Lately, we’ve been hearing a common misconception: if you purchase a Google Business Profile (GBP) optimization service, your listing will skyrocket to the top rankings in cities far and wide, sometimes even hundreds of miles away.
We hate to break it to you, but that’s just not how it works.
Optimizing your GBP is essential, yes. It’s critical to have the right categories, high-quality photos, a well-defined service area, and strategic keyword placement. But no amount of optimization will override Google’s built-in ranking limitations.
What GBP Optimization Can (and Can’t) Do
Think of GBP optimization like fine-tuning an engine. You can get it running at peak performance, but it won’t magically turn a sedan into a race car. There’s a ceiling to what optimization can achieve.
Here’s what proper GBP optimization can do:
- Improve your visibility in your immediate service area
- Ensure your business information is complete and accurate
- Help you rank higher than competitors with weak profiles
But here’s what it won’t do:
- Make you rank in cities far from your physical location
- Override Google’s local ranking factors
- Guarantee you a #1 spot in all searches
In fact, over-optimizing your GBP (stuffing it with keywords or misleading information) can actually get your listing penalized or even suspended. That’s where the real expertise comes in: knowing where the limits are and how to push them effectively.
GBP Optimization Alone Isn’t Enough
Even with the best GBP optimization, your rankings are still influenced by other SEO factors. If your website isn’t optimized, if you lack high-quality backlinks, or if your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) citations aren’t consistent, you’ll hit a ranking wall.
And if you’re trying to rank in multiple towns outside your immediate area? GBP won’t get you there, but other digital marketing strategies will.
- Want to rank in other cities? Consider local landing pages and PPC (Google Ads).
- Want immediate visibility in new areas? You need PPC.
- Want stronger local rankings? Work on your reviews as well as getting backlinks and citations.
Understanding GBP Limits Using a Submarine
Think of your GBP like a submarine. It can be deep in the ocean (low rankings), or it can float up toward the surface (top rankings). But no matter what you do, it will never float above the water because there’s a natural ceiling to how high it can go.
Once you hit that ceiling, the only way to expand your visibility is to focus on other strategies.
Use the Right Tool for the Job
GBP optimization is important, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. If your goal is to dominate rankings in multiple towns, you need a mix of GBP Optimization, SEO, and PPC to get there.
So, if someone is telling you that GBP optimization alone will rank you in every nearby city, they’re selling you a myth. The real pros know the limits, and how to work within them to get you the best results.
Need a strategy that actually works? Let’s talk.
