But how do you get there?
Spoiler: it’s not luck. It’s strategy. And one of the best ways to get a competitive edge is through a Google Business Profile Audit. In this post, we’ll break down four key ways a GBP audit can supercharge your local SEO and leave your competition in the dust.
1. Ensure Your GBP Listing is 100% Accurate
Let’s face it: Customers aren’t going to search high and low to figure out if you’ve moved or changed your hours. The more accurate and detailed your GBP is, the more you’ll thrive in local search results.
Pro Tip: "When your name, address, and phone number (NAP) don’t match across the web, Google gets confused—and confused Google equals lower rankings," says GMB Fox’s in-house local SEO expert.
A GBP audit helps you spot any inconsistencies and keeps your NAP data squeaky clean. Whether it’s a duplicate listing, a wrong phone number, or outdated hours, fixing these details ensures your business is easy to find and trust.
2. Optimize for the Right Categories and Keywords
Here’s something most businesses screw up: picking the wrong category for their Google Business Profile. Imagine a pizza shop listed under “restaurant” instead of “pizza restaurant.” Sure, you’ll show up for generic searches, but you’re missing out on specific pizza-lovers searching “best pizza near me.”
Don’t wing it— GBP audits allow you to see which categories your top competitors are using, and more importantly, what’s working for them. Dialing in the right category can be the difference between being lost in the shuffle and standing out.
3. Track Performance and Spot Opportunities
Here’s where things get interesting: a GBP audit lets you dive deep into your business performance data—beyond what Google Insights offers. You can see how customers are interacting with your business on Google, track views, calls, and website clicks for up to 18 months, and compare it against competitors.
As the saying goes, "You can’t improve what you don’t measure." With an audit, you’re armed with data that shows where your listing is killing it and where you need to improve. Are most of your customers finding you through Google Maps? Double down on location optimization. Is no one calling? Time to tweak your call-to-action or add a phone number that stands out.
4. Leverage Customer Reviews to Build Trust
Customer reviews aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re a must-have. According to BrightLocal, 82% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses. And guess what? Those reviews are also a key ranking factor for GBP.
A solid GBP audit will show you not only how many reviews you’ve got, but also where your competitors stand. If they’re stacking up 5-star reviews and you’re lagging behind, it's time to catch up. Encourage more reviews and don’t forget to respond to every single one—yes, even the bad ones. The more engagement, the more Google loves you.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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