How a DBA Can Help Your Google Business Profile
A solid online presence is essential for any local business in the current digital era. The Google Business Profile (GBP), which serves as a digital shop that links you with clients who are actively looking for your services, is often the cornerstone of that presence. But how do you stand out when there's so much competition?
One very effective tactic that is frequently disregarded is using a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name that includes your target keywords.
Why Is a DBA Important for SEO and What Is It?
You can operate your business under a name other than your legal business name if you have a DBA, commonly referred to as a false business name, trade name, or assumed name. If your legal business is "Smith Enterprises LLC," for instance, you may register a DBA under the name "Clearwater Roofing Solutions."
If your GBP name is "Clearwater Roofing Solutions," and someone in Clearwater searches for "Roofer in Clearwater," you are instantly indicating that you offer roofing services in Clearwater.
- Keyword Integration: To assess relevancy, Google's algorithm looks at a number of signals. Google receives a powerful signal that your company is extremely relevant to those queries when the name of your company contains keywords that people are using.
- Better Local relevancy: Adding your city or service region to your DBA does more than just include a keyword; it also improves your local relevancy. Businesses that are physically located in or serve the searcher's immediate area are given preference by Google. This relationship is strengthened by a geo-modified DBA.
- Increased Click-Through Rates (CTR): Prospective buyers are more likely to click on your listing when they see your company listed with a clear, keyword-rich name that precisely matches their search query. Because it indicates to Google that users find your listing valuable, a greater CTR can help you rank higher.
Real-World Examples:
Let's say you run a real estate agency in Clearwater, Florida. Instead of just "Sunshine Properties LLC," consider registering a DBA like:
- "Clearwater Real Estate Agency"
- "Clearwater FL Property Solutions"
Or if you're a roofer:
- "Clearwater Roofing Experts"
- "Clearwater Gutter & Roof Repair"
How to Implement This Strategy:
- Research Keywords: Determine the main search terms that prospective clients use to find your offerings. Your research should include your city or service region (e.g., "Clearwater real estate," "roofing services Clearwater").
- Check DBA Availability: Depending on your state's laws, make sure your preferred DBA name is available by contacting the state division of corporations or your local county clerk's office before becoming overly attached to a name.
- Register Your DBA: To register your DBA, adhere to the legal procedure. Usually, this entails filing an application and making a payment.
- Change Your Google Business Profile: After your DBA is formally registered, make sure that your Google Business Profile is updated with the new name of your company. Verify the accuracy and consistency of all additional information, including the address, phone number, website, and hours.
- Keep Consistency: It's critical that you apply this new DBA consistently to all of your online properties, including your website, social media accounts, and other directories you may have. Your brand is strengthened by this constancy, which also gives Google more reason to believe in your company.
Important Considerations:
- Legal Compliance: Make sure you always abide by all applicable local, state, and federal DBA laws.
- Brand Identity: Although SEO is crucial, your DBA should still successfully convey your brand and be simple for clients to recall.
- Avoid Keyword Stuff: Although keywords are useful, avoid making your name excessively lengthy or repetitious. Be succinct and professional.
The Takeaway
You can greatly increase the visibility of your Google Business Profile, draw in more local clients, and eventually expand your company by carefully selecting and registering a DBA that contains your target keywords and area!