I run a mobile car detailing business, and I’ve worked with a few SEO freelancers in the past, but none were able to help me rank in other locations I wanted to target.
One freelancer suggested that I need Google Business Profile (GBP) optimization instead of general SEO. According to them, my business would benefit more from appearing in the map pack for different areas rather than just ranking through organic search. They also mentioned that the algorithm for ranking in the map pack is different.
I’m not an SEO expert, but what they said makes sense to me. Should I hire a GBP specialist instead of a general SEO expert?
Do you have physical locations in those areas, or are you nearby? Ranking in the map pack is different from standard search results. There’s some overlap, but they’re not exactly the same.
You should hire someone who has successfully ranked their own business locally. It’s also helpful if they can build local networks for backlinks, but some companies specialize in that.
For most local businesses, showing up in the map pack is generally better than organic search rankings. Think about your own habits when searching for local services. Do you use organic results or the map pack? For most people, it’s the map pack.
So, my suggestion is to hire someone who has proven results in your niche or with their own local businesses. Competition shouldn’t be overwhelming unless you’re in a major city.
Jaime said: @Langston
No, I don’t have a physical location because I travel to the customer’s site.
Got it. You should set your service areas in GBP instead. If you used your home address, make sure it’s hidden, and indicate that you provide services at the customer’s location. That way, you’re more likely to show up in searches for the areas you serve.
For a local business like yours, focusing on Google Business Profile (GBP) optimization is crucial since it helps you appear in the map pack, which gets more visibility for local searches. Organic SEO still matters, but it won’t give you the same local exposure as GBP does. When I was optimizing my site, I used tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs for general SEO, but for GBP and tracking keyword rankings in specific areas, I preferred using SERPtag because it’s affordable and effective. Make sure that whoever you hire knows how to navigate GBP.
@Winston
I’d agree with going the GBP optimization route based on my own experience running a local photography business. Being in the map pack really boosted inquiries from areas I wanted to target. I used BrightLocal for managing my GBP listings, and it’s excellent for tracking local rankings and reviews. Plus, I found UsePulse to be a helpful tool for engaging with potential customers, especially when looking at local discussions on forums. Make sure the freelancer you hire really understands GBP, as that can make a huge difference.