Skyrocket Your Local SEO Rankings with One Free Google Tool

When people search for your service whether it’s “janitorial services near me” or “affordable landscaping Milwaukee”, Google doesn’t send them straight to your website. Instead, it shows them three business listings at the top of the page. That’s your Google Business Profile, and if it’s not optimized, you're leaving visibility and leads on the table.

I’ve had several conversations with SEO experts over the years, and one thing we all agree on: local business owners are underutilizing this powerful tool that’s right in front of them. At Haywood Digital Marketing, we work closely with brick-and-mortar companies to make sure they’re not only discoverable, but competitive. And getting your Google Business Profile in shape is one of the fastest ways to rise in local search results.

Your Website Isn’t the Problem, but It’s Not the First Priority

I get it. You’ve poured time and money into your website. But here’s what most business owners don’t know:

Even if your website ranks #1, it shows up under the top 3 Google Business Profiles.

So if you’re not in that local SEO 3 pack, you’re already getting skipped. And unlike ranking a website, where you're competing with millions of pages, your Google listing is competing with maybe a couple hundred businesses within a 30–50 mile radius. That’s a battle you can win faster and with less effort if you know how to play it smart.

How Google Decides Who Gets the Top Spots

Google wants to show the most relevant, active, and trustworthy businesses in the local search results. And that’s based on a few key signals:

• Is your business info complete and accurate?

• Are you posting regular updates?

• Do you have current customer reviews?

• Are other websites linking to your profile or site?

These might sound simple, but together they tell Google that your business is credible and active. This aligns with Google's internal ranking principles, known as E-E-A-T—Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. You don’t need to memorize the acronym, but know this: businesses that show up, stay consistent, and provide clear information get rewarded with better visibility.

What Should You Post on Your Google My Business Listing?

Yes, posting updates to your Google listing matters and no, it’s not the same as social media. These posts help your business show up in the right searches by proving to Google that you're active, relevant, and reliable.

Here are a few post ideas that work well:

✅ Customer Spotlights: A quick photo and quote from a happy client.

✅ Behind-the-Scenes: Show your crew prepping for a big project or setting up shop.

✅ Promotions & Specials: Announce limited-time offers, bundles, or seasonal deals.

✅ Service Reminders: Let people know about lesser-known services you offer.

✅ Local Involvement: Highlight community events, charity work, or partnerships.

✅ Quick Tips: Share one-line advice relevant to your service. Think: “3 ways to prep your floors before a deep clean.”

Pro tip: Include keywords naturally in these posts so they help your ranking. And keep them short because Google likes consistency over length.

What You Can Do This Week to Start Climbing

The good news? You don’t need a huge marketing budget or a major overhaul to make progress. You just need a system and some consistency. That’s why we created a free downloadable checklist to help you get your Google My Business listing profile in shape.

Want the Fast Track? Here’s the Winning Combo

If you’re serious about landing in that local SEO 3 pack, here’s the formula that works:

• 30 keyword-rich updates on your Google My Business listing profile each month

• 80 backlinks from local directories, blogs, and trusted community websites

• Consistent reviews and active profile management

Follow that for 3–4 months, and your visibility will start to climb.

Final Word

If you're a local business owner and you’re not consistently showing up in local search results, this isn’t about working harder, it’s about being strategic. Your Google Business Profile is one of the most underrated tools in your digital marketing toolkit. Use it right, and you'll start seeing more calls, more clicks, and more customers.

Need help getting this off your plate? That’s what we’re here for. At HAYWOOD Digital Marketing, we specialize in local SEO strategy that works without wasting your time or budget.

FAQs About Google My Business and Local SEO

Q: How often should I post to my Google Business Profile?

A: At least once per week. But businesses that post 2–3 times per week with relevant keywords tend to perform better.

Q: What should I include in a post?

A: A clear message, a call to action, and a keyword. Bonus points for including a photo.

Q: Can I just focus on my website instead?

A: Not if you want to show up in the local SEO 3 pack. Your website supports your business, but your listing drives the initial visibility.

Q: Do I need to pay for backlinks?

A: No. You can build them for free through local directories, partnerships, and community features.

Q: How long before I see results?

A: With consistency, you can see movement in 60–90 days. Full visibility in top results typically comes around 3–4 months.

Need support or done-for-you services?

Let’s chat → www.haywooddigitalmarketing.com/contact-us

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✅ CLICK PDF DOCUMENT BELOW FOR YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD: Local SEO Checklist for Google Business Profiles

Use this step-by-step checklist to optimize your listing and start showing up in the right searches. Copy, save, or print for your team.

HDM Local SEO Starter Checklist Google Business Profile Optimization-Free Download.pdf

Download PDF • 58KB