In today’s competitive digital landscape, businesses in Surat must leverage every opportunity to stand out online. With a majority of customers relying on Google to discover local services and products, having a well-optimized Google My Business (GMB) profile—now called Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential. A strong local SEO strategy ensures that your business appears in relevant search results, driving more traffic, leads, and sales. Whether you run a café on Ghod Dod Road, a textile shop on Ring Road, or a startup in Vesu, optimizing your Google Business Profile can significantly boost your local visibility.
Studies show that nearly 50% of all Google searches are local, and a large percentage of mobile users visit a store or make a purchase within a day of searching. This means that if your Google Business Profile isn’t properly optimized, you risk losing potential customers to competitors. By implementing the right local SEO strategies, such as keeping your business details updated, managing customer reviews, and utilizing relevant keywords, you can enhance your online presence and attract more customers in Surat. Let’s dive into the best practices for Google My Business optimization in 2025.
Table of contents:
The Basics of Google My Business
Google My Business (Now Google Business Profile): A Powerful Tool for Local SEO
Google My Business, now known as Google Business Profile (GBP), is a free and essential tool for businesses in Surat to improve their local search rankings. By claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile, you increase your visibility on Google Search and Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find and connect with your business. A well-optimized profile enhances credibility and boosts engagement, ultimately driving more traffic and sales.
When setting up your Google Business Profile, ensure that you provide key business details to help customers get the information they need quickly.
These include:
- Business Name & Category – Clearly define what your business offers.
- Address & Location – Make it easy for local customers to find you.
- Operating Hours – Keep customers informed about when you’re open.
- Website & Contact Information – Provide direct links for easy access.
- Customer Reviews & Ratings – Build trust and encourage new customers.
- Photos & Videos – Showcase your products, services, or premises to attract more visitors.
By keeping your Google Business Profile updated and optimized, you can improve your rankings, attract more local customers in Surat, and stay ahead of the competition.
Why Do You Need Google My Business for Local SEO?
Optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a game-changer for local SEO, especially for businesses in Surat. Whether you run a textile shop in Ring Road, a café in Vesu, or a startup in Adajan, an optimized Google Business Profile can help you rank higher in search results, attract more customers, and increase conversions.
1. Boost Your Local Search Rankings
A well-optimized Google Business Profile can improve your local search rankings, increasing the chances of appearing in the Google 3-Pack the top three local results shown in searches. Research shows that 71% of users click on the first-page search results, and up to 92% never go past the first page. If your business isn’t optimized, you risk losing potential customers to competitors.
To improve your local ranking, you should
- Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms.
- Use relevant keywords in your profile description and services.
- Encourage customer reviews to build credibility and trust.
2. Engage with Customers
Your Google Business Profile isn’t just a listing it’s a powerful tool for customer interaction. Keeping your profile updated with the latest information makes it easier for customers to find, contact, and engage with your business.
- 60% of smartphone users contact businesses directly through GBP.
- 64% of users rely on GBP to find contact details.
You can enhance engagement by:
- Uploading high-quality images and videos of your business.
- Responding to customer reviews and questions to build trust.
- Updating business hours, offers, and posts to keep customers informed.
3. Drive More Traffic & Sales
A well-optimized GBP listing directly impacts website traffic and conversions. Businesses that actively maintain their Google Business Profile see higher engagement, more clicks, and increased foot traffic.
- GBP listings generate 59 monthly actions on average, including calls, direction requests, and website visits.
- Businesses with complete profiles are 2.7 times more likely to be considered reputable.
By providing detailed business information, customer reviews, and service highlights, you make it easier for customers to choose you over competitors.
4. Expand Your Local Reach
With Google’s increasing focus on local intent searches, optimizing your Google Business Profile ensures you reach more customers in Surat. Mobile searches like “near me” and “where to buy” have surged by over 200% in recent years.
By using local SEO strategies such as:
- Adding service areas to target specific local customers.
- Posting regular updates, offers, and events to increase visibility.
- Integrating GBP with your website and social media to create a seamless user experience.
You can expand your reach and connect with more potential customers searching for businesses like yours.
5. Establish Authority & Build Trust
A strong Google Business Profile enhances your credibility. Google prioritizes businesses with high engagement, positive reviews, and consistent information.
- 71% of consumers say GBP reviews influence their decision to choose a business.
- 74% of users trust businesses with more GBP reviews.
Encourage customers to leave reviews, respond to them, and showcase testimonials to establish trust and credibility. Businesses with a high review count and rating have a much better chance of ranking higher in local searches.
How Does Google Determine Local Ranking on GMB?
Google uses three main factors to determine local search rankings: Proximity, Relevance, and Prominence.
1. Proximity: Location Matters
Google prioritizes businesses that are closest to the searcher’s location. If someone searches for “best café in Surat”, Google will show options near their location based on their GPS or previous search history.
46% of all Google searches are local, meaning location-based businesses have a huge opportunity to rank higher if their Google Business Profile is optimized correctly.
2. Relevance: Matching Search Intent
Google ranks businesses based on how well their profile matches the search query. If you own a “pet store in Surat”, but your profile isn’t optimized with relevant keywords like ‘pet supplies,’ ‘dog food,’ or ‘pet grooming’, Google may not show your business in relevant searches.
To improve relevance:
- Use industry-specific keywords in your business description, posts, and services.
- Keep your category and services updated.
- Ensure your business name and description reflect what you offer.
3. Prominence: Online Reputation & Authority
- Google considers both internal and external factors when ranking local businesses.
Internal factors:
- Number of Google reviews and overall rating.
- Completeness of your Google Business Profile (photos, hours, contact info).
External factors:
- The number of quality backlinks pointing to your website.
- Mentions on other local directories like Justdial, Yelp, and social media.
Google states that businesses with a complete and accurate profile are 70% more likely to attract customers.
How to Create a Google My Business Account?
Creating a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is essential for improving your local SEO and making your business discoverable in Surat. A well-optimized profile increases visibility, drives traffic, and helps potential customers find your business quickly. Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up and optimize your Google Business Profile effectively.
Step #1: Visit the Google Business Profile Website
First, visit the Google My Business website and sign in with your Google Account. Adding a new business is easy, and using an email with your business domain is best. Read on to learn more.
If you’re managing an existing business, search for your business name to check if a profile already exists. If not, click “Add your business to Google” to begin the setup process.
Step #2: Claim Your Business
Before creating a new listing, ensure your business isn’t already listed. Duplicate listings can negatively impact your local rankings or even lead to suspension of your profile.
To check, go to Google Search and type your business name + location. If a listing already exists, claim ownership by selecting “Own this business?” and following the verification process.
If your business name is available, proceed with creating a new profile.
Step #3: Enter Essential Business Information
Once you’ve claimed or created your profile, it’s time to add crucial business details to ensure customers can find and contact you easily.
✔ Business Name: Make sure the name matches your official signage and website. Consistency is key to SEO and brand recognition.
✔ Business Category: Choose a primary category that best describes your business (e.g., Textile Store, Restaurant, Salon, Digital Marketing Agency). You can also add secondary categories that relate to your services.
✔ Service Areas (if applicable): If you serve customers outside your location (e.g., food delivery, home services, consultants), specify the regions you cater to.
Step #4: Add Your Business Location
If you have a physical store, restaurant, or office in Surat, include your exact address to show up in Google Maps and local search results.
Example: If you own a boutique in Vesu, Surat, entering your full address ensures that people searching for “boutique near me” can find you.
If you operate remotely or offer home services, you can choose not to display an address and instead list the areas you serve.
Step #5: Provide Contact Details & Business Hours
Adding accurate contact information makes it easy for customers to reach you directly.
✔ Phone Number – Essential for direct customer inquiries.
✔ Website URL – Directs users to your official site for more details.
✔ Email Address – Helps customers get in touch via email.
✔ Business Hours – Keep your operating hours updated, including holidays and special hours.
Fact: Studies show that 64% of consumers use Google Business Profile to find a business’s contact details before visiting or calling.
Step #6: Write an Engaging Business Description
Your business description is the first impression potential customers get when they see your profile. Make sure it’s:
✔ Concise & Informative – Clearly describe what you offer.
✔ SEO-Optimized – Use relevant keywords like “best restaurant in Surat”, “affordable digital marketing agency”, etc.
✔ Persuasive – End with a call-to-action (CTA) like “Visit us today!” or “Call now for a free consultation!”
Example Description of a Café in Surat:
- “Looking for the best café in Surat? Visit [Café Aroma] in Vesu for freshly brewed coffee, delicious snacks, and a cozy ambiance. Perfect for work, meetings, or catching up with friends. Open daily! Call us or drop by today!”
Step #7: Verify Your Google Business Profile
Verification is crucial as it unlocks features like analytics, reviews, and insights. Google offers multiple ways to verify your business:
✔ Postcard Verification: Google mails a postcard with a unique verification code to your business address (takes 5–7 days).
✔ Phone Verification: Some businesses receive an automated call or SMS with a verification code.
✔ Email Verification: Available for certain businesses where Google sends a code via email.
✔ Instant Verification: If you’ve previously verified your business through Google Search Console, you may get instant approval.
Once verified, you’ll gain full control of your profile, allowing you to respond to reviews, track analytics, and improve SEO rankings.
7 Tips to Improve Your Local SEO Google My Business
If you own a business in Surat, optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is crucial for attracting local customers and improving your SEO rankings. With Surat being a hub for textiles, diamonds, food businesses, and startups, a well-optimized GMB profile can help your business stand out in local searches.
Here are 7 practical GMB SEO tips to improve your local rankings and attract more customers in Surat.
Tip #1: Complete Your GMB Profile with Accurate Details
A complete and well-detailed Google Business Profile increases your visibility in Google Search and Maps. Google prioritizes fully optimized profiles, so ensure that your business listing includes:
✔ Business Name (Consistent with your branding)
✔ Address (If you have a physical store in Surat)
✔ Phone Number (For easy customer inquiries)
✔ Website URL (Drives traffic to your website)
✔ Business Hours (Keep them updated for festivals and special occasions)
✔ Business Category (Select the most relevant category)
Why it matters:
- Businesses with a fully completed GMB profile are 2.7x more likely to be viewed as reputable and more likely to appear in the Google 3-Pack (top three search results).
Tip #2: Use Surat-Specific Keywords for SEO Optimization
Just like website SEO, your GMB profile needs to be optimized with local keywords to appear in relevant searches. Use Surat-focused keywords in your:
✔ Business Description (E.g., “Best textile wholesaler in Surat – Ring Road”)
✔ Google Posts (E.g., “Looking for premium diamond jewelry in Varachha? Visit us today!”)
✔ Services & Products (E.g., “Surat-based Digital Marketing for Small Businesses”)
Example of a Textile Business in Surat:
- “ABC Textiles is a leading wholesale fabric supplier in Surat’s Ring Road, offering high-quality cotton, silk, and designer fabrics at competitive prices. Contact us for bulk orders across India and worldwide.”
Tip #3: Keep Your Profile Information Up to Date
Surat businesses often change business hours during festivals like Navratri, Diwali, and Uttarayan, so keeping your Google Business Profile updated is crucial.
✔ Check your business hours regularly
✔ Update your phone number and address if relocated
✔ Adjust special holiday timings (E.g., Extended Diwali shopping hours? Update it on your GMB!).
Why it matters:
- Inaccurate information confuses customers and hurts your local SEO ranking. GMB reviews account for nearly 10% of local ranking factors, and incorrect details can lead to negative customer reviews.
Tip #4: Remove Duplicate Listings for Your Surat Business
If your business has multiple listings due to previous registrations, it can confuse Google and customers, hurting your rankings.
✔ Check for duplicate listings using Google Search
✔ Claim and merge duplicate listings
✔ Remove outdated or incorrect business profiles
Why it matters:
- Duplicate listings dilute your SEO rankings, leading to lower visibility on Google Maps and Search. Keep one verified, accurate listing to improve local search rankings.
Tip #5: Choose the Right Business Categories & Attributes
Your primary category determines which search results you appear in, so it’s crucial to select the right one. Google allows you to choose one primary category and up to nine secondary categories.
Example of a Surat-Based Business:
- A Diamond Store in Varachha can choose:
- Primary Category: Jewelry Store
- Secondary Categories: Diamond Dealer, Custom Jewelry, Engagement Rings, Gemstone Dealer
- For a restaurant in Surat, you can add:
- Primary Category: Gujarati Restaurant
- Secondary Categories: Breakfast Spot, Takeaway, Vegetarian Restaurant
Tip #6: Maintain Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) Across All Platforms
Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) must be consistent across:
✔ Google Business Profile
✔ Your Website
✔ Social Media Profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
✔ Local Directories (Justdial, IndiaMART, Sulekha, Yellow Pages)
Why it matters:
- Inconsistent business details confuse Google and reduce your SEO rankings. Businesses with consistent NAP rank higher in local search results and get more customer trust.
Tip #7: Add High-Quality Photos & Videos to Attract More Customers
A Google Business Profile with photos gets 35% more clicks and 200% more engagement than profiles without images.
✔ Upload high-resolution photos of your storefront, products, or office.
✔ Post interior and exterior shots to build trust.
✔ Add videos showcasing services, customer testimonials, or behind-the-scenes clips.
Example:
- A restaurant in Surat can upload:
- High-quality images of their best dishes
- Videos of the chef preparing a famous Gujarati thali
- Customer reviews with photos of their meals
Wrapping It Up
Optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most effective ways to improve your local SEO and attract more customers in Surat. A well-maintained profile increases your visibility in Google Search and Maps, builds trust with potential customers, and helps you stay ahead of competitors in the local market.
With Surat’s booming business ecosystem, whether you’re in textiles, diamonds, food, IT, or retail, a strong Google Business Profile can be the key to growing your business and increasing revenue. By implementing these strategies by completing your profile, using Surat-specific keywords, keeping details updated, maintaining NAP consistency, and engaging with customers through photos and reviews—you can enhance your local search ranking and maximize customer engagement.
Final Tip: Keep optimizing your profile regularly, post updates, and engage with your audience to maintain a strong online presence. Start today and make your business stand out in Surat’s competitive market!
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