How to Get More Local Clients Using Google Business Profile

If you're not ranking locally on Google, you're leaving money on the table. Learn how to fully optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP) to rank higher in search and get more calls from local customers — step-by-step.

Why Google Business Profile Matters

When someone searches for services like “landscaper near me” or “local web designer,” the first thing they see is the Google Map Pack — the top 3 local listings. These businesses get the majority of calls and visits — and they don’t pay for those clicks. That’s the power of Google Business Profile.

Whether you’re a painter, roofer, HVAC tech, or even a digital agency like us at Markivia, having a fully optimized GBP can drive free, high-quality leads to your business.

Step-by-Step: Optimize Your Google Business Profile

1. Complete Every Section

  • Business Name (must match your real-world name)
  • Address (if you serve customers at your location)
  • Service areas (list all cities you serve)
  • Phone number, website, business hours
  • Business category and attributes

Don’t leave anything blank — Google prefers complete listings.

2. Use Keywords in Your Description

Write a description that includes your main services and cities.
Example: “Markivia Digital is a full-service digital agency in Lathrop, CA, helping small businesses with web design, Google Ads, SEO, and lead generation.”

This helps Google match your profile to relevant searches.

3. Add Photos Every Week

Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to websites (according to Google).

  • Show your work (before/after)
  • Add your team, office, trucks, or project sites
  • Logo and branded graphics
  • Real photos, not stock

4. Collect 5-Star Reviews Consistently

Ask every happy customer to leave a review — and respond to all of them. This builds trust and boosts your rankings.

Pro Tip: Send a short, friendly text with your Google review link right after completing a job.

5. Post Updates and Offers Weekly

Treat your profile like a mini social feed. Post about:

  • New services
  • Project spotlights
  • Promotions
  • Behind-the-scenes content
  • Client testimonials

Each post stays visible for 7 days and signals that your business is active and trustworthy.

6. Enable Messaging & Call Tracking

Turn on messaging so people can text you directly from your listing. Use a tool like CallRail or Google Ads call forwarding to track which calls are coming from your profile.

Bonus: Track Performance with Insights

Google shows you valuable analytics under the “Performance” tab of your profile:

  • How many views your listing got
  • How many calls, clicks, or directions
  • What search terms people used to find you

Use this data to tweak your content and double down on what works.

Final Thoughts

Your Google Business Profile is a free tool — but most businesses aren’t using it to its full potential. With the right optimization, it can become a lead-generation machine.

At Markivia Digital, we help local businesses show up, get noticed, and turn views into calls. If you’d like us to optimize your GBP and set up Local Services Ads, let’s talk.

📞 (209) 699-8750
📧 contact@markiviadigital.com
📍 Based in Lathrop, CA — serving clients across the Central Valley and beyond

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