Optimizing your Google My Business profile is vital for local SEO. Key features include engaging descriptions, Google Posts, a Q&A section, defined service areas, product listings, insights for data analysis, high-quality photos, and managing reviews. Effectively using these tools enhances visibility and drives business growth.

Did you know that 97% of people find local businesses online rather than elsewhere?

Moreover, businesses with a complete Google My Business (GMB) profile are 2.7 times more likely to be looked upon as reputable by consumers.

This makes GMB optimisation crucial for local businesses. So, if you’re serving local customers, using advanced GMB features is ideal to win the local search race.

But here’s the thing: you can’t just create a profile. For your GMB to stand out in a sea of similar accounts, you need to leverage the advanced Google My Business features in a strategic way.

Through this blog, we will familiarise you with the features you need to use to boost your local SEO and get customers through your door.

8 Advanced Google My Business Features You Must Know

With various features, Google My Business offers formulations to help increase local customer engagement. These are more than just integrations—they are foundations for getting the most out of your growth potential.

We’ll go over the eight best Google My Business features you can use to optimise your profile and rank in local searches, below.

1. Optimised Business Descriptions—Your First Impression Counts

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Your GMB description is similar to an elevator pitch—it allows you to hook attention and leave a memorable impression. A powerful and keyword-rich description will do two things: it will help your business rank higher in SERPs while also conveying your brand’s tone to potential customers.

Tips:

  • Include relevant keywords naturally without stuffing.
  • Highlight unique selling points (USPs) like exclusive products or eco-friendly practices.
  • Keep it concise and customer-focused.

2. Google Posts: Engage Customers in the Moment

Google Posts are essentially tiny ads that show up on your GMB profile. It is among the Google My Business features that allow you to share real-time updates (be it an upcoming event, a new product launch, or a limited-time offer) with your audience.

Why It Works:

  • Posts increase customer engagement and encourage actions like visits or calls.
  • They’re visible in search results, giving your business added visibility.

3. Q&A Section: Building Trust Through Transparency

The Q&A section on GMB is an opportunity to build trust and address customer queries upfront. Customers often rely on this section to decide whether your business meets their needs.

How to Maximise This Feature:

  • Proactively answer common questions to eliminate doubts.
  • Examine and give responses to new questions promptly.
  • Use customer-friendly language to make answers relatable.

The more helpful your Q&A section is, the more likely customers will choose you over competitors.

4. Service Areas: Expanding Your Reach

If your business caters to specific locations, the “Service Areas” feature can be a big advantage. This GMB feature ensures your business appears in local searches within your targeted regions, increasing visibility and driving traffic.

Why It’s Important:

  • Helps you rank higher in searches within those regions
  • Simplifies the process for customers to discover businesses that service their area

Optimising the areas where you offer your services ensures you target the locations that best guarantee business.

5. List of Products and Services: Highlight What You Have to Offer

Adding detailed product and service listings to your GMB profile can be the difference in a customer clicking on your profile or scrolling past it. This lets potential customers understand your business and helps Google connect your business to relevant searches.

Tips:

  • Include different elements (prices, descriptions, and high-quality images) to make your listings stand out.
  • Update listings regularly to reflect seasonal or new offerings.

6. Insights: Make Data Work for You

It is important to check how customers engage with your GMB profile to improve your local SEO strategy. Another feature among all Google My Business features is Insights, which contains a lot of data, including:

  • Number of people that found you through Google Search or Maps
  • The most common search queries driving traffic to your profile
  • Calls, direction requests, website visits, and other customer’s actions

How to Use Insights Effectively:

  • Identify trends to adjust your marketing strategy.
  • Focus on high-performing keywords and services.
  • Track the success of promotions and updates.

7. Photo & Video Galleries: A Visual Content That Converts

GMB listings with pictures lead to 42% more people seeking directions to your location. This clearly makes it a no-brainer to upload high-quality images and videos!

Here’s what to include:

  • Photos of your storefront, interior, and employees to set a friendly tone
  • Videos showcasing your services and client testimonials

8. Customer Reviews: Establish Trust and SEO Value

A good review from a customer rewards the business with a higher ranking on local searches on Google.

Here are the ways to get the most out of reviews:

  • Use follow-up emails or prompts in your store to encourage happy customers to leave reviews.
  • Reply to reviews—positive or otherwise—to demonstrate you appreciate feedback.

Proactively managing reviews improves your reputation and boosts your visibility in local search results.

Maximise Local SEO with Google My Business

Google My Business features much more than a directory; it is an interactive tool that can generate real growth for your business. These GMB features—from creating engaging descriptions to handling customer reviews—can have a major impact on your local SEO when utilised properly.

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