If you’re a business owner in Virginia Beach, showing up where your customers are searching is everything. Whether they’re looking for a plumber, a dentist, a local roofer, or any other service, visibility on Google is what drives calls, clicks, and conversions. When searching on how to rank in google. This is a definitive guide.
At Virginia SEO Pros, we help local businesses dominate Google by using a blended SEO strategy—leveraging both Google Business Profile (GBP) and traditional organic search optimization. Together, these two channels form a powerful one-two punch that maximizes your visibility across the entire search engine results page (SERP).
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to rank in Google using both approaches and how this combined strategy leads to more leads, more traffic, and ultimately more business.
Why Local Businesses Need a Dual Strategy
Many businesses only focus on one channel—either they’re optimizing their website or putting effort into their GBP listing. The truth is, Google prioritizes businesses that perform well in both areas.
Google Business Profile helps you show up in the Map Pack (the 3 local listings that appear with a map), while organic SEO helps you rank in the standard search results beneath the maps. Together, they double your real estate on the results page and increase your chances of getting the click.
Understanding Google Business Profile (GBP)
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your company’s front-facing presence on Google Maps and local search.
What Makes a High-Ranking GBP Listing?
To rank in the Local Map Pack, you need to focus on:
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Business category accuracy
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Proximity to the searcher (location)
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Google reviews and star rating
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Photo and content optimization
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NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone Number)
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Local citations
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Activity (regular updates, posts, responses to reviews)
Action Steps for Optimizing GBP
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Claim and verify your listing if you haven’t already.
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Use the correct primary business category and select relevant secondary categories.
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Fill out every section of your profile, including business hours, website, services, products, and more.
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Add high-quality photos—business exterior, staff, services in action, etc.
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Solicit customer reviews and respond professionally to every one.
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Publish regular Google Posts to promote offers, blog content, or events.
Businesses in Virginia Beach that stay active on their GBP often see higher engagement, more calls, and better rankings in local searches.
Organic SEO: Building Authority Through Your Website
While GBP helps with Maps and localized queries, organic SEO helps your site appear in traditional search results for both local and non-local keywords.
What Factors Influence Organic Rankings?
Organic search rankings are driven by:
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On-page optimization (titles, headings, keywords)
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Content quality and relevance
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Mobile-friendliness and page speed
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Domain authority and backlinks
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Internal linking structure
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User behavior signals (bounce rate, time on site, etc.)
Best Practices for Website SEO
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Optimize your homepage and service pages with target local keywords like “Virginia Beach HVAC repair” or “best lawyer in Virginia Beach.”
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Create location-specific content—write blog posts or landing pages that focus on neighborhoods, events, or news in Virginia Beach.
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Earn local backlinks from Virginia Beach news sites, chamber of commerce pages, and industry directories.
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Embed Google Maps on your contact page to help associate your business with your location.
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Make sure your website is fast, secure, and mobile-friendly.
When your website content and structure reflect your local relevance, you’ll begin to outrank competitors not just in your city, but across your service area.
Combining GBP and Organic SEO for Maximum Results
Individually, GBP and organic SEO are powerful. But together, they reinforce each other.
Here’s how they work in tandem:
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Ranking in both areas increases your brand trust. Users are more likely to click when they see your name multiple times on the same page.
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High-performing websites can boost GBP authority. Google considers your website as part of the local ranking equation.
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Consistency across channels (website, GBP, local listings) sends strong location signals to Google.
A Real Example: Virginia Beach Service Business
Let’s say you’re a roofing company in Virginia Beach. With GBP alone, you might appear in the local map pack for “roofers near me.” But if you also rank organically for “roof replacement Virginia Beach,” you’re capturing customers who scroll past the map—and those searching more broadly.
Now imagine your Google listing has 100+ five-star reviews, a professionally written website, and you’re posting regularly. You’re now winning clicks from both mobile and desktop users, both local and surrounding cities. That’s the power of a blended strategy.
How Virginia SEO Pros Helps You Own Page One
At Virginia SEO Pros, we specialize in helping local businesses in Virginia Beach build visibility, trust, and long-term rankings using a dual approach.
Our Local SEO Services Include:
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Full GBP optimization & management
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Website audits & on-page SEO
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Local keyword research
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Citation building & NAP consistency
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Localized content strategy
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Link building from trusted Virginia sources
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Monthly performance tracking & reporting
We understand how people in Virginia Beach search—and we tailor your strategy accordingly. Whether you’re a service-based business, medical practice, or retail store, we help you win more customers from your local area.
FAQs About Local SEO and Google Business Ranking
How long does it take to rank in Google?
For GBP, improvements can be seen within a few weeks, especially if your profile is well-optimized. Organic SEO takes longer—typically 3 to 6 months—but the results are more stable and scalable.
Can I rank in the map pack without a website?
It’s possible, but not recommended. Google considers website authority when ranking GBP listings. Having a high-quality site strengthens your map rankings and increases trust.
Do I need to post on my Google Business Profile?
Yes. Posting regularly tells Google you’re active and engaged. It can also drive more clicks and conversions from searchers.
What’s more important: reviews or content?
Both are important. Reviews boost your map pack presence, while content drives organic traffic. Together, they support a complete local SEO strategy.
Final Thoughts
To dominate Google search in Virginia Beach, you need more than a single tactic. A blended approach—using both Google Business Profile optimization and organic SEO—positions your business in multiple places on the results page. That means more visibility, more clicks, and more business.
If you’re ready to take over your local market and drive real results, the team at Virginia SEO Pros is here to help.
