7 Ways to Repackage Your GMB for More Local Clicks and Calls

7 Ways to Repackage Your Google Business Profile for More Local Clicks and Calls

In today's local market, if you're not easily found, you're practically invisible. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first interaction potential customers have with your business. But are you truly optimising it to drive those crucial local clicks and calls? Many businesses treat their GBP as a static listing, set it and forget it. This is a huge missed opportunity!

The problem? An unoptimized GBP leads to missed connections, lost leads, and ultimately, fewer customers walking through your door or calling your phone. The good news is that even small, tactical changes to your GBP can lead to significant improvements in your local visibility and engagement.

Ready to transform your Google Business Profile from a passive placeholder into a customer-attracting magnet? Let's dive into 7 actionable ways to repackage your GBP for maximum local impact.

The Problem: Your GBP is Blending In, Not Standing Out.

Why it matters: In a sea of local businesses, a generic or incomplete GBP gets scrolled past. You need to capture attention immediately.

The Action: Repackage Your GBP for Maximum Impact!

Here are 7 tactical tips to make your Google Business Profile shine and drive more local clicks and calls:

1. Dull, Outdated, or Insufficient Photos & Videos.

Why it matters: Visuals are the first thing people notice. Low-quality or sparse images tell potential customers that your business might also be low-quality or inactive. A lack of diverse visuals (interior, exterior, products, team) leaves too much to the imagination.

Action: High-Quality Visuals Are Non-Negotiable.

• Audit Your Existing Photos: Are they well-lit, high-resolution, and recent? Remove any blurry or pixelated images.

• Showcase Your Best: Upload professional, high-quality photos of your storefront, interior, products/services in action, and even your team (if appropriate).

• Diversify Your Media: Include videos! A short video tour of your premises or a quick product demonstration can significantly boost engagement.

• Utilise Google's Photo Types: Categorise your photos correctly (e.g., "Interior," "Exterior," "Products," "Team") to help Google understand your business better.

• Pro Tip: Regularly add new photos and videos to keep your profile fresh and show Google you're an active business.

2. Problem: Generic or Keyword-Poor Business Description.

Why it matters: Your business description is your elevator pitch to potential customers and Google's algorithm. If it doesn't clearly state what you do and include relevant keywords, you're missing out on vital search visibility.

Action: Craft a Keyword-Rich, Compelling Description.

• Identify Your Core Keywords: Think about what customers would type into Google to find a business like yours (e.g., "best Restaurants Abuja," "emergency plumber Lagos," "graphic designer Umuahia").

Read Our Guide on: How to Show Up on GMB for "Best Restaurants" Searches

• Integrate Naturally: Weave these keywords naturally into a concise (up to 750 characters, but the first 250 are most important), engaging description that highlights your unique selling proposition.

• Focus on Benefits: Instead of just listing services, explain how your services benefit the customer.

• Example: Instead of "We sell shoes," try "Discover the perfect pair of shoes in Umuahia, from comfortable running shoes to elegant heels, for every occasion and budget."

3. Problem: Neglecting the "Products" and "Services" Sections.

Why it matters: Many businesses overlook these crucial sections, assuming their description is enough. However, dedicated product and service listings provide more detailed information, include specific keywords, and can even feature direct calls to action.

Action: Populate and Optimise Your Product and Service Listings.

• List Everything: Thoroughly list all your products and services, even if they seem minor. Each listing is an opportunity for a keyword hit.

• Add Descriptions & Prices: For each product/service, include a clear description, pricing (if applicable and beneficial), and a relevant photo.

• Use Specific Keywords: Don't just say "haircuts." Say "men's classic haircut," "women's long hair trim," "kids' barber services."

• Link Directly: Where possible, add a link to the specific product or service page on your website.

4. Problem: Unanswered FAQs and Missed Opportunities in Q&A.

Why it matters: The Q&A section is a goldmine for addressing common customer queries before they even call. If you don't manage it, anyone can ask (and answer) questions about your business, potentially spreading misinformation or leaving good questions unanswered.

Action: Proactively Manage Your Q&A Section.

• Seed Your Questions: Think about the 5-10 most common questions you get asked (e.g., "Do you offer delivery?", "What are your opening hours on public holidays?", "Do you accept card payments?"). Post these questions yourself and provide clear, concise answers.

• Monitor Regularly: Check the Q&A section frequently for new questions from the public and answer them promptly and accurately.

• Correct Misinformation: If someone posts an incorrect answer, flag it or provide the correct information.

• Use Keywords in Answers: Naturally incorporate keywords into your answers to further boost your search visibility for those specific queries.

5. Problem: Slow or Non-Existent Review Responses.

Why it matters: Reviews are social proof, and your responses show you value customer feedback. Ignoring reviews (positive or negative) can make your business appear unresponsive or uncaring. A lack of engagement with reviews can also signal to Google that your business isn't actively managing its online presence.

Action: Engage with Every Review, Promptly and Professionally.

• Respond to All Reviews: Make it a priority to respond to every single review, good or bad.

• For Positive Reviews: Thank the customer, be specific about what you appreciate, and reinforce your brand values.

• For Negative Reviews: Apologise sincerely, acknowledge their concern, offer to take the conversation offline, and if appropriate, explain how you will address the issue. Do NOT get defensive or argue.

• Be Timely: Aim to respond within 24-48 hours.

• Use Keywords (Naturally): Occasionally, you can subtly weave in keywords in your positive review responses, e.g., "We're so glad you enjoyed our authentic Nigerian Jollof Rice!"

6. Problem: Inconsistent or Outdated Business Information.

Why it matters: Nothing erodes trust faster than incorrect information. Wrong opening hours, an old phone number, or an incorrect address will lead to frustrated customers and lost business. Google also penalises businesses with inconsistent information across the web.

Action: Ensure All Information is Accurate and Up-to-Date.

• Double-Check NAP (Name, Address, Phone): Verify that your business name, address, and phone number are the same across your GBP, website, and other online directories.

• Update Hours Regularly: Especially for holidays or special events, make sure your operating hours are always current.

• Keep Services/Categories Current: If you add new services or change your primary business category, update your GBP accordingly.

• Utilise Special Hours: Google allows you to set "Special Hours" for holidays or temporary closures. Use this feature!

7. Problem: Ignoring Google Posts.

Why it matters: Google Posts are like mini-blog posts or social media updates directly on your GBP. Many businesses don't use them, missing a fantastic opportunity to share timely updates, promotions, and news that can directly drive clicks and calls.

Action: Regularly Create Engaging Google Posts.

• Announce Promotions: Share current sales, discounts, or special offers.

• Highlight New Products/Services: Introduce new offerings to your audience.

• Share Updates: Inform customers about changes in hours, new staff, or upcoming events.

• Feature Blog Posts: Drive traffic to your website by linking to your latest blog content.

• Use Engaging Visuals: Always include a compelling image or video with your posts.

• Include a Call to Action: Use buttons like "Learn More," "Call Now," "Order Online," or "Book."

• Post Regularly: Aim for at least once a week to keep your profile dynamic.

The Big Picture: Small Changes, Big Results

Repackaging your Google Business Profile isn't about grand gestures; it's about consistent, tactical improvements. Each of these actions, when implemented thoughtfully, contributes to a more robust, visible, and engaging GBP.

By taking the time to optimise your photos, refine your descriptions, manage your Q&A, respond to reviews, keep information accurate, and leverage Google Posts, you're not just updating a listing – you're actively creating a powerful local marketing tool. The result? More local clicks, more phone calls, and ultimately, more customers for your business.

Don't wait! Start implementing these changes today and watch your local visibility soar.