Businesses need to focus on how they show up on Google. Two main tools that help are Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Both are essential, but they operate in different ways.
The main difference between SEO and Google Business is that SEO helps improve your website’s ranking in Google search results, while Google Business Profile helps you show up in local searches and on Google Maps.
What is SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?
SEO is the practice of optimizing your website to achieve higher rankings in Google’s search results. A good SEO strategy helps you attract people who are already searching for your products or services.
What SEO Includes
- On-Page SEO: Improving your website’s content, titles, headings, images, and links.
- Off-Page SEO: Getting links to your site from other trusted websites.
- Technical SEO: Ensuring your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and easily readable by search engines.
- Content Strategy: Creating content that answers common questions and helps customers solve their problems.
How SEO Helps Your Business
- Brings in Free Visitors: SEO helps you attract visitors from Google without paying for ads.
- Builds Trust: Websites that rank higher are seen as more reliable.
- Reaches More People: SEO helps you target customers locally and globally.
- Delivers Long-Term Results: Unlike ads, SEO brings lasting traffic to your website.
Real-Life Example: A local bakery improved their website SEO and ranked on the first page for the keyword “best cakes in Chicago.” As a result, their organic traffic grew by 50% in 6 months.
What is Google Business Profile (Google Business)?
Google Business Profile is a free tool that helps businesses show up in Google Maps and appear in local search results.It’s designed to help local customers find your business and learn basic information, like your location, hours, and phone number.
Main Features of Google Business Profile
- Business Details: Display your business name, address, and phone number (NAP).
- Local Search Results: Appear in the local “3-pack” of businesses on Google.
- Customer Reviews: Allow customers to leave reviews and let you respond.
- Posts and Updates: Share news, special offers, and events directly on your profile.
- Photos and Videos: Upload pictures and videos of your products, store, or services.
How Google Business Helps Your Business
- Improves Local Visibility: Appears in searches like “pizza shop near me.”
- Builds Customer Trust: Good reviews and up-to-date details attract more customers.
- Encourages Action: Customers can call, visit your store, or check your website with a single click.
- Quick Results: Optimizing your profile can immediately boost local visibility.
Real-Life Example: A local plumbing company optimized their Google Business Profile by adding clear photos, accurate service descriptions, and responding to reviews. Within weeks, they ranked in the top 3 local packs for the search “plumbers near me” and saw a 30% increase in phone calls.
Key Differences Between SEO and Google Business Profile
| Feature | SEO | Google Business Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Improve website rankings | Appear in Google Maps and local search |
| Platform | Google Search Results | Google Maps and Local Pack |
| Main Tools | Keywords, content, backlinks | NAP details, reviews, updates |
| Reach | Local and global | Local customers |
| Cost | Takes time but brings free traffic | Free to set up and manage |
| Results | Long-term, steady growth | Faster results for local searches |
| Goal | Drive traffic to your website | Bring local customers to your store |
How to Use SEO and Google Business Together
Using SEO and Google Business Profile together will give your business the best chance to be seen on Google.
Steps to Improve Both
1. Improve SEO for Your Website
- Identify the keywords your customers are searching for, such as “best bakery in New York.”
- Write helpful blog posts, guides, or case studies that answer customer questions.
- Optimize page titles, descriptions, and headings with your target keywords.
- Build backlinks by connecting with industry websites and contributing guest posts.
- Fix website problems like slow loading times and broken links.
2. Set Up and Optimize Google Business Profile
- Claim and verify your Google Business Profile.
- Add your business details (name, address, phone number, hours).
- Upload clear, high-quality photos of your products, team, or store.
- Ask satisfied customers to leave detailed reviews and reply to all feedback.
- Use Google Posts to share updates, events, or promotions.
Why Both Work Better Together
- SEO helps you rank for broad searches like “best bakery in New York.”
- Google Business Profile ensures you show up for searches like “bakery near me.”
By combining both strategies, you can attract customers locally and from broader search results.
Conclusion: Why You Need SEO and Google Business
The difference between SEO and Google Business is simple: SEO improves your website’s ranking in search results, while Google Business Profile helps you show up in local searches and Google Maps.
To grow your business, you need both strategies. SEO will bring more visitors to your website over time, and Google Business will help nearby customers find you faster.
Looking for measurable results with SEO and Google Business Profile? At Bluelinks Agency, we specialize in both strategies. Our professional team delivers proven results, helping you rank higher and grow your local and global reach.
Contact Bluelinks Agency today and let us take your business to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Google Business Profile can work without a website by displaying your location, contact details, and reviews. However, a website adds credibility and improves your overall visibility by supporting SEO strategies.
SEO allows small businesses to target specific keywords, focus on local searches, and create valuable content that directly addresses user needs, helping them rank higher in local and niche searches.
You should update your Google Business Profile weekly. Regularly add photos, respond to customer reviews, post updates, and keep business details accurate to maintain relevance.
Yes, Google Business Profile is completely free to use. Businesses can set up and optimize their profiles without any cost, though additional services like ads are optional.
Positive and frequent reviews improve your Google Business Profile’s visibility, trust, and ranking in local searches, encouraging more clicks and customer visits.
Yes, businesses offering services in specific areas (like plumbers or consultants) can create a Google Business Profile without a physical storefront by specifying their service areas.
High-quality blog posts, detailed guides, customer case studies, videos, and FAQs optimized with relevant keywords help improve SEO rankings.
Yes, an optimized Google Business Profile includes your website link, which drives local traffic to your site, increasing engagement and potential conversions.
Google Business Profile delivers quicker results for local searches, while SEO provides long-term, sustainable growth for organic traffic and brand visibility.