I’ll never forget the day my barber told me his secret: he didn’t just want to show up for “haircut near me”—he wanted the guys searching “beard trim” too. Turns out, most local businesses chase a single keyword and end up missing the crowd looking for so much more. So if you’re tired of being stuck in the shadows of Google Maps, let’s get tactical—and a tad unconventional—about ranking your Google Business Profile for every service you provide. (Spoiler: It’s more than just keywords—think wild cards and neighborhood know-how.)

What MOST People Miss: The Secret Life of Local SEO Keywords

Let’s be honest: most business owners and even some marketers fall into the same local SEO trap. They chase after the obvious, high-traffic keywords—like “haircut near me”—and call it a day. But here’s the secret: real people search differently every single day. If you only optimize your Google Business Profile for the most obvious terms, you’re missing out on a massive pool of customers who use unique, unexpected phrases to find the services you offer.

Why Chasing Only Top Keywords Leaves Gaps

Think about it. Google Maps SEO isn’t just about ranking for one or two big keywords. It’s about showing up for all the ways people might look for your services. If you’re a barber, you might focus on “haircut near me.” But what about “beard trim near me,” “kids’ haircut downtown,” or “quick trim nearby”? Each of these is a local SEO keyword variation that taps into a different search intent—and a different group of potential customers.

Here’s what most people miss: Google’s algorithm rewards relevance and variety. The more you align your profile with the diverse ways people search, the more often you’ll appear in those coveted Google Maps results.

A Quick Experiment: Discovering Real Search Phrases

Want proof? Try this simple experiment:

1. Ask five friends how they’d search for your services online.
2. Write down their exact phrases—no editing.
3. Compare those phrases to the keywords you’re currently targeting.

Chances are, you’ll be surprised by the variety. Maybe someone types “best barber for fades,” while another searches “walk-in beard trim open now.” These are real, valuable local SEO keywords that you might never have considered.

‘If you optimize for how real people talk, not just what you want to rank for, you win more often.’ — Joy Hawkins

Step-by-Step: Multi-Keyword Ranking for Service-Based SEO

Ready to unlock the secret life of local SEO keywords and rank your Google Business Profile for multiple services? Here’s how:

1. List Every Service Variation
   Don’t just settle for your main service. If you offer haircuts, also list beard trims, kids’ cuts, restyles, and even specialty services like “hot towel shave” or “buzz cut.” The more specific, the better.
2. Use Real Customer Language
   Listen to how your customers describe your services. Check your reviews, social media comments, and even in-person conversations. Do they say “quick trim,” “shape up,” or “bangs cut”? Use these phrases in your profile and posts.
3. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
   • Business Description: Naturally include multiple service-based SEO keywords. Example: “We offer men’s haircuts, beard trims, kids’ haircuts, and quick trims in downtown.”
   • Services Section: Add every service you provide, using the exact phrases customers use.
   • Posts & Updates: Regularly post about different services using varied keywords—one week highlight “beard trim near me,” the next “kids’ haircut downtown.”
4. Encourage Keyword-Rich Reviews
   Ask happy customers to mention the specific service they received. For example, “Loved my beard trim!” or “Best kids’ haircut in town.” These reviews help Google connect your profile with more keyword variations.
5. Monitor and Expand
   Use Google’s Insights and third-party tools to see which keywords are driving views and calls. If you notice new phrases popping up, add them to your profile and content.

Pro Tip: Think Like a Customer, Not an Algorithm

Humans don’t always search how you expect. Interview your customers, pay attention to their language, and update your profile regularly. The more you mirror real-world search habits, the more you’ll dominate local search for multiple services.

Remember, expanding to multiple keyword variations isn’t just a technical trick—it’s a way to meet your customers where they are, in their own words. That’s the true secret life of local SEO keywords.

Google Maps Profiles Aren’t Billboards: Crafting Service Descriptions with Personality

Let’s get one thing straight: your Google Business Profile isn’t just a digital flyer slapped on Google Maps. It’s your brand’s handshake, your first impression, and—if you do it right—your secret weapon for ranking for multiple services. If you want to rank your Google Business Profile for more than just “haircut near me,” you need to ditch the generic, copy-paste approach and start crafting service descriptions with real personality.

Stop Copying—Start Conversing

‘Your business profile should read like a conversation, not a corporate memo.’ — Greg Gifford

Most profiles sound like they were written by robots: “We offer haircuts, beard trims, shaves, and more.” Yawn. Google’s algorithm (and your customers) crave authenticity. Instead, imagine you’re chatting with a new client who just walked into your shop. What would you say? How would you describe your services in a way that feels genuine and memorable?

Segment Each Service—Don’t Lump Them Together

Google Business services let you break out each offering into its own spotlight. This isn’t just for looks—it’s a service-based SEO power move. When you create a separate, detailed blurb for each service, Google can better match your profile to specific local SEO keywords. For example:

• Gentlemen’s Cut: “Classic or modern, our stylists know how to deliver a cut that fits your vibe. Ask for the ‘Boardroom Special’ if you want to look sharp for your next big meeting.”
• Beard Trim: “From subtle shaping to full-on lumberjack, we tame beards of all kinds. Pro tip: Our signature beard oil smells like cedar and confidence.”

Notice how each service is described individually, with its own flavor and keywords? This approach helps you optimize your Google Profile for multiple searches—so you can show up for both “gentlemen’s cut near me” and “beard trim near me.”

Inject Stories, Benefits, and Quirks

People remember stories and quirks, not lists. Did you once save a client from a disastrous DIY haircut? Does your team have a secret handshake? Share it! For example, one of our clients added a playful note: “Dog-friendly barbershop—bring your pup for a treat while you get trimmed.” Suddenly, they started ranking for “dog-friendly barbershop” in their city. That’s the magic of personality-driven Google Business services descriptions.

Step-by-Step: Personalizing Your Service Descriptions

1. List Out Each Service: Don’t just write “haircuts, coloring, beard trims.” Break them out individually in your profile.
2. Write Like You Speak: Use friendly, conversational language. Imagine you’re explaining the service to a friend.
3. Highlight Real Benefits: What makes your “kids’ haircut” less stressful? Why do locals love your “fade”? Be specific.
4. Add a Wild Card: Use phrases customers actually say. If people ask for the “weekend warrior shave,” mention it! These ‘wild card’ phrases help you rank for the real searches happening in your area.
5. Update Regularly: Google values fresh, complete profiles. If you add a new service or a seasonal special, update your descriptions. This signals to Google that your business is active and relevant.

Use Customer Language for Google Maps SEO

Listen to how your customers describe your services. Do they say “buzz cut” or “crew cut”? “Balayage” or “hair painting”? Sprinkle these terms naturally into your descriptions. This helps your profile surface for a wider range of local SEO keywords—not just the ones you think are important, but the ones your customers are actually searching for.

Keep It Fresh and Authentic

Google rewards profiles that are complete, authentic, and regularly updated. Don’t be afraid to tweak your service descriptions, add new stories, or highlight recent team achievements. The more real and up-to-date your profile feels, the more likely you are to attract both Google’s attention and your next loyal customer.

Neighborhood Magnetism: Boosting Visibility Beyond the Obvious

When it comes to ranking your Google Business Profile for multiple services, it’s easy to get stuck in the rut of basic keyword stuffing and generic updates. But if you want to truly dominate Google Maps local search and show up in the map pack for everything you offer—from “haircut near me” to “beard trim near me”—you need to harness the magnetic power of your neighborhood. This means going beyond the obvious, tapping into community-driven content, and making your business feel like a local landmark, not just another pin on the map.

Let’s break down how you can use neighborhood magnetism to boost your visibility for all your services, step by step.

Encourage Service-Specific Reviews That Tell a Story

Google’s local algorithm is smarter than ever, and it’s not just counting your reviews—it’s reading them. The more your reviews mention specific services, the more likely you are to rank for those terms in Google Maps SEO. Don’t just ask customers for a review; ask them to share what they loved about their beard trim, kids’ haircut, or color treatment. When someone writes, “Best beard trim in the neighborhood! The barber took extra care and gave me tips for maintenance,” Google connects your business with that service and location.

Frequency matters, too. A steady stream of fresh, detailed reviews signals to Google that your business is active and trusted for multiple services. Make it easy for customers by providing a quick prompt after their visit or including a QR code at checkout that links directly to your review page. Remember, specifics matter—so celebrate every unique service you offer and let your customers do the talking.

Post Locally Tuned Updates That Catch the Map Pack’s Eye

Staying relevant in Google Maps local search isn’t just about keywords—it’s about showing Google (and your community) that you’re an active part of the neighborhood. Regularly post updates that are locally tuned: announce seasonal specials, highlight local events, or give a shout-out to another small business down the street. For example, “We’re offering $5 off beard trims during the city’s Spring Festival—stop by after the parade!”

These posts do double duty. They keep your profile fresh (which Google loves for map pack ranking), and they make your business relatable and approachable. As Mike Blumenthal puts it,

‘People want to connect with people, not faceless brands.’

When you share stories, photos, or even a quick video from a local event, you’re not just optimizing for location-based SEO—you’re building real neighborhood magnetism that draws in both Google and your next customer.

Answer Real (and Unexpected) Customer Questions in Q&A

Google Business Profile’s Q&A section is a goldmine for location-based SEO. Don’t wait for customers to ask questions—seed your own Q&A with real, service-specific queries. Think about what people actually ask: “Do you offer beard trims for sensitive skin?” or “Can I book a haircut and beard trim together?” Answer these in a natural, friendly way, using the keywords you want to rank for.

And don’t be afraid to inject a little personality. Sometimes, an off-the-cuff reply or a slightly quirky FAQ (“What’s the weirdest beard style you’ve ever trimmed?”) makes your business more memorable and relatable. Google rewards businesses that feel human and approachable, and so do your customers.

Conclusion: Make Your Business the Beating Heart of the Neighborhood

Ranking your Google Business Profile for multiple services isn’t just about ticking SEO boxes. It’s about becoming a real part of your community—engaging with locals, encouraging authentic reviews, and sharing updates that matter to your neighborhood. By focusing on service-specific reviews, locally tuned posts, and engaging Q&A, you’ll not only boost your map pack ranking for every service you offer, but you’ll also build genuine connections that keep customers coming back. In the end, neighborhood magnetism is about showing Google—and everyone searching nearby—that you’re more than a business. You’re a neighbor, a resource, and a local favorite. That’s the real secret to ranking beyond the obvious.

TL;DR: If you want your Google Business Profile to show up for more than just one service, you need to think creatively about your keywords, service descriptions, and local engagement. Mix strategy with a dash of personality, and watch your Map Pack presence grow.