Learn how to use Google My Business Updates for a Local SEO boost to your Google Maps Page. Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in niche markets often struggle with visibility on Google, especially when competing against larger players.

However, Google My Business (GMB) offers a powerful yet underutilized tool that can level the playing field: Similarly to the Q&A feature, the “Updates” section.

Regularly updating this section, and encouraging “Updates By Visitors,” can significantly boost your local SEO performance. This article helps you better understand the process of optimizing GMB updates. Particularly for businesses in less common industries like artisan crafts or specialty medical services.

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The Power of Google Maps Updates

Google Maps updates are not just about changing business hours or adding a new photo. They are a dynamic way to communicate directly with your potential customers.

For SMBs in niche markets, leveraging this feature can be a game-changer. Updates are essentially the blog post article for your website equivalent but for your GMB Page.

Example: Boutique Artisan Candle Shop

For example, imagine a boutique artisan candle shop that specializes in handmade, seasonal candles. By regularly updating its GMB profile with new product launches, seasonal promotions, or behind-the-scenes looks at the candle-making process.

The shop can keep its audience engaged and attract new customers who are searching for unique, locally made products. These updates as basically like this blog post on Vortex Ranker, it helps our On Page SEO as well as educate clients about our services.

Screenshot showcasing a good example of Google My Business Updates

Encouraging “Updates By Visitors” on Google My Business

Aside from your Google Business Profile managers, you will be the one posting updates regularly. A great to build more On Page SEO for your GBP is to utilize the “Updates By Visitors” section.

Importance of User-Generated Content

One of the most effective yet overlooked strategies for optimizing GMB is encouraging “Updates By Visitors.” These updates show Google that your business is active and engaging with its customers and provides real, user-generated content that can improve your local SEO.

Depending on your location this section may be displayed as “Updates from customers.” Look at these less like reviews and more like social media posts from a customer tagging your business.

Example: Specialty Medical Clinic

Take, for example, a small specialty medical clinic that offers unique treatments not widely available. Encouraging patients to share their experiences or update the GMB profile with photos and comments after their visits can create a wealth of fresh content.

This not only helps to build trust with potential new patients but also signals to Google that the business is relevant and valued by its community.

Screenshot showcasing how to add an update for your Google My Business Updates Section

Unique Strategies for GMB Optimization

While many businesses focus on the basics of GMB, such as filling out the profile and responding to reviews, there are advanced strategies that can make a significant difference. Here are some often-overlooked tips:

Leveraging Customer Feedback Loops

How to Create Feedback Loops

Customer feedback loops are a powerful tool for continuous improvement and can be directly linked to your GMB updates. By actively seeking feedback through surveys or follow-up emails, you can gather valuable insights that can be shared in your GMB updates.

Example: Local Pottery Studio

For instance, a local pottery studio might ask customers for feedback on their recent workshop experience. The studio could then update their GMB profile with customer quotes, new class schedules based on popular demand.

It also improvements made based on the feedback received. This not only shows potential customers that the business values their input but also keeps the GMB profile fresh and relevant.

Google My Business Updates Posts Section Screenshot

Promoting Local Events

Another unique strategy is using GMB to promote local events. Whether you’re hosting an event or participating in one, updating your GMB profile with event details can attract local traffic.

Leveraging Seasonal Opportunities

There are a variety of possible event update ideas. Making seasonal updates for certain holidays or religious events and creating an event based on that.

Starting bake sale in front of your business organized with students from your local school to raise funds for a charity. This can gather a lot of parents around your local business and build community trust whilst helping a cause.

Example: Small Bookstore

Consider a small bookstore that specializes in rare and antique books. By promoting a local author signing or a book fair on its GMB profile, the bookstore can draw in a niche audience that might not have discovered them otherwise.

This strategy is particularly effective in small communities where word-of-mouth and local events play a significant role in customer acquisition.

Screenshot of a Bookstore on Google Maps

Ensuring ADA Compliance in GMB Updates Section

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is not just a legal requirement but also an important aspect of inclusive business practices. Ensure that your GMB updates are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

This could involve using alt text for images, ensuring text is easily readable, and providing clear descriptions of any videos or multimedia content.

Still Need Help Growing Your GMB Profile?

If you are still in need of any assistance or help with your GMB Profile management or looking to grow your organic search results. Then I highly recommend you book a free consultation with the writer of this article, Ramzy, CEO & Founder of Vortex Ranker by clicking here.