Episode 8 – Attributes that Attract
Quick question—have you ever walked into a business and thought, “Uhh… what is this place even about?” Like, no signs, no vibe, no clue if you’re in a café or an interrogation room?
Mmm yess! Like, you walk in, and you’re scanning the place like a detective. “Are these guys open?”, Do they take cards? Is it dog-friendly? Am I allowed to breathe in here?” Total mystery.
Right? And then, imagine another spot—same kind of business—but right out front there’s a sign that says, “Come In, We’re Open. Free Wi-Fi, Comfy Seating, and YES—Dogs Welcome!” I mean, come on! That place just earned itself a customer and a selfie with my dog.
Hahhaaha totally! That one sentence made it feel like home. It’s like the business winked at you and said, “We get you.” And that, my friend, is the magic of attributes on your Google Business Profile.
Yup. Attributes are basically your business’s personality. They’re the little badges that tell Google—and your future customers—what makes you awesome. And if you’re not using them? Honestly, it’s like handing out a resume that just says “I’m alive.”
Hah! Or worse—“Trust me.” No thanks. So today, we’re breaking down how to turn your business profile from a wallflower into a spotlight stealer—all by using attributes the right way.
We’re your dynamic duo from Rankpast, the SEO nerds with jokes and coffee addictions. I’m Kai, the one who gets way too excited about optimizing Google listings…
And I’m Aileen, the cheerful enabler of said enthusiasm, and your guide through the magical forest of local SEO.
Alright, let’s get into it. So… what exactly are these mystical things called attributes?
They’re basically the stickers on your Google Business Profile that shout, “Hey! We’ve got what you’re looking for!” Think: “Wheelchair accessible,” “Free Wi-Fi,” or “Kid-friendly.” They help people make fast decisions and, bonus—Google loves them.
Picture this. Sarah’s out there hunting for a café with free Wi-Fi to finally—FINALLY—finish her screenplay. She types in “café with Wi-Fi,” and guess who pops up?
Café #1: Has the “Free Wi-Fi” attribute. Boom. Top of the list.
Café #2? Crickets. No attributes. No customers. Just sad vibes and empty tables.
So guess where Sarah ends up? Exactly. Café #1. Attributes equal visibility, equal customers, equals cha-ching!
So guess where Sarah ends up? Exactly. Café #1. Attributes equal visibility, equal customers, equals cha-ching!
Now let’s talk categories—because attributes aren’t one-size-fits-all. There’s a whole buffet to choose from depending on your biz.
First up: Accessibility. This one’s huge. If your place has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, or restroom—put it on your profile! People actively search for this stuff.
Absolutely! Like, I once helped plan a group dinner and the deciding factor wasn’t the menu—it was whether grandma could get in without doing parkour.
Hahhaaha, parkour Grandma!
And here’s the kicker—Google actually ranks accessible businesses higher in certain searches. So yes, it’s good for people and your SEO. That’s a win-win if I’ve ever heard one.
Alright, next up: Amenities. AKA the little perks that make people choose you over the shop next door.
Think Free Wi-Fi. Outdoor seating. Restrooms. People Google this stuff constantly. It’s not just about the coffee—it’s about where they can pee and upload their latte pic.
Haha FACT! Let’s run a quick case study. Two coffee shops, side by side. One lists “Outdoor Seating” on its Google profile. The other? Nada. Just four walls and mystery.
Haha FACT! Let’s run a quick case study. Two coffee shops, side by side. One lists “Outdoor Seating” on its Google profile. The other? Nada. Just four walls and mystery.
Who wins when the sun’s out and someone searches “cafes with outdoor seating”? You already know. Sun-chasers and iced coffee lovers are flocking to the patio, while the other shop wonders where everyone went.
Now let’s chat about one of my personal favourites—family-friendly features. If your place has high chairs, a kids’ menu, or even a play area, SAY SO!
Mm-hm. Parents aren’t playing games. They’re looking for survival zones. And if your spot has something that lets them eat in peace while their toddler destroys a coloring book? You just became a hero.
Exactly. You’ve got Restaurant “A” with “Kids’ Play Area” proudly listed. And Restaurant “B”, who forgot parents exist. Guess who’s fully booked on Saturday night?
Restaurant “A”. Every. time.
Alright, now you might be wondering—what other kinds of attributes are out there?
Well, buckle up – it’s a long list. Here goes….we’ve got:
– Accessibility: from assistive hearing loops to mobility scooter rentals
– Crowd attributes: adults only, kid-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly
– Planning tools: things like “appointment required” or “accepting new patients”
– Dining options: curbside pickup, dine-in, takeout
– Hidden attributes: like “great dessert” or “cozy vibe” that show up based on customer reviews
– Amenities: fitness centers, spas, beach access—especially for hotels and tourism
– Language assistance: yeah, you can actually list which languages your team speaks
– And service options: like online appointments or on-site services
Whew. That was a list. But dang, it’s like a Google-powered dating profile for your biz. You gotta show people what you’re all about.
Now, let’s talk logistics. How do you actually add these things?
Super simple. Just log in to your Google Business Profile, hit “Edit Profile,” go to the “More” tab, and BOOM—start adding attributes that match your biz. Remember you can get to your G.B.P dashboard by searching Google for your company name.
And just a heads up—some attributes are based on your category. So what’s available to a spa might be different from a dog groomer or a law firm.
Oh, and don’t forget—customers can influence your attributes too.
Yup! When they leave reviews, mention features, or fill out surveys, Google listens. Enough people say, “best vegan options” or “super cozy vibe”? Google might slap that label on your listing—even if you didn’t.
So wow them! Blow their socks off. And they’ll do half your SEO work for you.
Alright Kai, let’s hit the takeaways.
First: Attributes help your business stand out and show up in more searches.
Second: They make decision-making easier for customers.
Third: Google prioritizes businesses that have relevant attributes.
Boom. That’s the recipe right there.
So… what now?
You know what to do. Go update those attributes like your business depends on it—because it kinda does.
Then go search Rankpast on Google, drop us a sweet review, and check out rankpast.com/gbp for more ways to make your local SEO not boring. Oh, and checklists, transcripts, and the ability to download the complete GBP podcast!
Tell your friends, tell your dog, tell your favourite barista. Get the word out!
We’ll be back next episode with more tips, more jokes, and probably more caffeine.
And hopefully more attributes added to your business by then. Buyeeee!
