Get More Out of Google: Quick Wins to Boost Your Dealership's GBP

You’ve likely set up your Google Business Profile (GBP) and started collecting reviews. 
But are you truly maximizing its potential? 

Google search results drive customer decisions, and an underoptimized GBP could mean missed sales opportunities.

The good news: you don’t need to overhaul your strategy—just employ a few high-impact adjustments that can help you stand out, rank higher, and attract more customers without increasing your marketing budget.

Optimizing your GBP can also establish trust with customers before they even step into your dealership. A strong online presence reassures potential buyers that your business is reputable, active, and engaged with its customers. The more informative and interactive your profile, the more likely customers will choose you over a competitor.

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) matters. 

Most car buyers begin their search online, making your GBP one of the most critical marketing tools for your dealership (check out this article to see why Google visibility matters more than all the other review sites combined.) A fully optimized profile improves discoverability, builds credibility, and increases customer engagement. 

A Google study found that 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a related business within a day, and 28% of those searches result in a purchase. That means a well-optimized GBP can directly contribute to your bottom line by increasing foot traffic and conversions.

What Makes a Great GBP?

• Accurate Information = Higher Rankings
  Ensure your hours, location, contact details, and services are accurate. Google prioritizes businesses with complete and up-to-date information. Check out Widewail’s Listings Management tool to see how we can help make this easy for you!
• Regular Posts = More Visibility
  Google favors fresh content. Treat your GBP like a Gen Z social media page—post OFTEN: whether it be general updates, new vehicle arrivals, promotions, or events. This keeps your profile active and boosts local SEO.
• Engagement
  Responding to reviews signals to both Google and customers that you value feedback. Active engagement enhances your reputation and builds trust with potential buyers. 

It’s Simple. It Works.

Dealerships that post regularly on GBP receive more customer actions (calls, direction requests, and website visits) than those that don’t. According to BrightLocal, businesses with complete profiles receive 7x more clicks than incomplete ones, directly leading to increased foot traffic and sales.

Additionally, Google ranks businesses based on relevance, distance, and prominence. A well-optimized profile increases your prominence factor, helping you appear more often in relevant searches.

You can’t control your physical location, but you can control how you engage with your customers. 

2. Get More Reviews—The Right Way

Many dealerships hesitate to request reviews, fearing negative feedback. However, the opposite is true—actively asking for reviews leads to better ratings overall.

• 88% of reviews in the Widewail database are positive.
• Customers are more likely to leave a review when prompted.
• More reviews = a stronger reputation and higher search rankings.

How to Get More Reviews Efficiently

Automate your review collection with Widewail Invite to send personalized SMS requests post sale or service. This hands-off approach helps generate more reviews without extra effort from your team.

A well-executed review generation strategy can lead to a significant increase in your overall rating. Businesses that actively request reviews see an average increase of 0.5 stars in their ratings. 

3. Engage with Reviews to Build Trust and Loyalty

Customers want to know you care about their feedback. Simply put, responding to reviews—both positive and negative—shows a commitment to excellent service and strengthens trust with potential buyers.

Google also considers review responses in its ranking algorithm. Businesses that actively engage with reviewers are more likely to appear higher in search results.

Best Practices for Review Responses

• Be Prompt and Personal
  Respond within 24-48 hours and address specific customer experiences.
  
  
• Turn Negatives into Opportunities
  Acknowledge concerns, offer solutions, and invite dissatisfied customers to discuss the issue offline.
  
  
• Respond to Every Review
  Engaging with all reviews, good or bad, signals to Google and future customers that your dealership values feedback.

4. Lean into Visuals

Images and videos significantly increase engagement. Customers are more likely to interact with businesses that showcase their products and services visually.

Types of Content to Post

• Customer Testimonials – Video reviews from satisfied buyers build credibility.
• Vehicle Walkthroughs – Highlight the key features of new arrivals.
• Employee Spotlights – Showcase your team’s expertise and dealership culture.

Real Example: McGovern Honda

McGovern Honda, new and used Honda dealer in Everett, MA, effectively optimizes their GBP with high-quality images, service announcements, and promotional updates. This approach enhances engagement and attracts more potential customers.

Incorporating short video content into your GBP can also increase time spent on your profile, which is a positive signal to Google’s ranking algorithm.

Learn how to add video to your GBP here. 

Small Changes, Big Impact 

Improving your Google presence isn’t about reinventing your strategy—it’s about refining what you already have. With a few simple tweaks to your GBP and a proactive review strategy, you can increase visibility, strengthen customer trust, and drive more foot traffic with minimal effort. 

Don’t let an underoptimized Google Business Profile hold you back. Start today by:

1. Updating your GBP with accurate information.
2. Posting regular updates and engaging with customers.
3. Asking for reviews and responding promptly.
4. Using visuals to enhance your profile.