If you run a local business, ranking your Google My Business (GMB) — now called Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the fastest ways to get customers.
When people search “plumber near me”, “restaurant in [city]”, or “best dentist nearby”, Google shows a map pack at the top. If your business appears there, you’ll get more calls, website visits, and walk-in customers.
So, how can you rank your Google My Business? Let’s go step by step.
1. Keep Your NAP Consistent Everywhere
Your Name, Address, Phone number (NAP) must match across:
- Google Business Profile
- Website (homepage, contact page, footer)
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Local directories (Yelp, Yellow Pages, industry-specific sites)
Inconsistent NAP confuses Google and hurts rankings.
2. Optimize Your Business Description With Keywords
Use your primary keyword (e.g., “Roofing Contractor in Toronto”) and secondary keywords naturally.
Example:
“We are a family-owned roofing contractor in Toronto, specializing in roof repairs, shingle installation, and emergency roof leak services.”
Don’t keyword-stuff — keep it readable for humans.
3. Select the Right Category & Subcategory
This is make or break. If you’re a flooring business but select “Contractor,” you’ll miss traffic.
Examples:
- Primary: “Roofing Contractor”
- Secondary: “Gutter Cleaning Service” or “Siding Contractor”
Always choose the most specific subcategory available.
4. Add High-Quality Photos & Videos
Google loves fresh content. Upload regularly:
- Exterior shots (help with directions)
- Interior shots (builds trust)
- Team photos (humanize your brand)
- Short videos (walkthroughs, how-to, testimonials)
Businesses with 100+ photos get significantly more calls and clicks.
5. Collect & Respond to Reviews
- Ask happy customers to leave detailed reviews.
- Always reply (use keywords + location naturally).
Example reply:
“Thanks, John! We’re glad you loved our roof repair service in Toronto. Call us anytime for emergency leaks.”
This boosts trust + local SEO.
6. Link Google My Business to Your Website
- Add a clickable GMB link on your homepage and contact page.
- Add local schema markup (structured data) to tell Google your business details.
7. Mention Landmarks & Surroundings
When writing your GMB description and website content, mention nearby:
- Landmarks
- Popular streets
- Neighborhoods
Example:
“Located near Downtown Toronto’s Union Station, we serve customers across Yorkville, North York, and Scarborough.”
This helps rank for “near me” searches.
8. Build Service Pages With Location Keywords
If you offer multiple services, create separate pages for each.
Example:
- Roofing in Toronto
- Shingle Repair in Toronto
- Gutter Installation in Toronto
Use city + service keyword in:
- Title tag
- H1 heading
- Meta description
- Content naturally
9. Publish Problem-Solving Blogs
Don’t just post generic blogs like “Top 5 roofing tips.” Instead, solve real customer problems.
Examples:
- “How to Spot Early Signs of a Roof Leak in Toronto Homes”
- “Flat Roof vs. Shingle Roof: Which Lasts Longer in Canadian Winters?”
This positions you as an expert and earns backlinks.
10. Post Updates on Google Business Profile
Most businesses ignore this! Use the Posts feature in GMB to share:
- Promotions
- Seasonal offers
- FAQs
- Blog links
Fresh posts tell Google you’re active.
11. Use Q&A Section to Add Keywords
Google Business Profiles allow customers to ask questions. Don’t wait — post your own FAQs and answer them.
Example:
Q: Do you offer emergency roof repairs in Toronto?
A: Yes! We provide 24/7 emergency roof repairs in Toronto and nearby areas.
12. Track Clicks With UTM Parameters
When linking GMB → website, add UTM tracking.
Example link:https://yourwebsite.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=gmb&utm_campaign=local-seo
This helps you see which traffic came from GMB in Google Analytics.
13. Get Local Backlinks
Google doesn’t just look at your profile — it checks your local authority.
Ways to build local backlinks:
- Partner with local blogs and news sites
- Sponsor local events or charities
- Join chambers of commerce directories
14. Use Citations & Data Aggregators
Submit your business info to:
- Yelp
- Yellow Pages
- Better Business Bureau
- Industry-specific directories
This reinforces trust signals for Google.
So,
Ranking your Google My Business (Google Business Profile) takes more than just filling out a profile.
- Keep NAP consistent
- Optimize descriptions, categories, and keywords
- Post photos, updates, and respond to reviews
- Build service pages, blogs, and backlinks
- Use GMB features like Q&A and posts
If you do this consistently, you’ll rank higher in Google’s Local Map Pack and drive more customers.
FAQs:
How long does it take to rank my Google My Business?
Usually 3–6 months, depending on competition and consistency.
Do I need a website to rank on GMB?
Yes, it helps a lot. While you can rank without one, linking to a strong local website boosts results.
How many reviews do I need to rank higher?
Quality matters more than quantity. 20 detailed reviews can beat 100 one-liners.
Can I rank in multiple cities with one GMB?
No, one GMB = one physical location. For multiple cities, you need multiple verified profiles.
What’s the difference between Google Maps ranking and GMB ranking?
They’re the same your GMB powers your visibility in Google Maps and the local 3-pack.