Google My Business Fundamentals:
Local SEO for Car Dealerships
Get Found Where It Matters Most
When nearby buyers search “used cars near me,” are you appearing in the top results?
That’s the power of local SEO—and it starts with your Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business (GMB).
Your GBP is the digital shopfront for your dealership. It helps customers find your opening hours, directions, reviews, and contact details—all before they even click through to your website. Optimising it correctly can mean the difference between getting the call or losing it to a competitor.
What Is Google Business Profile (GBP)?
Your Google Business Profile is what powers the map listings and the “local 3-pack” that appears above organic results in Google Search. It displays key information about your dealership, including:
- Name, address, and phone number
- Opening hours and service categories
- Customer reviews and photos
- Directions via Google Maps
For car dealers, this profile is often a buyer’s first impression. A complete and active GBP signals to Google—and your potential customers—that your business is real, responsive, and relevant.
What Is Local SEO—and Why Does It Matter?
Automotive local SEO focuses on improving your visibility for searches made in and around your location. When a customer looks for “car dealerships in [Your Town],” Google considers three core factors:
- Proximity – How close the searcher is to your dealership
- Relevance – How well your listing matches what they’re searching for
- Prominence – How trusted and active your business appears online
An optimised Google Business Profile directly influences all three. That’s why local SEO is no longer optional—it’s the foundation of being found by real, in-market buyers.
Want a deeper dive into the strategy behind it? Watch our Get Found to Get Leads webinar for a full walkthrough of automotive local SEO best practice.
5 Actionable Steps to Optimise Your Dealership’s GBP
Ready to get hands-on? Here’s how to strengthen your profile today:
- Complete every field. Fill in all your business details—address, hours, services, website, and category. The more accurate your data, the more likely you’ll appear in Google Maps results.
- Add high-quality photos and videos. Showcase your forecourt, team, and vehicles. Images build trust and help listings stand out.
- Post updates regularly. Share offers, events, and new arrivals to keep your profile active. Google rewards consistency.
- Manage reviews and Q&A. Respond to every review—positive or negative. It shows accountability and encourages engagement.
- List your specific services. Add items like MOTs, finance options, or used-car stock. This helps you rank for more targeted searches.
These simple improvements can transform visibility and increase footfall to your showroom. For more advanced help, explore our car dealership SEO services to see how professional optimisation can take you further.
Take Control of Your Local Presence
Mastering your Google Business Profile is the first step to owning your local market. Every completed detail and timely update moves you closer to the top of local search results—and to more leads.
You can manage it yourself with the steps above, or let Click Dealer handle the heavy lifting through expert automotive local SEO support.
Watch the Get Found to Get Leads webinar to see exactly how it’s done, or book a consultation with our team to start improving your local search performance today.
