How to Optimize Your Google My Business Profile for Local SEO

By the Raze Media SEO Team — your Dallas digital marketing experts in helping brands get found locally

Why Google My Business Still Matters

If you’re a local business, your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most powerful tools you have to attract nearby customers. It’s often the first thing people see when searching for your services — whether it’s “best pizza near me,” “IT services in Dallas,” or “marketing agency near me.”

A well-optimized profile can dramatically increase your visibility in Google’s local results, maps, and mobile searches. But here’s the catch: most businesses set it up once and never touch it again.

If you want to stand out, ongoing optimization is key.

1. Start With Accurate Business Information

Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) should be 100% accurate and consistent across your website, directories, and social channels. Even a small inconsistency like “Suite #200” vs. “Ste. 200” can confuse Google’s algorithms.

Make sure you:

• Use your exact legal business name (no extra keywords).
• Double-check your map pin placement.
• Add your correct business hours – including special holiday hours.
• Keep contact details up to date.

Raze insight: Consistency builds trust with both customers and search engines. When Google sees your information aligned across multiple sources, it boosts your local ranking potential.

2. Write an Optimized, Customer-Focused Business Description

Your business description is your elevator pitch and it’s searchable. Write a short, natural paragraph that explains what you do, who you serve, and what makes your business unique.

Avoid keyword stuffing; instead, use natural phrases customers might search for.

Example:
“Raze Media is a Dallas-based digital marketing agency helping local businesses grow through SEO, paid media, and social content strategies.”

Raze insight: Use language that mirrors how your customers talk about your business, not just how you describe it internally.

3. Choose the Right Categories and Attributes

Your primary category defines your core service, so choose carefully. For example, if you’re a marketing agency, “Marketing Agency” or “Advertising Agency” are more effective than “Consultant.”

Then, use secondary categories and attributes to expand your reach. Attributes like “Women-led,” “Black-owned,” “Veteran-owned,” or “Offers online services” can improve relevance and visibility for specific searches.

4. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos

Businesses with photos receive significantly more clicks, calls, and requests for directions. Upload recent, professional photos that represent your space, team, and offerings.

Ideas for visuals:

• Exterior shots to help customers recognize your location
• Interior or workspace photos for authenticity
• Team or product photos that show your brand personality
• Short video walkthroughs or client interactions

Raze insight: Google prioritizes fresh, engaging content. Updating your photos monthly can actually improve visibility.

5. Collect and Respond to Reviews

Online reviews are one of the strongest ranking factors for local SEO. Ask satisfied customers to leave honest feedback on Google and respond to every review, positive or negative.

Best practices:

• Make review requests part of your post-purchase process.
• Respond with gratitude and professionalism.
• Address complaints directly (and take them offline if needed).

Raze insight: A consistent stream of genuine reviews signals to Google that your business is active and trusted — boosting both visibility and credibility.

6. Post Regular Updates

Google Business Profiles allow posts for updates, offers, events, and more. Treat it like a mini social media feed. Share what’s new, highlight promotions, or post seasonal content.

These updates not only engage your audience but also keep your profile active, which can improve your search performance.

7. Track Insights and Performance

Within your Business Profile dashboard, Google provides Insights that show how people find and interact with your business — including search queries, views, calls, direction requests, and website clicks.

Use this data to refine your content, adjust your hours, and guide future campaigns.

Raze insight: Monitoring your GMB performance gives you a real-time look at customer behavior, helping you make smarter marketing decisions beyond SEO.

8. Connect It to Your Overall Marketing Strategy

Your Google Business Profile shouldn’t exist in isolation. It should connect seamlessly with your website SEO, social media, and paid campaigns.

For example:

• Link your latest blog posts or case studies in updates.
• Use similar branding and tone across all digital touchpoints.
• Ensure your website’s local landing pages reinforce the same keywords and messaging.

Get Expert Help With Local SEO

Optimizing your Google Business Profile isn’t just a checklist, it’s part of a larger local SEO strategy that requires consistency, data, and ongoing effort.

At Raze Media, we help Dallas/Fort Worth businesses enhance visibility, attract local customers, and grow through smart, data-backed SEO strategies.

Contact Raze Media today for a local marketing audit and see how your business can stand out in local search results.