At Futured Studio, we specialize in helping startups and businesses grow their local presence by combining strategic website design with effective Local SEO to drive leads and visibility. I’m Anil Kody, and today, I’ll share how we helped a completely offline business generate 400+ calls and inquiries every month using a mix of Google Business Profile, website optimization, and an innovative secret feature that you can try on your website too!

This is not just a success story but also a detailed guide to help you understand how Local SEO can grow your business. Let’s dive into the process and the lessons we learned along the way.

The Client’s Situation: Starting From Zero Local Presence

When this client came to us, they didn’t have any online presence no website, no Google Business profile (GBP), nothing. Their business relied entirely on walk-ins and word-of-mouth. They felt they were losing customers to competitors who were visible online.

We explained that their first step to getting noticed by local customers was creating a Google Business Profile, followed by a simple website. They didn’t need a complex website or heavy investment; even small steps could make a big impact.

Step 1: Competitor Analysis

Before diving into execution, we began by researching their competitors. This step was essential to:

• Understand who their top local competitors were.
• Learn which services competitors were promoting most.
• Identify the keywords competitors were ranking for.

Using tools like Ahrefs and SEMRush, we analyzed the keywords competitors targeted and found gaps we could fill. For example, competitors were ranking for generic terms, but they were missing niche service-specific and location-based keywords, which we could leverage.

Why Competitor Analysis Matters:

Competitor analysis helps you benchmark your strategies and discover untapped opportunities. Without this, you risk missing what your audience is searching for. Learn more about Competitor analysis by semrush

Step 2: Keyword Research

Once we knew what competitors were doing, we performed detailed keyword research. This step was vital to identify phrases that potential customers were actively searching for.

Here’s how we approached it:

• Broad Keywords: General terms like “Best [Service] in [City].”
  – example: Best Web Design Agency In Hyderabad
• Specific Keywords: Terms focused on unique services or offerings.
  – example: Webflow Design Agency In Hyderabad
• Long-Tail Keywords: Questions and phrases like “Affordable [Service] near me.”

We prioritized keywords with moderate competition and high search volume, ensuring we could rank faster while driving relevant traffic.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t stuff keywords unnaturally into your content. Google’s algorithms are smart enough to differentiate between useful content and forced optimization.

Step 3: Creating and Optimizing the Google Business Profile

After identifying our keywords, we created a Google Business Profile for the client. This was their first step toward being discoverable by local customers.

Here’s what we did:

1. Filled in Business Details: We included accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information, working hours, and categories.
2. Added Photos: We uploaded high-quality images of their location, team, and services to build trust.
3. Used Keywords Naturally: The business description and services section included keywords seamlessly.
4. Engagement through Posts: We created weekly posts with offers, updates, and announcements to keep the profile dynamic.

Ongoing Optimization:

Creating the profile wasn’t enough. To respond to customer feedback effectively, we needed reviews. So, we gathered the business’s customer details and reached out to them, requesting reviews. Fortunately, we received some positive responses.

We updated the profile regularly, promptly responded to these reviews, and analyzed its performance using Google Business Profile insights. This consistent effort improved the profile’s visibility and helped it rank higher in local searches.

Step 4: Building a Simple Yet Effective Website

Many businesses think they need a massive website to succeed, but that’s not true. For this client, we built a simple one-page website designed to:

• Highlight their services.
• Provide contact details and a call-to-action.
• Link to their Google Business Profile.

Why This Worked:

The website acted as an additional touchpoint for customers who found them via Google but wanted more information. Linking the GBP to the website also boosted their SEO authority, as Google considers this when ranking profiles.

💡 Pro Tip: A landing page or single-page website is often sufficient for local businesses starting out. It’s affordable, fast to create, and effective in driving conversions.

If you’re looking for more web design tips and strategies, feel free to follow me on Instagram @anilkody, where I share a lot of behind-the-scenes content and helpful insights. I also post updates regularly that can help you stay on top of the latest trends.

If you’re considering using no-code website builders, check out our recent article on why businesses choose no-code website builders for more insights into how these tools can be both effective and cost-efficient.

Step 5: Monitoring and Fine-Tuning

After launching the GBP and website, we didn’t stop there. Regular monitoring and optimization ensured the best results. We:

• Analyzed GBP insights to track call volume, profile views, and clicks.
• Refined keywords based on changing trends and customer behavior.
• Posted updates about the client’s services, keeping their profile active.

This continuous effort paid off. By the third month, their Google Business Profile ranked in the top 3 positions for targeted local keywords, driving significant visibility and resulting in 400+ calls per month!

And, if you’re interested in seeing how we take businesses to the next level, make sure to follow Futured Studio on Instagram. You’ll get a glimpse into our process and how we work with clients to help them grow.

Step 6: Adding the Magic Touch – WhatsApp Integration

Beyond GBP and basic website features, we implemented a simple WhatsApp button on the client’s website, leading to a significant boost in inquiries.

How It Works:

If you look at this website, you’ll notice a floating WhatsApp icon at the bottom right corner. This simple button makes it easy for visitors to message the business directly via WhatsApp without needing to fill out a form or call.

Why It Works:

• Ease of Use: Customers prefer quick messaging options over traditional methods like calling.
• Instant Interaction: WhatsApp allows businesses to respond immediately, which is crucial for converting leads.
• Universal Popularity: WhatsApp is widely used, especially in regions like India, making it a convenient choice for most customers.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit our Futured Studio website, click on the WhatsApp button, and see how smoothly it works. Adding this feature can dramatically increase the number of inquiries your website generates!

If you’re looking for more detailed tutorials, our YouTube channel is a great place to learn in-depth strategies on web design, freelancing, and sales. Make sure to check it out for the latest videos!

A Note About Google’s Call History Removal

Update:
As of July 31, 2024, Google has removed the call history feature from Google Business Profiles. This means you can no longer directly track calls generated from your GBP.

However, we didn’t rely solely on GBP for the 400+ calls. Many inquiries came directly from the website, thanks to features like:

• A prominent “Call Us” button strategically placed on the homepage.
• The WhatsApp button, which simplified communication for website visitors.

Why This Strategy Works

Local SEO is not just about ranking higher, it’s about converting visibility into action. By combining a GBP with a website optimized for calls and messages, we created multiple avenues for lead generation.

The floating WhatsApp button turned out to be a game-changer, especially for local customers who preferred quick communication over formal inquiry forms. This small addition significantly increased engagement and inquiries from the website.

Let’s Grow Your Business Together

If you want to improve your local online presence like we did for our client, feel free to reach out. You can easily reach us by clicking on the Contact Us link or via WhatsApp by tapping the floating button at the bottom right corner of this page. We’ll take care of everything, from setting up your Google Business Profile to designing a website that drives results.

At Futured Studio, we are a team of passionate web designers and digital strategists dedicated to helping businesses like yours succeed online. We don’t just create websites; we build powerful online platforms that drive real results. Our approach combines creative design with strategic SEO and marketing techniques to ensure your website doesn’t just look great, it performs.

We understand that your business is unique, and we’re here to craft a digital presence that reflects your brand while helping you reach more customers and grow your business.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, we’re here to help. Simply click the WhatsApp button at the bottom right of your screen, and let’s start a conversation about how we can work together to achieve your goals.

Conclusion

In the competitive digital landscape, having a great website is essential but it’s the strategic approach that sets you apart. At Futured Studio, we specialize in more than just website design; we focus on creating digital experiences that drive growth, improve customer engagement, and generate more business.

By combining our design expertise with SEO strategies, digital marketing tactics, and ongoing support, we ensure your website works harder for you. Whether you’re looking to optimize your Google Business Profile, implement conversion-focused features, or build a custom website that truly represents your brand, Futured Studio is here to help.

Ready to take your online presence to the next level? Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can grow your business together!