How to Optimize Your Local SEO for Google My Business

Jun 30, 2025

As a local business, it's crucial to have a strong presence on Google My Business (GMB) to attract new customers and grow your business. However, with so many businesses competing for the top spot in local search results, it can be difficult to stand out. In this article, we'll share some tips and best practices for optimizing your GMB listing to improve your local SEO and increase your visibility on Google.

Claim and verify your GMB listing

The first step in optimizing your GMB listing is to claim and verify your business. This will give you control over the information that appears on your listing, such as your business name, address, and phone number. Once your listing is verified, you'll also be able to access analytics and insights about how customers interact with your listing.

Optimize your business information

Once your GMB listing is claimed and verified, it's important to optimize the information that appears on your listing. This includes your business name, address, phone number, and website. Make sure that all of the information is accurate and up-to-date and that your business name is consistent across all of your online listings.

Add photos and videos

Adding photos and videos to your GMB listing can help you stand out from the competition and give customers a better sense of what to expect from your business. Make sure to add high-quality, professional-looking photos of your business, products, and services. You can also add virtual tours and videos to give customers a more immersive experience.

Encourage customer reviews

Customer reviews can have a big impact on your local SEO and visibility on Google. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing, and make sure to respond to both positive and negative reviews in a timely and professional manner.

Use keywords in your business description

Including keywords in your business description can help your GMB listing rank higher in local search results. Be sure to include relevant keywords that describe your business, products, and services.

Keep your information updated

It's essential to keep your GMB listing up-to-date with accurate information, including your business hours, products, and services. Continually update your listing regularly to ensure that customers always have access to the most accurate information about your business.

In conclusion, by following these best practices for optimizing your GMB listing, you can improve your local SEO, increase your visibility on Google, and attract more customers to your business.

Don't have time to optimize your Google Business Profile yourself? Learn more about our GMB Management Services!

Justin Silverman

Justin Silverman is the Founder and CEO of Merchynt, a local SEO technology company on a mission to make local SEO services not suck—one agency and small business at a time. Since launching Merchynt in 2019, Justin has helped over 20,000 businesses grow through data-driven Google Business Profile optimization and AI-powered local marketing tools like Paige. With more than a decade of experience in digital marketing and business growth, Justin previously held executive roles at Vista Group, where he served as VP of Global Partnerships and President of MovieXchange. He also led strategy and operations at Veezi, helping to scale tech products across international markets. Justin's career has spanned roles in marketing, partnerships, and operations, working with companies from early-stage startups to global enterprises. His deep knowledge of local search, combined with real-world leadership, positions him as a trusted voice in the local SEO and SaaS space. Under his leadership, Merchynt has become a go-to provider for agencies and small businesses seeking to dominate local search rankings through white-label solutions, AI automation, and performance-focused strategy. Justin continues to speak, write, and build tools with one mission in mind: to help 298 million businesses get found online by their perfect customer.