Rise & Rank with RankPast Podcast

Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 6: Reviews

In this episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast, we’re diving deep into the world of reviews — the digital love letters (or horror stories) that can make or break your business. Imagine two pizza places on Google: one with five stars and glowing reviews, and the other with a lonely two-star review about “cardboard crust” (yikes!). Which one are you choosing? That’s the power of customer reviews. Kai and Aileen guide you through how to harness reviews for local SEO success, from making it stupid easy to collect reviews, to the best practices for responding to them. We also spill the beans on how to use reviews to market your business, boosting trust and visibility without looking desperate. Want to know how to ask for reviews without sounding like you're begging? We’ve got you covered. Plus, learn how to respond to both glowing praise and negative feedback like a pro — no robotic replies allowed! Get ready to see how reviews can skyrocket your Google Business Profile, boost your local SEO, and turn satisfied customers into loyal fans. If you’re not leveraging reviews yet, what are you waiting for? Tune in for all the tips, tricks, and a bit of humour as we help you make reviews your biggest superpower. Key Takeaways: - Make leaving reviews easy and accessible for your customers. - Respond to reviews in a way that builds relationships, not drama. - Use reviews in your marketing to showcase your business’ awesomeness. - Automate the process with tools so you don’t lose your sanity! Listen now, and don’t forget to leave a review (yes, we’re practicing what we preach)! Listen to all GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live.

Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 5: Posting

In this episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO podcast, Aileen and Kai dive into how to keep your Google Business Profile (GBP) fresh and engaging. They explain why regular posts are essential for staying visible on Google and how to optimize your GBP like a pro. From service offerings to community involvement, they share actionable tips for creating posts that attract attention. Key takeaways: - Post clear service descriptions: Be specific and highlight what sets you apart. - Summarize blog posts: Share teasers and drive traffic to your website. - Use 5-star reviews: Make them visually appealing with Canva. - Announce news, events, and promos: Create urgency and keep customers informed. - Post consistently: Schedule posts with tools like Hootsuite or Buffer. Listen in to discover how posting regularly on your Google Business Profile can help you stand out, engage with your audience, and drive more traffic to your business. With expert tips on creating clear, compelling posts, leveraging reviews, and staying active with updates, this episode is packed with strategies to help you boost your visibility, foster customer trust, and improve your ranking on Google. Tune in to learn how to make the most of your GBP and keep your business top-of-mind for potential customers! Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live. Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to leave us a review!

Rise and Rank with RankPast Local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 4: Categories

In this 4th episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast Podcast: GBP Edition, Kai and Aileen tackle the often-overlooked aspect of Google Business Profiles: categories and services. If you’re not categorizing your business correctly, you could be invisible to potential customers. Kai and Aileen break it down in a fun, relatable way, ensuring your business shows up in the right searches. Key Takeaways: - Why Categories Matter: If your categories are too vague, Google can’t tell what your business really does. It’s like being a can of soup labeled “Food” without specifying whether it’s tomato, vegan, or chicken noodle. Get specific! - Choosing the Right Categories: Think of your primary category as your business’s “main character,” and your secondary categories as supporting roles. Pick your categories carefully to show exactly what you do. Don’t list everything under the sun, or you might confuse Google and your customers. - Spy on Competitors: Use tools like PlePer to see which categories top competitors are using and steal their SEO strategy. - Best Practices: Focus on one strong primary category (the Beyoncé of your profile) and choose 5–8 secondary categories that accurately reflect your business. - Avoid Overcrowding: Too many irrelevant categories can confuse Google and result in penalties. Stick to categories that are relevant to your core business. Kai and Aileen share a funny cautionary tale about a business owner named Carl, who made the mistake of listing too many categories, confusing Google and losing visibility. Take their advice—be specific with your Google categories to ensure your business gets found by the right people. For more tips and resources, check out RankPast.com and make sure to leave a Google review or shout us out on your socials! Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live. Next Up: Stay tuned for Episode 5, where we’ll dive deeper into the magic of customer reviews and how to leverage them for local SEO.

Rise & Rank w/ RankPast Local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 1: GBP Overview

Welcome to the very first episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast Podcast: Google Business Profile Edition! In today’s episode, we kick things off with a deep dive into the essential foundation of local SEO – your Google Business Profile (GBP). Whether you’re a taco shop, a gym, or a dog groomer, your GBP is your 24/7 digital storefront. Without it, you're invisible online, and let's face it—nobody wants that! Hosts Kai and Aileen break down what GBP is, why it matters, and how you can optimize yours to ensure you’re not just another lost business in the search results. From filling out every field (yes, every field!) to the power of high-quality photos, reviews, and up-to-date information, we’ll show you how to shine in the spotlight of Google’s Local Pack and Maps. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why your GBP is your digital marquee: A well-crafted profile ensures customers can find you easily, boosting your local visibility and attracting new customers. - Step-by-step GBP optimization tips: How to nail the basics like accurate N.A.P (Name, Address, Phone), selecting the right business categories, and uploading enticing photos. - The magic of reviews: More reviews = higher rankings. Learn how to collect and respond to reviews to build trust with your audience. - Posting updates: Keep your profile active with promotions, behind-the-scenes content, and valuable tips to make Google fall in love with your business. This episode is packed with practical, actionable tips to help your business thrive in local searches. Tune in and start optimizing your GBP today—because if you’re not showing up, you’re missing out! Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live. Don’t forget to leave a review if you’re loving the podcast! Stay tuned for Episode 2, where we’ll dive into the all-important description section of your GBP!

Rise & Rank w/ RankPast Local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 2: Business Info

Welcome to the second episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast! In this episode, hosts Kai and Aileen explore how to optimize the foundation of your Google Business Profile (GBP) to make sure it’s ready to shine in local searches. It’s time to stop treating your GBP like an afterthought! From N.A.P. consistency (Name, Address, Phone number) to your business hours, service areas, and your all-important business description, we’ve got the secrets to making your GBP work for you. In this episode, you'll learn: - N.A.P. Consistency: Why having a consistent Name, Address, and Phone number across all platforms is crucial for your local SEO rankings and customer trust. - Business Hours: The importance of keeping your hours up-to-date and making sure customers know when to find you—no more closed doors and disappointed taco seekers! - Service Areas: How to be specific about the locations you serve so Google can better connect you with local customers. Don’t leave anyone hanging! - Crafting a Killer Business Description: Make every character count! Learn how to create a compelling, SEO-friendly business description that captures your brand’s essence and turns searches into customers. By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools to turn your Google Business Profile into a powerful local SEO asset. Tune in to learn how to optimize every detail to increase your visibility and boost your rankings. Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live. Don’t forget: If you’re enjoying the show, leave a review for RankPast Digital and check out rankpast.com for more local marketing tips. And stay tuned for Episode 3, where we dive into images and media for your GBP!

Rise & Rank w/ RankPast Local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 3: Photos

In this episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO podcast, Kai and Aileen break down how photos and videos can take your Google Business Profile (GBP) from “meh” to “wow!” They discuss the importance of high-quality visuals and how they play a pivotal role in boosting your local SEO rankings. Visuals are your business's first impression, so let’s make sure they stand out in a good way. Kai and Aileen share the key ingredients to creating a winning photo strategy that gets results and doesn't scare off potential customers. Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why Photos and Videos Matter: Business profiles with images get 42% more direction requests and 35% more website clicks. Photos make a difference! - The Must-Have Photos: Exterior shots, interior vibes, product close-ups, and team photos (bonus points for fun team pics!). Plus, videos can really bring your business to life. - Best Practices for Image Quality: High-resolution images (720px minimum) with the right file size (aim for 100–200KB). Don’t forget to name your files with SEO-friendly keywords! - For Service Area Businesses (S.A.B.): Upload photos and videos from customer sites with location data so Google can pinpoint exactly where you’re working and boost your visibility in those areas. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of how to use visuals to build trust, increase engagement, and improve your Google rankings. Optimizing your photos and videos is like giving your business a makeover—without the mess! Don’t forget: If you’re enjoying the podcast, leave a review for RankPast Digital and check out rankpast.com for more local marketing tips. Next up, we dive deeper into the magic of reviews! Stay tuned for Episode 4. Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live.

You’ve got gold in the backyard — AKA an amazing business — but if you don’t show people where to find it, what’s the point? It’s like burying treasure... and forgetting to draw the map. 🎧 Sign up below to get your free Google Business Profile Checklist and Competitor Audit Launches Tuesday, June 3rd  

If your Google Business Profile is gathering digital dust, this podcast is your free fix. Hosts Kai (SEO nerd, taco lover) and Eileen (content strategist, karaoke queen) break down local SEO with laughs, real talk, and zero jargon. It's fast, fun, and built for business owners who want to show up, stand out, and get found.

🎧 Sign up below to get your free Google Business Profile Checklist and Competitor Audit

Launches Tuesday, June 3rd