214-310-1356
Securing and maintaining visibility in Google’s local rankings doesn’t happen by chance. As digital agencies already know, it takes expertise, ongoing management and advanced Google Business Profile tools to reach the all-important top local pack positions. But what happens when your clients’ rankings start to drop? Let’s look at some key optimization strategies for obtaining long-term Google Business Profile (GBP) visibility.
Google Business Profile Optimization Strategies for Long-Term Success
Claiming one of the top three local pack positions is one of the biggest challenges for an agency. And if a business loses a top Google ranking, you’ll want to do everything in your power to get it back. In both cases, the issue can usually be found within one or more of the following GBP optimization strategies.
Is the Business Information Accurate?
Local business searches typically focus on specific products or services within a defined location. Google responds by prioritizing results based on three key factors.
- Proximity – the distance between the searcher and the business.
- Relevance – how well the business matches the search query.
- Prominence – the reputation and visibility of the business.
When you claim and monitor a Google Business Profile, you have the opportunity to precisely define almost every relevant factor. This optimization process covers everything from the name, address, phone number (NAP) and operating hours, to categories and the business description. Consequently, Google can identify your client’s website as the most useful for locally relevant queries.
Is the Business Trustworthy?
Google evaluates trust signals when determining whether to display a business. If your client has lost a prime local pack position, it’s possible that something is causing a lack of credibility. In this case, a good place to start is with an analysis of reputational health and authority. You could also check for inaccurate public edits that might have bypassed Google’s AI checks. Our Enhanced GBP Tools feature a Google Authority Score, GBP Sync to cross-reference a profile with our database, as well as a simple auto-rejection of public edits.
Are You Responding to Customers?
GBPs have various features where customer interaction could influence search visibility. For example, a series of poor reviews could significantly impact the click-through rate and lead eventually to a drop in rankings. In many cases, responding to reviews can resolve issues while demonstrating accessibility and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Engaging with questions and answers also helps develop a more customer-friendly profile.
Are You Using All the Available GBP Features?
GBPs provide a range of services to engage audiences and keep them active on a business’ profile. Google Posts lets you share updates, events and offers, keeping content fresh and relevant. Also, products, services and attributes give visitors far more information, allowing them to identify the appropriate business.
Do You Have a Reliable Listing Management Strategy?
Consistent, high-quality citations are crucial for building business authority and trust. However, creating listings is not a set-and-forget strategy. For a fast and accurate optimization strategy, agencies can use listing management services to build, monitor and manage a vast number of citations from a single location. This approach will ensure that business clients increase their prominence without risking the negative repercussions of inaccurate listing information.
Leading Google Business Profile Tools for Digital Agencies
At Advice Local, we provide a comprehensive suite of GBP tools to help you manage business clients’ listings. From enhanced GBP tools to review monitoring, we have the local presence management solutions you need. Call (214) 310-1356 or request a demo.