Make Over $5,000/Month With Google Business Optimization (Easiest Side Hustle in 2024!)

One Of The Most Highly Lucrative and Scalable Businesses

The key to any scalable business as an individual is to find something that is both quick and easy for you to do but highly valuable for someone else.

And Google Business Profile optimization is one of the greatest examples of this model.

You can do about 30 minutes of work per day and easily clear over $5,000/month doing this consistently.

And it’s completely free, requires zero experience, and all you need is a phone and a laptop.

Here’s how to get started with this super easy and highly lucrative side hustle, including how to optimize business profiles, example cold call scripts, and how much to charge.

What is Google My Business (GMB)?

Any time you search a business on Google or search “barber near me”, Google will populate Google Business results.

Think of GMB as a business's front door on the internet. It’s where businesses showcase their vital information to anyone searching for their services on Google. This includes:

• Business Name: Make the name pop in local searches.

• Address: Get businesses on the map, literally.

• Phone Number: Ensure customers can easily reach out.

• Website: Drive traffic straight to their site.

• Hours of Operation: Keep customers informed about when they’re open.

• Customer Reviews: Highlight rave reviews to build trust.

• Photos: Show off the best of what they offer.

Importance of GMB for Local Businesses

Here’s where the magic happens. Local businesses crave visibility, and a fully optimized GMB profile can make them the go-to choice in their area.

And by optimizing a client’s profile, you greatly increase their local SEO rankings.

Here’s how GMB makes a huge difference for local businesses:

1. Enhanced Visibility: A top-notch GMB profile puts businesses front and center in local searches and on Google Maps, making it easy for customers to find them.

2. Increased Credibility: Businesses with polished GMB profiles and glowing reviews stand out and attract more customers.

3. Customer Engagement: GMB lets businesses interact directly with customers by responding to reviews and questions, building a loyal customer base.

4. Insights and Analytics: GMB provides powerful insights into customer behavior, helping businesses make smart decisions to drive growth.

Why Google Business Optimization is the Easiest Side Hustle

When it comes to side hustles, Google Business Optimization is as easy as it gets.

But your clients don’t need to know that.

You’ll find that most local businesses will not make an effort to do any kind of digital marketing work, even if it’s the easiest thing to do in the world.

And the best part is you don’t need any kind of experience to get started, and it only takes about a day to learn everything involved.

Google Business Optimization also offers unmatched flexibility.

You can work from anywhere, set your own hours, and choose your clients. Whether you want to work part-time alongside your day job or go all-in, this side hustle adapts to your lifestyle.

Local businesses are also constantly seeking ways to stand out in crowded markets. A well-optimized GMB profile can be the difference between a customer choosing their business or a competitor's.

This high demand for GMB optimization services means there’s no shortage of potential clients. Businesses are willing to pay well for someone who can help them attract more customers and increase their revenue.

Step-by-Step Guide to Google Business Optimization

Now that you understand why Google Business Optimization is the easiest side hustle, it’s time to dive into the specifics of how you can get started.

To sum it up, this service is literally the same as filling out a social media profile.

But instead of your favorite movies, what college you attend, and your contact info, you set up business location, hours of availability, and business contact info for local businesses.

1. Setting Up a GMB Account

To begin, you need to set up a Google My Business account for your client if you they don’t already have one.

(We will cover how to get clients in the next section below)

Head over to the Google My Business website and sign in with your Google account.

Creating a Google account is free and straightforward. Once signed in, click on “Manage now” and enter the name of the business you want to optimize. If the business isn’t already listed, you can add it manually.

The critical step here is verifying the business.

Google sends a verification code to the business address, usually via postcard. This step ensures that only legitimate business owners or authorized managers can claim a listing.

Verification can take up to two weeks, but once complete, you’ll have full control over the business profile.

This is why it’s helpful for you to create a simple spreadsheet to track which businesses are awaiting verification and to manage expectations.

2. Optimizing Business Information

An optimized business profile is comprehensive and detailed. Here are the key elements you need to focus on:

- Complete Every Section: Make sure to fill out every section of the GMB profile. This includes the business name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. According to Google, businesses with complete listings are twice as likely to earn customer trust and 38% more likely to attract local visits. (Make sure to use that stat in your sales pitch)

- Add Categories: Choose the most accurate and specific categories for the business. This helps Google understand what the business offers and match it with relevant searches. For example, if you’re optimizing a bakery, select categories like “Bakery,” “Cake Shop,” or “Pastry Shop” rather than just “Restaurant.”

- Write a Compelling Description: Craft a clear and engaging business description. Highlight what makes the business unique and why customers should choose it. For instance, if you’re working with a family-owned coffee shop, emphasize their locally sourced beans, cozy atmosphere, and commitment to community engagement.

3. Managing Reviews and Customer Interactions

Customer reviews are a goldmine for local businesses.

Positive reviews boost credibility and attract more customers. Here’s how to manage this aspect effectively:

- Encourage Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on the GMB profile. Businesses with positive reviews see a 270% increase in click-through rates from Google.

- Respond to Reviews: Engage with customers by responding to their reviews, both positive and negative. Thank those who leave positive feedback and address any issues raised in negative reviews professionally and courteously. For example, if a customer complains about long wait times, acknowledge their experience and explain how the business is working to improve.

4. Utilizing GMB Insights for Improvement

GMB provides valuable insights into how customers find and interact with the business profile. Here’s how to use this data effectively:

- Analyze Data: Regularly check GMB insights to see how customers are finding the business. Insights include data on search queries used to find the business, customer actions (like calls or website visits), and where customers are coming from. For example, if the data shows that most customers find the business through mobile searches, ensure the listing is mobile-friendly.

- Adjust Strategies: Use the insights to refine your optimization strategy. If you notice a drop in profile views, consider updating the business description or adding new photos. Businesses that use insights to continuously optimize their profile see up to a 50% increase in engagement.

5. Adding Photos and Posts

Visual content is crucial for attracting and engaging customers. Here’s how to make the most of this feature:

- Upload High-Quality Photos: High-quality photos significantly enhance a business profile. Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites.

Regularly upload photos of the business, products, and services. For instance, a restaurant should include images of its dishes, dining area, and any special events.

- Create Posts: Use the GMB posts feature to share updates, promotions, events, and more. This keeps the business profile active and engaging, attracting more customers. For example, a fitness center can post about new classes, special offers, or member success stories.

Example: Local Bakery Transformation

Let’s take an example of a local bakery, “Jimmy’s Bakery.” When you start, the bakery’s GMB profile might just have basic information like the name, address, and phone number. After setting up the GMB account and verifying it, you dive into optimization.

1.) First, you fill out every section, ensuring the bakery’s hours, website, and contact details are accurate. You add categories like “Bakery,” “Cake Shop,” and “Pastry Shop.” You write a compelling description emphasizing their unique homemade recipes and community involvement.

2.) Next, you encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to each review, thanking customers for their feedback. You analyze GMB insights to see that most customers find the bakery through mobile searches and adjust the listing to be more mobile-friendly.

3.) You then upload high-quality photos of the bakery’s best-selling cakes, cozy interior, and special events like cake-decorating classes. Finally, you create posts about weekly specials, seasonal offerings, and customer testimonials.

Within a few months, Jimmy’s Bakery sees a significant increase in foot traffic, online orders, and customer engagement—all thanks to your expert optimization.

How Much to Charge and Earning Potential in Google Business Optimization

Once you’ve mastered the skills of Google Business Optimization, the next step is to monetize your expertise.

Knowing how much to charge, how many clients you can secure, and understanding the potential for recurring income is crucial to maximizing your earnings. Let's break down the financial aspects of this side hustle.

Initial Setup Fee: For setting up and optimizing a GMB profile from scratch, you can charge anywhere from $200 to $500. 

This fee covers the initial account setup, information optimization, and the first round of customer engagement.

- Monthly Maintenance Fee: To keep the GMB profile updated and continuously optimized, you can offer a monthly maintenance package. This typically ranges from $100 to $300 per month, depending on the level of service provided. Monthly tasks can include updating business information, posting new content, managing reviews, and analyzing insights.

How Many Clients You Can Get Per Month

The number of clients you can manage depends on the time you can dedicate to this side hustle. Let’s look at some realistic scenarios:

- Part-Time Commitment: If you’re working part-time, dedicating about 10-15 hours per week, you can comfortably handle 5-10 clients. This allows you to provide high-quality service without being overwhelmed.

- Full-Time Commitment: For those who decide to go full-time, dedicating 30-40 hours per week, managing 20-30 clients is feasible. This level of commitment can significantly boost your earnings and establish you as a go-to expert in your area.

The Magic Is In The Maintenance Fees

One of the significant advantages of Google Business Optimization is the potential for recurring income.

Most businesses understand the importance of maintaining an optimized GMB profile and are willing to pay a monthly “set it and forget it” fee to keep it in top shape.

This creates a steady stream of income, reducing the need to constantly seek new clients.

Additionally, satisfied clients are likely to refer you to other business owners, further expanding your client base without extra marketing efforts.

How Much Money You Can Potentially Make Monthly

Let’s crunch some numbers to see the earning potential. Here’s a breakdown based on different scenarios:

- Part-Time Scenario: If you manage 10 clients with an initial setup fee of $300 and a monthly maintenance fee of $200, your first-month earnings would be $3,000 (10 clients x $300 setup fee) + $2,000 (10 clients x $200 maintenance fee) = $5,000. For subsequent months, you’d earn $2,000 from maintenance fees alone.

- Full-Time Scenario: Managing 25 clients with the same fee structure, your first-month earnings would be $7,500 (25 clients x $300 setup fee) + $5,000 (25 clients x $200 maintenance fee) = $12,500. For subsequent months, you’d earn $5,000 from maintenance fees.

Example: Building a Recurring Revenue Stream

Let’s take an example of a full-time optimizer, Dan.

Dan starts by securing 10 clients in his first month, earning $5,000.

By the third month, through referrals and marketing, he has grown his client base to 25 clients.

His recurring monthly income from maintenance fees is now $5,000.

Over a year, Dan has the potential to earn $60,000 from maintenance fees alone, excluding any additional setup fees from new clients he acquires.

But how do you get your clients?

How to Do Cold Call Sales to Local Businesses

Cold calling can be a powerful method to secure clients for your Google Business Optimization services.

You can’t be scared of the phone and hide in email campaigns. You simply MUST call these businesses if you want to make sales.

Many local businesses may not be aware of the benefits of optimizing their GMB profile, and a well-executed cold call can open the door to a lucrative opportunity.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make effective cold calls and propose the value of your services.

1. Research Your Prospects

Before making any calls, it’s essential to research your potential clients. Identify local businesses that could benefit from enhanced online visibility, such as restaurants, retail stores, and service providers.

Look for businesses with incomplete or unoptimized GMB profiles, as these are prime candidates for your services.

2. Prepare Your Pitch

Your pitch should be clear, concise, and focused on the value you can provide. Don’t start talking about GMB or techy stuff up front. They’ll hang up on you. Just talk about increasing their local search visibility and making more money with a quick and easy setup you can do.

3. The Golden Rule of Sales

The golden rule of sales is to ask questions, find pain points, and then use the benefits of your service to propose solutions to those pain points.

This approach ensures that you address the specific needs of the business owner, making your pitch more relevant and compelling.

Example Formula for a Cold Call Script

Here’s a script to guide your cold calls:

Introduction

"Hi, [Business Owner’s Name]. My name is [Your Name], and I specialize in helping local businesses like yours get more customers through Google. Do you have a few minutes to talk about how we can increase your visibility and attract more clients?"

Ask Questions and Find Pain Points

"I see that [Business Name] has a Google My Business profile. How has managing your online presence been going for you so far? Are there any challenges you’re facing with attracting new customers through Google?"

Listen and Identify Pain Points

(Listen to the business owner's responses and identify their pain points, such as low visibility, negative reviews, or difficulty keeping the profile updated.)

Propose Solutions Based on Pain Points

"Thank you for sharing that. I understand how frustrating it can be to manage these aspects while running your business. Here’s how optimizing your Google My Business profile can help. Businesses with complete and active GMB profiles are 70% more likely to attract local visits and 50% more likely to lead to a purchase. By optimizing your profile, we can significantly boost your online presence and drive more customers to your door."

Explain the Benefits

"For example, one of my clients, a local bakery, saw a 42% increase in customer inquiries and a 35% boost in website traffic after optimizing their GMB profile. This led to a noticeable uptick in sales and repeat customers. Imagine what this kind of improvement could do for your business."

Proposal

"I offer a comprehensive GMB optimization service that includes setting up and verifying your profile, optimizing all business information, managing customer reviews, and regularly updating content. The initial setup fee is $300, and the ongoing maintenance is $200 per month. This investment pays for itself with the increased business you’ll get from better online visibility."

Close

"Would you be interested in setting up a meeting to discuss this in more detail? I’d love to show you how we can get started and make a real impact on your business."

This is crucial. It’s also known as the 1-2 punch. Never try to sell someone on the first call, always try to set up the follow up to go into the service in more detail and then get them to sign on the dotted line.

Think about it, if someone called you out of the blue and wanted you to buy something, would you? Probably not. But if you met with them again and talked for 30 minutes on a call, you’d be more likely to buy something from them then.

4. Handling Objections

Expect and prepare for objections. Common concerns might include budget constraints or skepticism about the effectiveness of GMB optimization. Be ready to address these by reiterating the proven benefits and ROI (return on investment) of your services. Share success stories and offer a trial period or a money-back guarantee to alleviate concerns.

5. Follow-Up

If the business owner is interested but not ready to commit immediately, schedule a follow-up call or meeting. Send an email summarizing your discussion and reiterating the benefits of your services. Persistence is crucial, so don’t hesitate to follow up multiple times if needed.

The BMM Takeaway

By understanding the ins and outs of Google Business Optimization, how much to charge, the potential for recurring income, and mastering cold call sales, you are well-equipped to turn this side hustle into a significant income stream.

So pick up the phone and start dialing local businesses, get your first few clients, and really give this a try.

If you do this work consistently, you’ll eventually build up an entire roster of clients from all over the country that are just paying monthly maintenance fees.