Google Business Profile for Car Dealers: 6 Fixes to Beat the Local Pack

Your GBP is the most valuable local SEO tool you’re probably half-ignoring.

Don’t have time to read all this?

Here’s the short version:

A fully optimized GBP can get you more traffic, more calls, and more walk-ins. Here’s what to fix fast:

Choose the right primary and secondary categories
Add real photos (inside, outside, staff, service area)
Post weekly updates and inventory offers
Respond to every review — yes, even the jerks
Fill out every field: hours, products, attributes, services
Use Q&A to pre-answer shopper questions

If your Google Business Profile looks like it hasn’t been touched since your last oil change, you’re handing leads to every competitor within a 10-mile radius.

This is your digital storefront. It’s what shows up on mobile when someone searches your name — or worse, “dealerships near me.” An optimized GBP gets you clicks, calls, and foot traffic. A lazy one? It gets ignored.

Let’s break down what actually moves the needle — and how to fix it yourself.

1. Pick the Right Categories — or Get Buried

Your primary category is the #1 ranking factor in local search. Get it wrong and you’re toast.

✅ Primary: Use “Car Dealer”
✅ Secondary: Add others like “Used Car Dealer,” “Truck Dealer,” “Car Repair,” or “Auto Parts Store” if they match services offered
❌ Don’t stack irrelevant categories. If you don’t do it in-house, don’t list it.

Pro Tip: Your categories need to match what you actually offer in real life. If you only sell, don’t list “Auto Repair Shop” — Google sees through it.

2. Photos Aren’t Optional. They’re Your First Impression.

Google prioritizes profiles that get engagement — and photos help with clicks, trust, and ranking.

Add:

Exterior and lot shots
Interior showroom and waiting areas
Team headshots (with names!)
Service bays
Real inventory (not stock photos)

Pro Tip: Update photos regularly — monthly if you can. Profiles with fresh images rank better and get more clicks.

3. GBP Posts: Use Them Like a Social Feed

Posting on GBP keeps your profile active and shows Google (and customers) that you’re engaged.

Post about:

Weekly or monthly promotions
New arrivals in stock
Finance specials
Community events
Seasonal service tips

Pro Tip: Add a call to action like “Schedule a Test Drive” or “Call Now.” Posts disappear after 7 days, so stay consistent.

4. Fill Out Every Field — Yes, Every Damn One

Google gives you options. Use them all.

Must-fill fields:

Business name (match your real-world signage)
Hours (sales AND service)
Website
Phone
Address (match your website exactly)
Attributes (like “Wheelchair Accessible,” “LGBTQ+ friendly”)
Products (yes, list models or service packages)

Pro Tip: Incomplete profiles rank lower. Don’t skip fields just because they feel optional — they aren’t.

5. Q&A: Preload It with Your Own Answers

Did you know you can (and should) seed your own Q&A? It’s a power move.

Add common buyer questions:

“Do you offer in-house financing?”
“Can I get a trade-in value online?”
“Is your service department open on Saturdays?”

Pro Tip: Use keywords in the Q&A. It’s a rare spot where you can be strategic without looking spammy.

6. Reviews: Quantity, Quality, Recency

The trifecta of local trust. Reviews are a top 3 ranking factor, but most dealers treat them like an afterthought.

Get more by:

Sending SMS review requests after purchase/service
Training staff to ask during the handoff
Automating follow-ups within 24 hours

Respond to every single review, good or bad. It shows Google (and shoppers) you care.

Pro Tip: Mention products/services in your responses — this helps with relevance and engagement.

GBP Isn’t “Set It and Forget It.” It’s a Local Ranking Machine.

Most dealers claim their profile and walk away. That’s like buying a race car and never tuning it. Google rewards consistency, completeness, and engagement — all things within your control.

Don’t want to deal with it? We do this every day. Fast, gritty, and built to rank.

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