Having a strong Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is essential for any business looking to boost local SEO, improve Google search rankings, and attract more customers. A well-optimized profile increases visibility on Google Search and Google Maps, helping potential customers find your business easily. Follow these steps to set up and optimize your profile for the best results.

Step 1: Create and Verify Your Google Business Profile

To get started, claim your business on Google:

Visit Google Business Profile and sign in with your Google account.
Enter your business name. If it’s not listed, create a new profile.
Select the most relevant category for your business (e.g., restaurant, law firm, digital marketing agency).
If you have a physical location, add your address. If you operate remotely, specify your service area.
Provide accurate contact details, including your website, phone number, and social media links.

Google requires verification via mail, phone, or email to ensure authenticity. Completing this step allows your business to appear on Google Maps and local search results.

Step 2: Optimize Your Business Information for Maximum Visibility

Once verified, optimize your profile to improve search rankings and customer engagement:

Business Hours – Keep them updated, including holiday hours.
Business Description – Write a clear, keyword-rich description that highlights your services and unique selling points. Example: "Campfire Media is a Vancouver-based digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, content creation, and social media management."
Attributes – Add relevant features such as "free Wi-Fi," "wheelchair accessible," or "curbside pickup" to attract the right audience.
Website & Booking Links – If you offer appointments or online ordering, add direct links to streamline customer actions.

Step 3: Add High-Quality Photos and Videos

Businesses with high-quality visuals attract more customers. Enhance your profile with:

At least 5-10 professional photos showcasing your storefront, products, team, or workspace.
Consistent branding with logos, colors, and recognizable imagery.
Videos featuring behind-the-scenes looks, customer testimonials, or product highlights.
Regular updates to keep your profile fresh and engaging.

Step 4: Manage and Respond to Customer Reviews

Customer reviews play a critical role in local search rankings and trust-building. Here’s how to leverage them:

Encourage satisfied customers to leave Google reviews by sharing your review link.
Respond to all reviews—thank customers for positive feedback and professionally address negative ones.
Use SEO-friendly keywords in responses (e.g., "Thank you for choosing our Vancouver marketing agency for your digital strategy needs!").

Step 5: Optimize Your Location on Google Maps

Ensure your business appears correctly on Google Maps to improve local discoverability:

Check your address and location pin on the map. If incorrect, update it in your Google Business dashboard.
Use the “Suggest an Edit” feature to correct any errors in your business listing.
Add additional service areas if your business serves multiple locations.

Step 6: Post Regularly to Improve SEO and Engagement

Posting updates to your Google Business Profile can improve your local search rankings and keep customers engaged. Best practices include:

Posting at least once a week to share promotions, events, blog updates, or new services.
Using high-ranking keywords relevant to your industry (e.g., “affordable SEO services in Vancouver” or “best coffee shop in Burnaby”).
Adding high-quality images and a clear call-to-action (CTA) to encourage clicks and engagement.

Does it sound too time-consuming? You can hire us! From setup and SEO optimization to high-quality visuals and review management (plus complaint mitigation), we can handle it all to boost your visibility and attract more customers. Please contact us for more info about how we can make sure your business stands out on Google.

Campfire Media is a Vancouver-based digital marketing agency that specializes in social media management, photography, video production, graphic design, website design, and more. If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, we’re currently offering some amazing promos! Check out our prices page for more details, and feel free to message us through our contact page to get started. We’d love to work with you and help elevate your brand.

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How to Build and Optimize Your Google Business Profile for Maximum Visibility