How to Add Keywords to Google My Business

Wondering how to slip the right keywords into your Google Business Profile so local customers can find you? It’s not about finding a hidden keyword tag to stuff with terms. Getting noticed on Google Maps and in local search is about weaving relevant keywords and customer phrases naturally throughout your entire profile. This guide will walk you through exactly where and how to do it effectively to boost your local visibility and attract more customers.

Why Your Google Business Profile Needs Keywords

First, let's clear up a common misconception. You can’t just “add keywords” to Google My Business (GMB), which is now called Google Business Profile (GBP). There is no back-end field where you can dump a list of terms you want to rank for. Instead, Google's algorithm reads the text across your entire profile to understand what your business is about, what services you offer, and when you should appear in search results.

When someone searches for "best brunch spot with a patio near me" or "emergency plumber in downtown," Google scans relevant business profiles for signals that match the user's intent. The more information and context you provide, the more confident Google can be in showing your business to a potential customer.

Think of keywords less as rigid "SEO terms" and more as customer language. They are the actual words, phrases, and questions your ideal customers are typing into the search bar. Your goal is to mirror that language throughout your profile in a helpful, natural way.

The 9 Prime Spots to Weave in Keywords

Optimizing your Google Business Profile is an ongoing process, not a one-time setup. Here are the most impactful places to integrate your target keywords to improve your local relevance.

1. Your Business Description

This is your pitch. You have 750 characters to tell your story, and it’s a goldmine for integrating important keywords. The first 250 characters are most prominent - they appear in the main view of your profile before anyone has to click "more" - so make them count.

• What to do: Write a compelling description that clearly states who you are, what you do, and what makes you different. Naturally include your core service keywords, your location (city/neighborhood), and terms that describe your unique value.
• Bad Example: "We are a top-rated HVAC company dedicated to excellence. We've served the community for years with fantastic customer service."
• Good Example: "For over 15 years, Northwood HVAC has provided reliable furnace repair and emergency air conditioning installation in the Northwood community. As a family-owned business, we specialize in high-efficiency systems and offer 24/7 support for both homes and businesses."

The good example is packed with keywords like “furnace repair,” “emergency air conditioning installation,” and includes the service area, all while being readable and helpful.

2. The Services Section

For service-based businesses, this section is non-negotiable. Google gives you a dedicated area to list out every single service you offer. Each service can have its own name (up to 120 characters) and a detailed description (up to 1,000 characters). Don't just list titles, detail what each service includes.

• Service Title: Use a clear, keyword-focused name. Instead of just "Cleaning," use "Residential Deep Cleaning Service."
• Service Description: Describe the service in detail. For "Residential Deep Cleaning Service," your description could include related terms like move-in/move-out cleaning, green eco-friendly products, professional home sanitization, and other specific tasks you perform. This helps you show up for a wider range of long-tail searches.

3. The Products Section

This isn't just for e-commerce stores! Service businesses, restaurants, and practically anyone can use the Products section. Think of "products" as your core offerings. For example, a marketing agency could list "Local SEO Packages" or "Social Media Management" as products.

Just like with services, each product has a name and a description. Fill them out completely.

• Product Name: Instead of "Espresso," try "Organic Fair-Trade Espresso Drink."
• Product Description: For the espresso, you could mention its flavor profile, the origin of the beans, and that it’s available with dairy-free options like oat milk or almond milk. Someone searching for "cafe with oat milk lattes" might just find you.

4. Google Posts

Google Posts are mini-articles or social media updates that appear directly on your profile for a limited time. This feature is incredibly powerful but often underused. Posts are a way to share updates, offers, new products, and events - and a fresh place to use your keywords in a timely context.

Think of each Post as a new chance to rank. Some ideas:

• Promote a Service: "Finding a reliable roofer after a storm can be tough. Our team offers free hail damage inspections and emergency temporary patches. Call us this week..."
• Highlight a Product: "Just in time for fall! Our new vegan pumpkin spice latte is now available. Made with fresh pumpkin puree and your choice of almond or oat milk."
• Answer a Common Question: "What's the difference between a ceramic coat and waxing your car? Our automotive detailing experts break it down..."

Each post you publish signals to Google that you are an active, relevant business in your niche.

5. Customer Reviews and Your Responses

User-generated content counts, big time. When customers leave reviews, they often use natural, keyword-rich language describing the product or service they received. A glowing review for a bakery might say, "Their custom birthday cakes are the best in the city! I ordered a gluten-free chocolate cake and it was incredible."

Those keywords within the review become associated with your profile.

Your job?

1. Encourage customers to leave reviews.
2. Respond to every single review, positive or negative. In your responses, you can naturally reinforce keywords. For that bakery review, a good response would be: "Thank you so much, Sarah! We’re thrilled you loved the custom gluten-free chocolate cake for your birthday. We look forward to baking another delicious treat for you soon!"

This reinforces the keywords for Google and shows other customers you are engaged and appreciative.

6. The Q&A Section

The "Ask a question" feature lets anyone ask your business a question, and anyone can answer. As the business owner, you should be the first to answer. But you can also pre-emptively ask and answer your own questions!

This is a strategic move to address common customer concerns and inject relevant keywords naturally. Create a short list of your most frequently asked questions and post them yourself, then answer them immediately from your owner account.

• Q: "Do you offer vegetarian catering options for events?" A: "Yes, we absolutely do! We provide a full vegetarian appetizer and meal catering menu for weddings, corporate events, and parties. Our popular options include..."
• Q: "Do you provide same-day brake inspections?" A: "Our auto shop offers same-day service for routine needs like brake pad replacements and rotor inspections."

7. Photo and Video File Names and Geotags

Visual content is very important. When you upload photos and videos, give them descriptive, keyword-rich file names first. Don't upload an image called IMG_9021.jpg. Rename it to something like mid-century-modern-coffee-table-chicago.jpg for a retail furniture store.

Additionally, make sure your phone's camera has location services enabled. This way, the photos you take at your business location are automatically "geotagged" with the coordinates, providing Google with another powerful signal about where you are and what you do.

8. Your Business Categories

You can't create your own categories, but you must choose them wisely. Your first choice is your Primary Category. This is the most important one and should describe your business at its core - e.g., "Italian Restaurant," "Plumber," or "Hair Salon."

After that, select all the relevant Secondary Categories that apply. Are you a "Hair Salon" that also offers waxing? Add "Waxing Service" and "Facial Spa" as secondary categories. These function as foundational keywords that tell Google what industry you belong to.

9. A Word of Caution: Your Business Name

It can be tempting to add descriptive keywords to your business name on your profile (e.g., "GreenLeaf Landscaping - Best Lawn Care & Tree Trimming"). Don't do it.

Adding extra keywords or locations to your business name is against Google's guidelines. It can lead to penalties or even suspension of your profile. Your business name on Google should be your actual, registered business name. Stick to optimizing the other eight areas on this list to keep your profile in good standing.

How to Find Keywords Your Customers Actually Use

Coming up with the right words is straightforward if you think like a customer.

• Use Common Sense Brainstorming: List out all your services. Now, how would a customer who has a problem look for you? They don't search "professional beverage distribution logistics." They search "coffee delivery service for office." Use their language.
• Watch Google's Autocomplete: Start typing a service or product into Google's search bar and see what suggestions pop up. These are popular searches happening right now.
• Look at Your Competitors: See what language your top-ranking local competitors are using in their descriptions, posts, and Q&A sections. They've likely done something right - learn from it.

Final Thoughts

Effectively adding keywords to your Google Business Profile isn't a one-time trick, it's a practice of being comprehensive and customer-focused. By weaving customer language naturally into your description, services, posts, and engagement, you give Google the context it needs to show your business to the right local audience, right when they need you.

This becomes even easier when your content process works like a well-oiled machine. That's why we built Postbase. My team designed it to take the headache out of social media marketing by centralizing planning, scheduling, and community engagement in one clean place. Thinking ahead about a promotion for Google Posts is easier when you're already planning parallel content for Instagram and Facebook in your visual calendar, freeing your mind to focus on high-impact work.