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For Canadian businesses, local search traffic can be a game-changer. According to Google, 46% of all searches have local intent, and users are more likely to visit businesses that appear in local search results.

Your Google Business Profile (GBP)—formerly Google My Business—is a powerful tool that helps your business appear in Google Maps and local search results. Optimizing your GBP ensures that potential customers in your area can find, contact, and engage with your business easily.

In this guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step strategies to optimize your Google Business Profile and drive maximum local traffic in 2025.

1. Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile

The first step is to claim your business profile if you haven’t already. Verification ensures Google trusts your business and allows you to manage your listing.

Steps to Claim and Verify:

1. Go to Google Business Profile.

2. Sign in with your Google account.

3. Search for your business or add it if it doesn’t exist.

4. Choose the verification method: mail, phone, email, or instant verification (for some businesses).

Benefit: A verified profile is essential to appear in Google Maps and local search results.

2. Complete All Business Information

A complete profile improves your local SEO rankings and helps customers make decisions quickly.

Essential Information to Include:

• Business Name: Use your official business name.

• Address: Accurate physical location for local searches.

• Phone Number: Local phone number increases trust.

• Website URL: Direct traffic to your site.

• Business Hours: Update for holidays and special events.

• Category: Choose the most relevant primary category. You can add secondary categories as well.

Tip: Consistency across GBP, website, and other directories improves your local SEO authority.

3. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos

Visual content can boost engagement and attract potential customers.

Photo Guidelines:

• Include exterior and interior shots of your business.

• Add photos of products, services, or staff.

• Update photos regularly to keep your profile fresh.

Video Guidelines:

• Short videos (30–60 seconds) showcasing products or services.

• Customer testimonials or behind-the-scenes clips.

• Ensure videos are high-quality and mobile-friendly.

Benefit: Listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites.

4. Craft a Compelling Business Description

Your business description is your chance to showcase your brand and attract customers.

Best Practices:

• Include primary and secondary keywords naturally.

• Highlight unique selling points, services, and local relevance.

• Keep it concise (up to 750 characters).

• Focus on how your business solves customer problems.

Example:
“Media Soldiers is a Canadian digital marketing agency in Toronto, helping small and medium businesses boost traffic, leads, and conversions with expert SEO, web design, and web development services.”

5. Utilize Google Business Profile Posts

GBP posts allow you to share updates, offers, events, and news directly on your listing.

Types of Posts:

• Offer Posts: Promote discounts or special deals.

• Event Posts: Share local events, webinars, or workshops.

• Product Posts: Highlight new products or services.

• Update Posts: Share news, achievements, or announcements.

Benefit: Active posting increases engagement and local search relevance.

6. Collect and Manage Customer Reviews

Reviews are critical for local trust and SEO rankings.

Tips for Reviews:

• Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews.

• Respond promptly to all reviews, positive and negative.

• Highlight local keywords naturally when responding.

Example Response:
“Thank you, Sarah, for your kind words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed our SEO services in Toronto and look forward to helping your business grow further.”

Benefit: Businesses with positive reviews rank higher in local searches and attract more clicks.

7. Leverage Q&A Section

The Q&A section on your GBP allows customers to ask questions directly.

Strategies:

• Proactively add frequently asked questions and answers.

• Monitor and respond promptly to new questions.

• Use keywords naturally in answers to improve SEO relevance.

Benefit: Provides clarity to potential customers and boosts search visibility.

8. Enable Messaging and Booking Features

Google Business Profile offers direct messaging and booking options, depending on your business type.

Tips:

• Enable messaging to allow users to contact you instantly.

• Use booking integrations for appointments or consultations.

• Respond quickly to inquiries to increase conversions.

Benefit: Improves customer experience and increases lead generation.

9. Monitor Insights and Analytics

Google provides insights on how customers find and interact with your profile.

Key Metrics to Track:

• Search Queries: What people are searching for to find your business.

• Views: How many users see your profile on Maps and Search.

• Actions: Clicks for website visits, calls, and direction requests.

• Customer Engagement: Photo views, post clicks, and reviews.

Benefit: Use these insights to optimize your listing and improve local SEO strategies.

10. Keep Your Profile Updated

Google values active and accurate listings. Regular updates improve search rankings and trust.

Regular Updates:

• Update hours during holidays or special events.

• Add new products, services, or photos regularly.

• Refresh business descriptions and posts quarterly.

Tip: Consistent updates signal relevance to Google, improving local search performance.

Conclusion

Optimizing your Google Business Profile is one of the most effective ways for Canadian businesses to drive local traffic, generate leads, and boost sales. By claiming your profile, completing all information, adding high-quality visuals, encouraging reviews, and actively posting updates, your business can dominate local search results.

Ready to attract more local customers and increase traffic for your Canadian business? Contact Media Soldiers today for a free Google Business Profile audit and start optimizing your listing for maximum results in 2025.