How to Use Google My Business to Dominate Local Search Results

As a small business owner, you know that being visible online is non-negotiable if you want to attract customers in your area. But just having a website isn’t enough—Google My Business (GMB) is the secret weapon you need to dominate local search results. It’s one of the most powerful, free tools you have at your disposal, yet so many small businesses either overlook it or don’t use it to its full potential.

Here’s why GMB is crucial and how you can leverage it to bring in more local customers.

Why Google My Business Matters

When someone searches for a business or service near them, Google My Business listings are often the first thing they see. GMB results appear at the top of the search results page, in the map pack, and they’re even visible in Google Maps itself. If your business isn’t optimized in GMB, you’re missing out on local visibility, customer engagement, and, let’s be real—revenue.

Consider this: 46% of all Google searches have local intent, meaning people are looking for products or services nearby. If you’re not showing up in that top 3-pack of local results, your competitors are. Your potential customers won’t go digging past the first few results to find you. They’ll go with the businesses that show up first.

In short, if you want to be found by the people closest to you, GMB is your gateway to dominating local search.

Setting Up Your Google My Business Profile Properly

Let’s get to the first step: making sure your GMB profile is set up correctly. If you don’t do this right from the start, you’re not going to get the visibility or engagement you need.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to set it up:

1. Claim or Create Your GMB Listing

• Search for your business: Go to Google and search for your business name. If it’s already listed, you’ll see a “Claim this business” option—click that.

• Create a new listing: If your business isn’t listed yet, go to the Google My Business website and sign in with your Google account to create your listing.

2. Complete Your Profile with All Relevant Information

Here’s where many businesses slip up—they leave fields blank or don’t provide consistent information. Google is looking for completeness, so you need to fill out every section.

Make sure you:

• Use your official business name (no keyword stuffing here, Google doesn’t like it).

• List your exact address if you have a physical location, or choose service areas if you’re a business that goes to your customers (like a plumber or consultant).

• Add your business hours, and make sure to update them for holidays or special events.

• Enter your phone number and website URL.

• Choose the right business categories—this is crucial for ranking in relevant searches.

3. Write a Compelling Business Description

This is your chance to tell potential customers what makes your business unique. Google lets you write a brief description of your business, so use it wisely. Highlight your main services, who you serve, and what sets you apart from the competition.

Pro Tip: Include local keywords here, like your city or neighborhood, to improve your chances of showing up in local searches.

4. Upload High-Quality Photos

People want to see what your business looks like, especially if they’re deciding between multiple options. Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites than those without.

Upload:

• Photos of your storefront or office.

• Pictures of your products or services.

• Behind-the-scenes photos that showcase your team.

• Customer interaction shots if relevant (with their permission).

5. Set Up Messaging

GMB allows you to turn on messaging, which gives potential customers an easy way to contact you directly from your GMB listing. If you enable this feature, make sure you’re ready to respond promptly because customers expect fast replies (ideally within 24 hours).

Getting Reviews (and Why They Matter)

Reviews on GMB are pure gold for your business. Not only do they influence how potential customers perceive you, but they also impact your local SEO ranking. Google takes reviews into account when determining which businesses to show in local searches.

Here’s how to get reviews and use them to your advantage:

1. Ask for Reviews

Don’t be shy about asking your happy customers to leave reviews. You can ask in person after a service or follow up with an email that includes a direct link to your GMB review page.

2. Respond to Reviews

Whether you’re getting five-star reviews or some constructive criticism, always respond. Google likes seeing engagement, and customers appreciate businesses that take the time to acknowledge feedback. It also shows potential clients that you care about your reputation.

• For positive reviews, thank them and reinforce something they mentioned (“We’re so glad you loved our fast service!”).

• For negative reviews, respond professionally and offer to resolve the issue. Never get defensive—it can scare away other potential customers.

3. Encourage Specificity

The more detailed and specific the reviews, the better for your SEO. Ask customers to mention the services they used, your business’s name, and even your location in their review—these details help Google understand what your business does and where it operates, improving your local search ranking.

Optimizing Your GMB Listing for Better Local SEO

It’s not enough to just set up your profile—you need to keep it optimized and active to get the most out of it. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Regularly Update Your Information

Ensure that your business hours, phone number, and address are always up to date. Inaccurate information can hurt your credibility with both Google and potential customers.

2. Post Regular Updates

Google My Business allows you to post updates, similar to social media. Use this feature to share:

• Promotions or special offers.

• Announcements about new products or services.

• Seasonal events or changes to business hours.

Not only do these posts help engage your audience, but they also signal to Google that your business is active and relevant, which can boost your ranking.

3. Use Keywords in Your GMB Listing

Just like with your website, using relevant keywords can help Google understand what your business is about. Naturally integrate local keywords in your business description, services section, and even in your review responses (but don’t force them in—it should feel natural).

4. Add Questions & Answers

You can actually seed your own Q&A section by adding common customer questions and answering them. This provides potential customers with useful information upfront and gives you more opportunities to incorporate relevant keywords into your GMB profile.

Final Thoughts: Why GMB is Essential for Local Search Domination

If you’re a small business looking to capture local customers, Google My Business is non-negotiable. When fully optimized, it positions your business front and center in local searches, drives more traffic, and can even give you a leg up over competitors who aren’t using GMB properly.

Think of GMB as the online equivalent of a glowing billboard in the middle of your community. It gets you noticed, brings in more foot traffic (both digital and physical), and keeps you in front of your target audience.