How to Optimize Google My Business for Local SEO (And Attract More Customers!)
Struggling to get noticed in local searches? You’re not alone. With 46% of all Google searches seeking local information, a well-optimized Google My Business (GMB) profile can be the difference between customers finding you—or your competitor.
The good news? Optimizing your GMB profile is free, fast, and one of the most powerful local SEO strategies for small businesses, freelancers, and side hustlers.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✅ Step-by-step GMB setup (even if you’re a beginner)
✅ Proven optimization tricks to rank higher in local searches
✅ How to turn your GMB profile into a lead magnet (and monetize it!)
Let’s dive in.
Why Google My Business Matters for Local SEO
Before we jump into the how, let’s talk about the why.
Google My Business is your free digital storefront—it shows up in Google Search and Maps when people look for services like yours. A fully optimized profile can:
✔ Boost your local search rankings (hello, more customers!)
✔ Increase website traffic (without paid ads)
✔ Generate more calls, messages, and bookings ($$$)
And here’s the best part: You don’t need a big budget or tech skills to make it work.
Step 1: Claim & Verify Your Google My Business Profile
If you haven’t already, claim your GMB listing (or create one if it doesn’t exist).
How to Set Up Your GMB Profile:
- Go to and click “Manage Now.”
- Enter your business name (use the exact name customers know).
- Choose your business category (this affects rankings—pick the most relevant one).
- Add your location (if you have a physical storefront) or select a service area (if you’re mobile or online).
- Verify your business (Google will mail a postcard with a code—this takes ~5 days).
Pro Tip: If you’re a freelancer or solopreneur, use your real name + service (e.g., “Sarah Smith – Social Media Marketing”) if you don’t have a formal business name.
Step 2: Optimize Your GMB Profile for Maximum Visibility
Now, let’s supercharge your listing so Google (and customers) love it.
1. Fill Out Every Single Section
Google rewards complete profiles. Don’t skip these:
– Business hours (update for holidays!)
– Phone number & website (use a trackable link like Bit.ly)
– High-quality photos (logo, storefront, team, products)
– Business description (include keywords naturally, like “best plumber in Austin”)
2. Choose the Right Categories
Primary category matters most, but add secondary categories if they fit.
✅ Good: “Digital Marketing Agency” + “SEO Services”
❌ Bad: Only selecting “Marketing Agency” (too broad)
3. Get Reviews (The Right Way)
Reviews = social proof + ranking boost.
– Politely ask happy customers (via email, text, or in person)
– Respond to every review (even negative ones—stay professional)
– Avoid fake reviews (Google penalizes this hard)
Pro monetization Tip: Offer a small discount or freebie for leaving a review—this turns happy customers into repeat buyers!
Step 3: Post Regularly (Like Social Media)
Most businesses never use GMB posts, but they’re free ads for your business!
Types of Posts That Work:
📢 Promotions (e.g., “20% Off This Week Only!”)
📅 Events (webinars, workshops, sales)
💡 Tips & Updates (e.g., “5 Signs You Need a Website Redesign”)
Post at least 1-2x per week to stay active in searches.
Step 4: Track & Improve Performance
Your GMB dashboard shows how customers find you:
🔍 Search queries (what people typed to find you)
📞 Calls, messages, and direction requests
📊 Photo views & website clicks
Use this data to refine your strategy.
– If people search “emergency plumber near me” but you don’t rank, add that phrase to your description.
– If photos get more views, upload more behind-the-scenes content.
How to Monetize Your GMB Profile (Side Hustle Opportunity!)
Here’s where it gets exciting: Your GMB profile can make you money beyond just getting clients.
1. Offer Local SEO as a Service
Many small businesses don’t know how to optimize their GMB. If you’ve mastered it, charge $200-$500 to set up & manage profiles for them.
2. Run Hyper-Local Ads
Once your profile ranks, offer promotions exclusively through Google My Business (e.g., “Mention this post for 10% off!”).
3. Build an Affiliate or Referral System
Partner with complementary businesses (e.g., a realtor + mortgage broker) and cross-promote in GMB posts.
Final Tip: Stay Consistent & Watch Your Business Grow!
Optimizing Google My Business isn’t a “one-and-done” task. Update your profile weekly, post regularly, and engage with customers.
Remember: Google rewards active, accurate, and helpful listings. The more effort you put in, the more free traffic and leads you’ll get.
Ready to Dominate Local SEO?
If you’re serious about getting more customers from Google, start optimizing your GMB profile today. And if you want to turn this skill into a side hustle, check out our * course inside *TheBizWiz Academy—where we teach you how to make money online with proven strategies.
Your $49/month membership includes:
🚀 10+ courses (from SEO to dropshipping)
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Less than your daily coffee for skills that pay off for years.
What’s your biggest struggle with Google My Business? Drop a comment below—we’ll help! 👇
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