Episode 2 – Business Info or Business Uh-oh
Okay okay, Aileen, so riddle me this—why is it that we’ll spend hours perfecting our Instagram bio, but leave our Google Business Profile lookin’ like a forgotten MySpace page?
Hah hah! Oh my gosh, yes! It’s like… we’re out here trying to win the local SEO Olympics, but we’re running the race in flip-flops!
Flip-flops! And uphill. In the rain.
Welcome, friends, to second episode in our Rise & Rank with Rankpast podcast – this is our Google Business Profile edition. I’m Kai, the human version of a Google update—unexpected, a little chaotic, but here to boost your rankings.
And I’m Aileen! Your local sunshine provider and resident curious cat, always asking the questions you wish you had the nerve to ask.
Today, we’re hopping on the express train to Google Business Profile Optimization Station.
And let me tell you… if you think your GBP is just a place to slap your business name and call it a day, oooh buddy—you’re leaving money on the table like it’s a sad, uneaten slice of birthday cake.
And I never leave cake behind. Ever.
So let’s get into it—this isn’t just some boring tech talk. This is your GPS for local rankings.
Yep. And unlike my car’s GPS, this one doesn’t yell “recalculating” every time I miss a turn. This guide? It’s takin’ us straight to the top.
Mmm, picture this: your Google Business Profile is like your shop window… on the busiest digital street corner in the world. But if your window’s dirty, hours are wrong, or your business description sounds like it was written by a sleepy robot—customers are just gonna keep walking.
Okay let’s kick it off with the foundation. Like the concrete slab under your Google Profile house. If your name, address, or phone number—your N.A.P.—is bouncing around more than a toddler on a sugar high, your search visibility’s taking a serious nap too.
Right?!
And let’s be honest, confused customers don’t stick around. They bounce faster than I did from that spin class last week. So N.A.P. consistency is rule numero uno!
Say it with me: one name, one address, one phone number. No abbreviations here, people!
If you’re “123 Main Street”, with “street” spelled out on your website, don’t turn into “123 Main St.”, spelling, “street”, with an S.T on your G.B.P.
And phone numbers? Pick a format and stick to it.
It’s like ordering your regular at your fave coffee shop—consistency is comforting. You don’t want Google second-guessing if you’re the same business or your evil twin.
Next up—business hours. Um, please don’t ghost your customers. Seriously. Imagine driving across town for tacos, and BAM! Closed. Devastating.
Ugh the betrayal. It’s like being stood up on taco Tuesday. Not cool. And not only is it not cool, it’s a potential 1-star review waiting to happen! So always update your hours—especially on holidays, snow days, or when you’re closed for vacay time.
And then we’ve got service areas! Like, if you’re a landscaper in Vancouver but only serve East Van and Kitsilano—please don’t tease the fine folks in Burnaby. Be honest. Be specific.
Haha! Yes! Don’t bait-and-switch! List the actual hoods you serve. It helps Google connect you to local searches and saves everyone a lotta time.
Okay, now the fun part—your business description. Think of it like speed dating. You’ve got 750 characters to make a killer first impression before your customer swipes on to the next option.
Oooh this is your moment to shine! Showcase your vibes, your flavour, your wow factor. Are you warm and cozy? Sleek and modern? Known for your life-changing lasagna?
And remember—it’s not a robot writing this. So ditch the boring “we sell shoes.” and go for something like: “Locally-owned boutique shoe store offering handcrafted leather boots and eco-conscious fashion in the heart of downtown Ottawa.”
Exactly! Give ‘em texture! Think cozy, classy, celebration-friendly, romantic… whatever your brand vibe is. Paint a picture. Words are your SEO seasoning, baby.
I’ve got a story for you. Meet Lisa. She’s trying to impress her in-laws. She searches for an Italian place. One listing just says: “Italian restaurant. Good food. Reasonable prices.”
Wow thrilling…. NOT!
Right? But then she sees another that says: “Award-winning Italian restaurant in downtown Chicago, known for its wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and candlelit ambiance.”
Boom. Reservation made. Mother-in-law impressed. Lisa’s a hero.
So yeah—words matter. Don’t let your profile read like a shopping receipt.
Alright! Let’s pack our local SEO suitcase with the essentials:
One—N.A.P. Consistency. Your digital fingerprint. Don’t smudge it.
Two—Business Hours. Keep ‘em real. Keep ‘em current.
Three—Service Areas. Don’t be vague. Be proud of where you work your magic.
Four—Business Description. Your 750-character chance to win hearts and customers. Make it count.
Boom! You’ve now built the base of your GBP skyscraper. Strong, shiny, and ready for Google’s spotlight.
Just remember, optimization isn’t a one-and-done thing—it’s more like tending a garden. You can’t just plant one seed and expect a jungle. It takes regular watering, a bit of pruning, and the occasional “please don’t die on me” pep talk.
Please don’t die little plant!
If you had fun, learned something, or at least laughed once, do us a solid—leave a review for RankPast Digital, and check out more local marketing tips at rankpast.com forward slash G.B.P
Thanks for hanging out with us. We’ll catch you next time—where we’re getting into the importance of photos and media for your Google profile. Until then peeps, keep those rankings movin’ up-and-to-the-right!
