Drive Traffic To Google My Business Listing: Proven Tactics That Actually Work

If you’re looking to dominate local search results, one thing you can’t afford to overlook is Google My Business (GMB)—the nerve center for your local online presence. It’s not just about showing up in Maps anymore; GMB listings help people find, trust, and ultimately choose you for their needs. So let’s talk strategy. Today, I’m breaking down the best ways to drive traffic to your GMB listing, with a special focus on reviews (the real MVP), location pages, and a few other secret weapons to rank higher.

1. Ace Your Review Game

Reviews are the lifeblood of your listing, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a solid review strategy in place. Potential customers trust peer feedback more than any marketing message—it’s as simple as that.

• Ask in Person: Whenever you wrap up a job or help a customer, politely ask, “Would you mind leaving us a Google review?” Show them how to do it on their phone, too. This “walk them through it” approach significantly boosts the likelihood they’ll actually leave that all-important 5-star review.

• Automate Where Possible: Email or text follow-ups can work as reminders, but there’s nothing like a face-to-face request for that personal touch.

Why Reviews Matter for Traffic

Google’s ranking algorithm heavily favors listings with fresh, positive reviews. Plus, people are more likely to click on a listing that has a strong star rating and up-to-date testimonials. The result? You appear higher in local searches and you convert more of those clicks into real leads.

2. Link to the Right Website Page

One of the most common mistakes I see is businesses linking their GMB listing to their homepage when they actually have location-specific pages. If you have multiple locations—or even just one location with dedicated services—link directly to the most relevant page on your website.

• Location Page: If you serve multiple regions, create a unique location page with address, phone number, and service details, then link to that page in your GMB profile.

• Service-Specific Pages: If your service lines vary by location (think “termite control” in one region, “rodent control” in another), link directly to the most relevant service page.

This approach provides a seamless user experience and helps Google understand your service area and offerings—leading to better local search visibility.

3. Optimize the Basics: Keywords, Categories & Services

Think of your GMB listing like your storefront sign. It needs to be crystal clear about who you are and what you do.

Add Keywords in the Business Name (Where Appropriate)

Yes, keywords in your business name can help you rank higher. Just be cautious about going overboard or adding too many. Keep it relevant and aligned with your actual business branding. If you’re a pest control company in Dallas, “ABC Pest Control – Dallas” could be a valid format.

Choose Additional Categories

Don’t stick to a single category if you offer multiple services. Adding extra relevant categories (like “Rodent Control” or “Termite Control” if you’re a pest control business) increases your visibility in various types of searches.

Add Custom Services with Locally Relevant Keywords

Include specific services in your GMB profile, making sure to incorporate keywords and location names where it makes sense. For example:

• “Bed Bug Treatment in Austin”

• “Mosquito Control for Charlotte Homes”

These custom services give Google more clues about where you operate and what you offer, boosting your chance to appear in local results.

4. Secure a Physical Business Location

Location, location, location—it matters more than you think. Having an actual physical address can make a world of difference in your GMB listing’s performance. Google’s algorithm gives priority to businesses that have a legitimate, verifiable address.

• Rent a Location, If Needed: If you’re running a home service operation (like lawn care or pest control) without a publicly accessible storefront, consider renting a space. Even a small, budget-friendly office or co-working suite can position you more competitively in the eyes of Google.

• Proximity Relevance: The closer you are to the center of your service area, the better your chances of ranking high in local searches for that area.

If you work 100% remotely or in the field, you can still use a Service Area Business (SAB) setup. Just remember that having a physical location can provide a ranking advantage, especially in competitive markets.

5. Keep Everything Up to Date

• Hours of Operation: This isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it scenario. Update your hours for holidays or unexpected closures.

• Photos & Posts: Regularly upload photos of your work, staff, or happy customers (with permission). Use GMB “Posts” to share updates, special offers, or seasonal tips.

• Q&A Section: Monitor the Questions & Answers feature. Provide clear responses to queries and preemptively ask and answer common questions to show expertise.

This continual activity signals to Google—and potential customers—that your business is active and trustworthy. You may ask, "does Google Business Profile posting improve rankings?" Absolutely.

6. Combine GMB with a Strong Local SEO Foundation

Your GMB listing isn’t an island. To get the best results, blend this strategy with a well-rounded local SEO plan:

• NAP Consistency: Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone are consistent across your website, social media, and online directories.

• Local Citations: Submit your business info to credible local directories like Yelp, Angie’s List, or industry-specific listings.

• Reviews Beyond Google: While Google reviews pack the biggest punch, positive feedback on other sites also helps build authority.

Together, these signals reinforce the trust and relevance you need to outrank competitors.

Final Thoughts

Driving traffic to your Google My Business listing isn’t rocket science—it just takes consistent effort in the right areas. Reviews are your secret weapon for building trust and ranking well. Link to location-specific pages so you’re sending people exactly where they want to go. Make sure you’re covering the basics with relevant categories, services, and keywords. And if it makes sense for your home service business, secure a physical location for that all-important proximity advantage.

Layer these tactics on top of a robust local SEO strategy, and your GMB listing can become the digital storefront that draws in more leads, more calls, and more sales. Trust me—it’s one of the best investments you can make in your local marketing arsenal.

That’s it for now! If you have any questions or want help setting up your GMB listing, you know I’m here to help. This is Danny Leibrandt, wishing you local search success and a steady stream of customers knocking on your (digital) door.