Do you know what keywords customers use to find your business online? Understanding this can unlock new opportunities to attract more customers and improve your local visibility. With Google My Business (GMB) Insights, you have access to data that reveals the exact keywords driving traffic to your business. These insights don’t just show how people find you—they tell you what they’re searching for and how you can tailor your strategy to meet their needs.
In this post, we’ll explore how to analyze GMB’s keyword data effectively, why it matters for your business, and how to act on it to grow your local presence.
What Are GMB Keyword Insights?
Google My Business Insights is a powerful tool built into your GMB dashboard. It offers a breakdown of:
- Search Queries: The exact keywords users typed to find your business.
- Search Types: Whether users found you through a direct search (e.g., “Ahmed’s Bakery”) or a discovery search (e.g., “best bakery near me”).
- Actions Taken: What users did after finding your business (e.g., visited your website, called your number, or requested directions).
This data is gold for businesses looking to fine-tune their Local SEO strategy because it shows real-world search behavior directly tied to your business.
Why Keywords From GMB Insights Are Crucial for Local SEO
- Pinpoint User Intent:
GMB Insights reveal whether customers are searching for a specific product, service, or location.- Example: A salon in Cairo might see traffic from “haircuts near Zamalek”, helping them refine their profile and content for that area.
- Discover New Opportunities:
Keyword insights can uncover trending search terms you may not have considered, allowing you to expand your service descriptions or marketing campaigns. - Improve Local Visibility:
By identifying which keywords are driving traffic, you can align your GMB profile, website, and ads to target high-value queries.
How to Access Keyword Data in GMB Insights
Step 1: Log in to Google My Business
Visit Google My Business and sign in to your account. Select the business listing you want to analyze.
Step 2: Open the Insights Tab
Click on the “Insights” section in the left-hand menu. This will display an overview of how users interact with your business.
Step 3: Review the Search Queries Section
Scroll down to the “Search Queries” section. Here, you’ll find a list of the actual keywords people used to find your business.
Step 4: Analyze the Keywords
Look for:
- High-Traffic Keywords: Queries driving the most impressions or actions (e.g., clicks, calls, directions).
- Location-Specific Terms: Keywords tied to a geographic modifier like “near me” or a specific city/neighborhood.
- Service-Specific Queries: Keywords focused on your offerings (e.g., “emergency AC repair” or “organic grocery store”).
How to Use GMB Keyword Data to Improve Local SEO
Now that you know which keywords are driving traffic, here’s how to use them to supercharge your local SEO efforts:
1. Optimize Your GMB Profile for High-Value Keywords
- Include top-performing keywords in your GMB description, service offerings, and posts.
- Example: If users frequently search for “24-hour pharmacy in Alexandria,” add this phrase to your business description and highlight your operating hours.
2. Create Targeted Content on Your Website
Use keyword insights to guide your content strategy. For example:
- Write blog posts answering queries like “How to Find the Best Roofer in Cairo.”
- Create landing pages for location-specific terms, such as “AC Repair in New Cairo.”
3. Align Your Paid Ads With Organic Search Data
Leverage GMB keyword insights to refine your Google Ads campaigns. Focus on queries already driving organic traffic to double your visibility and ROI.
4. Update Services and Offerings
If keyword data reveals unmet demand, adjust your offerings accordingly.
- Example: If users search for “gluten-free cakes in Maadi,” expand your menu to include gluten-free options.
Advanced Tips for Keyword Optimization Using GMB
- Track Seasonal Trends:
Analyze GMB Insights during holidays or seasonal spikes. For example, a florist might see increased searches for “Mother’s Day bouquets in Giza.” - Monitor New Keywords Regularly:
User behavior evolves. Check your keyword insights monthly to stay updated on changing search trends. - Target Long-Tail Keywords:
Focus on detailed queries like “affordable cleaning services in Nasr City” to capture high-intent users.
Case Study: Using GMB Keywords to Drive Growth
Business: A Plumbing Service in Alexandria
Challenge: The business wasn’t ranking for high-intent queries like “emergency plumbing services near me.”
Solution:
- Identified “24-hour plumbing in Alexandria” as a top keyword from GMB Insights.
- Updated their GMB description and website to emphasize emergency services.
- Launched a targeted ad campaign for “plumbers open now in Alexandria.”
Result:
- 60% increase in GMB calls within 3 months.
- Achieved top ranking in Google’s Local Pack for high-value queries.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Ignoring Discovery Keywords:
Businesses often focus only on branded keywords, missing valuable generic queries that drive new customers. - Overloading Keywords:
Keyword stuffing in your GMB profile or website can harm your rankings. Use terms naturally. - Not Acting on Insights:
GMB keyword data is actionable. Ignoring it means losing out on opportunities to improve visibility and customer engagement.
Conclusion: Turn Keyword Insights Into Local SEO Success
The keyword data from Google My Business Insights is a treasure trove for improving your Local SEO. By understanding how customers find your business, you can tailor your strategy to target high-value search terms, optimize your profile, and attract more traffic.
Start using this powerful tool today to turn search behavior into meaningful growth for your business.