Here's a complete guide to help you grow your business with Local SEO using Google My Business (GMB) — now called Google Business Profile (GBP). If you're a local business owner, service provider, or digital marketer, mastering this is essential for 2024–2025.

📍 What is Google Business Profile (formerly GMB)?
It's a free tool from Google that helps businesses appear in local search results like:

Google Maps

Local 3-Pack (top 3 local listings in search)

"Near me" searches (e.g., "plumber near me")

🚀 Why Local SEO + Google Business Profile = Growth
Benefit   Impact
🌎 Free visibility on Google   Appear when customers search nearby
⭐ Builds trust   Show reviews, photos, business info
📞 More leads   Direct calls, messages, or visits
🧭 Local dominance   Beat competitors in your city or region

✅ Step-by-Step: Optimize Your Google Business Profile
1. Claim or Create Your Listing
Go to: https://www.google.com/business/

Search for your business. If it's there, claim it. If not, create it.

Verify via phone, postcard, or email.

2. Use Exact Business Information (NAP)
Ensure Name, Address, Phone are:

Accurate

Consistent everywhere (website, social media, directories)

Matches schema markup on your website

3. Choose the Right Categories
Primary Category: Be as specific as possible (e.g., "Family Law Attorney" not just "Lawyer")

Secondary Categories: Add related services

4. Add High-Quality Photos
Include:

Logo

Inside and outside of your location

Staff in action

Before/after photos (for services)

Menu or product images (for retail/food)

5. Write a Keyword-Rich Business Description
Use local keywords naturally:

"We are a trusted plumbing company in Dhaka offering 24/7 emergency plumbing services with 10+ years of experience."

6. Use Google Posts (Like a Mini Social Feed)
Post updates weekly:

Offers

Events

New services

Announcements

It boosts engagement and freshness of your listing.

7. Get Reviews & Respond to Them
Ask happy customers to leave a review

Respond to all reviews (good and bad)

Use keywords in your responses

Bonus Tip: Include review CTA on invoices, SMS, or email

8. Add Services or Products
Add all your services with descriptions and prices (if possible)

If you sell physical products, include clear photos and pricing

9. Enable Messaging and Booking
Turn on messaging to chat with potential customers directly

Integrate with booking systems (like Calendly, Setmore, etc.)

🔍 Local SEO Beyond GBP
🔗 1. Local Citations
List your business on:

Yelp

Facebook

Bing Places

Local directories in your country

🌐 2. On-Page Local SEO
Optimize your website with:

Local keywords (e.g., "Bakery in Gulshan")

Location pages for multiple areas

Embedded Google Maps

Schema markup (LocalBusiness)

🏗 3. Build Local Backlinks
Sponsor local events or charities

Join local chambers or trade associations

Guest post on local blogs or news sites

🧠 Pro Tips
Track rankings using tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark

Use UTM parameters on your GBP links to track traffic

Regularly update your info (especially holiday hours or services)

📈 Real-World Growth Example
A small dental clinic in Chittagong optimized their Google Business Profile, added weekly posts, and got 50+ 5-star reviews in 60 days. Their local map views increased by 400%, resulting in 40+ new appointments monthly without ads.