How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile for Better Local Rankings

• Admin

In today’s digital landscape, visibility is everything — especially for local businesses. Whether you run a café in Windsor, a dental clinic in Manchester, or a hair salon in Birmingham, your online presence can make or break your success. And one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) tools in your local SEO arsenal is your Google Business Profile (GBP).
At Yaseo Digital, we help businesses across the UK improve their local visibility through tailored Local SEO strategies, and optimising your GBP is one of the key first steps.
Let’s walk through how you can optimise your Google Business Profile for better local rankings — and why it’s worth investing in bespoke Local SEO support.

Why Your Google Business Profile Matters

When people search for services “near me” or include a location (like “plumbers in Leeds”), Google often shows a map pack at the top of the results. This pack is driven entirely by Google Business Profiles.
If your GBP is well-optimised, your business has a higher chance of appearing in these results — giving you more visibility, more traffic, and ultimately, more customers.

Google uses various factors to determine your ranking in local search, including:

• Relevance
• Distance
• Prominence
• Customer engagement

Optimising your GBP can help you influence all of these factors.

Step-by-Step: Optimising Your Google Business Profile

1. 1. Claim and Verify Your Profile

   If you haven’t claimed your GBP yet, start here: Google Business Profile Manager. Follow the instructions to claim and verify your business. Verification can be done via phone, email, or postcard depending on your business type.

2. 2. Provide Complete and Accurate Information
   Make sure every detail is accurate and up to date. This includes:
   • Business name (exact match to signage)
   • Address (ensure it’s consistent across the web)
   • Phone number (local numbers perform better than call centres)
   • Website URL
   • Business hours

   Inconsistent or outdated info damages your credibility and hurts your local SEO.

3. 3. Choose the Right Business Categories
   Google allows one primary category and several secondary ones. Be specific — if you're a “Vegan Café” instead of just a “Restaurant,” say so. This helps you appear in more relevant searches.
4. 4. Write a Compelling Business Description
   Use this space to describe what makes your business unique. Naturally include relevant keywords, such as:
   • Family-run opticians in Sheffield
   • Pet grooming service near Bristol city centre

   Avoid keyword stuffing, and keep it human — write like you're introducing your business to a new customer.

5. 5. Add High-Quality Photos
   Photos build trust and help potential customers visualise your business. Include:
   • Interior and exterior shots
   • Product or service photos
   • Staff photos
   • Before/after images (if applicable)

Local SEO Is More Than Just a Profile

While your GBP is crucial, it’s just one piece of the local SEO puzzle. For optimal results, you also need:

• Citations (your business listed consistently across directories)
• On-page local SEO (optimised website content for local keywords)
• Local backlinks (links from reputable nearby sites)
• Mobile-friendly website design
• Local content marketing

Why Choose Yaseo Digital for Local SEO?

At Yaseo Digital, we understand that no two businesses are the same — and that’s exactly why we don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions.
nstead, we provide customised Local SEO services tailored to your specific goals, industry, and location. Whether you’re based in a busy city like London or a small town like Windsor, our team will work closely with you to:

• Boost your visibility in nearby areas
• Drive more foot traffic and phone calls
• Improve your Google Maps and search rankings
• Generate more qualified local leads
• Keep your online presence consistent and professional

From optimising your Google Business Profile to managing local directories and creating geo-targeted content — we handle it all.