Which local SEO ranking factor is least under a business owner's control for “near me” searches?

The searcher’s location is largely outside your control; Google uses proximity to determine which nearby businesses appear.

How do I write an effective Google Business Profile description for local SEO?

Clearly state what you offer, where you serve, and what makes you different, using natural local keywords without keyword stuffing or promotional links.

Which Google Business Profile post should I use for a workshop with a date, time, and sign-up link?

Use an Event post and add the workshop details, dates, and a Sign Up call-to-action button.

Free Course Image Local SEO Full Free Course

Free online course Local SEO Full Free Course

Duration of the online course: 53 minutes

New

Get found on Google Maps faster—learn Local SEO, optimize your Google Business Profile, earn reviews and bookings in this free course with certificate.

In this free course, learn about

Core local SEO ranking factors for Maps/local pack and how to improve them
Identify key factors least under your control (e.g., proximity) that still affect visibility
Tactics to rank faster in Google Maps in 2024 using top local ranking signals
Write an effective Google Business Profile description aligned with local SEO best practices
Add Products/Services to Google Business Profile and understand when they start displaying
Create the right GBP post type for events/workshops with date/time and a Sign Up button
Enable and configure a Booking button to drive direct bookings from your GBP
Enable Messages and message automation to capture leads and improve responsiveness
Add multiple users, manage access, and understand which roles can grant permissions
Why reviews matter for trust and local visibility, and what a strong profile looks like

About the free online course

Want more nearby customers to find you first, call sooner, and choose you over competitors? This free online course helps you build practical Local SEO skills that improve real-world visibility in Google Search and Google Maps. You’ll learn how local rankings actually work in 2024 and how to focus on the signals that make the biggest difference for local discovery, including what you can influence directly and what you need to plan around.

A major part of local success is your Google Business Profile. In this training, you’ll go beyond basic setup and learn how to shape a profile that attracts clicks and inspires trust. You’ll practice writing a clear, persuasive business description aligned with how people search, while keeping it natural and customer-friendly. You’ll also learn how to showcase what you offer by adding products or services so your profile answers key questions before someone even lands on your website.

To convert visibility into leads, you’ll work with features that reduce friction for customers: posts for timely updates, booking buttons for appointment requests, and messaging options that help people reach you instantly. You’ll understand when specific post types perform best and how to structure actions so customers can sign up, schedule, or inquire with fewer steps. These improvements can be especially valuable for service-based businesses that rely on calls, visits, and local intent searches such as near me queries.

You’ll also learn how to collaborate safely by adding multiple users and assigning the right access levels, keeping your profile secure while enabling team support. Finally, you’ll explore why reviews are a powerful trust signal in Local SEO and how a strong, complete presence can boost confidence and engagement. By the end, you’ll have a clearer strategy for ranking locally, strengthening your business profile, and turning map visibility into consistent customer opportunities—plus the option to earn a certificate.

Course content

Video class: Local SEO Ranking: Factors, Tips, 07m
Exercise: Which local SEO ranking factor is least under your control but still significantly impacts visibility
Video class: Rank in Google Maps FAST: Top SEO Ranking Factors Revealed! 2024 08m
Exercise: In Local SEO, which factor is not directly in your control when ranking for near me searches?
Video class: How to Write Perfect Description for Google Business Profile - Full Guide 07m
Exercise: What is the best practice for writing a Google Business Profile description for Local SEO

Video class: How to Add Products 04m
Exercise: How long does it typically take for a newly published product or service to start showing on your Google Business Profile?
Video class: How to Add 06m
Exercise: Which Google Business Profile post type is best to announce a workshop with specific date and time and include a Sign Up button
Video class: How to Add Booking Button to Google Business Profile (Complete Process) 06m
Exercise: Best way to enable direct bookings from a Google Business Profile for a local service business

Video class: How to Enable the Message Automation Option on Google Business Profile? (Complete Process) 03m
Exercise: In Local SEO, why should you enable the Messages feature in your Google Business Profile
Video class: How to Add Multiple Users to Your Google Business Profile | GMB Tutorial for Beginners 05m
Exercise: In Google Business Profile, who can grant access and assign roles to others?
Video class: Why Reviews are Important in Google Business Profile? - Explained 04m
Exercise: In Local SEO, which business profile is more likely to earn user trust and better visibility

Learn aboutSEO

Explore free online SEO courses designed to help you master keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO, link building, content strategy, and analytics. Learn practical search engine optimization skills at your own pace, improve website rankings and organic traffic, and earn a certificate with every completed course.

Learn aboutLocal SEO

Explore free online Local SEO courses designed to help you improve local search rankings, optimize Google Business Profiles, build citations, manage reviews, and attract nearby customers. Learn practical local SEO strategies at your own pace, develop job-ready digital marketing skills, and earn a certificate upon completion.