Those living in the Nordics — Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden — are known for their high internet penetration, tech-savvy nature and strong local search behaviour. If you want your business to be more visibile online, then it is highly important that your Google My Business (GMB) profile is properly optimised.

An improved Google My Business listing increases online visibility, drives traffic and improves local search engine optimisation. The Nordic region, on the other hand, is characterised by particular cultural and linguistic nuances that require a special approach.

Below we will discuss 10 proven ways to optmize your Google My Business profile for the Nordic audience in order to achieve high search exposure, attract more customers and stand out from your competitors.

1: Fill Out Business Information Correctly

You have to make sure that all the business information you fill in is highly accurate. You also have the chance to fill in your business details while Google verifies and approves your profile. To do this, type “My business” into Google to get search results that show your GBP settings. Then click on “Edit profile”.

2: Use Local Language & Keywords

While English is widely understood, Nordic consumers prefer content in their native languages i-e Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, or Icelandic. 

Localizing your GMB profile into the respective Nordic language will build trust, therefore It is highly recommended to translate your business description, and services into the target Nordic language.

You should incorporate local keywords (e.g., “bageri i Stockholm” for bakery in Stockholm). It is better to stay away from direct translations and use real, colloquial language instead.

3: Optimize for “Near Me” Searches

Customers from the Nordic region often carry out searches related to the local area, such as “best sushi in Göteberg” or “furniture store Helinski” or “accountant Stockholm”. Therefore it is advised to mention local  neighborhoods or landmarks in your business description.

Using keywords that relate to a specific location can also have a positive impact such as “Stockholm vegan bakery” is a recommended option instead of just “vegan bakery”.

If you are operating in multiple cities such oslo, copenhagen and stockholm. You should add all services areas.

4. Collect Reviews from Nordic Customers

Consumers in the Nordic countries place more trust in online reviews than in advertising. A solid review profile increases the credibility of a company, therefore it is advised to encourage your customers to provide feedback in the form of reviews. You should respond to all reviews, whether they are positive or negative in a professional manner.

5. Add High-Quality Photos & Videos

Visual content increases engagement. Nordic users appreciate clean, minimalist, and high-quality visuals. Always showcase your storefront ( if you have a physical store ), products, services and team.

6. Post Regular GMB Updates (Nordic-Style Content)

You can improve your local  SEO and engage customers by publishing regular updates to your Google My Business (GMB) account with Nordic-style content.

A consistent publishing schedule not only increases visibility in local search results, but also strengthens your company’s identity, which is based on trust and elegance.

7. Use Local Structured Data & Schema Markup

Using local structured data and schema markup can improve your Google My Business (GMB) optimization in the Nordic region and increase relevance.

 By adding Schema.org markup to your website, such as LocalBusiness, OpeningHours or Service, you help search engines better capture the specifics of your business, such as location, services and customer reviews, in a standardized form.

8: Allows Users to Message You (And Reply Quickly!)

Enabling the messaging feature will let people directly contact you regarding questions about your business. 

By activating GMB messaging and responding in time, you will increase your customers’ trust and conversion rate in the Nordics!

9. Get Listed in Nordic Directories

An effective method that can strengthen  your Google My Business (GMB) profile in Nordics is to get listed in local directories. It is important to ensure that your business is listed in reputable regional directories such as Gule Sider (Norway), Eniro (Sweden/Finland), Krak.dk (Denmark) and Fonecta (Finland). Such directories are often browsed by Nordic consumers which can increase your visibility. 

Make sure that your listings are accurate, comprehensive and localised (in Swedish, Danish, Norwegian or Finnish) to match the search behaviour of each region.

Listings on authoritative local directories will not only increase the authority of your Google My Business profile, but can also drive more local traffic to your business.

10. Monitor & Adapt Using Analytics

To maintain a competitive Google My Business (GMB) profile in the Nordic region, it is important to regularly monitor performance metrics and make adjustments according to the data collected.

You can track a number of key metrics such as search queries that drive traffic, website visits, calls and photo views by using a combination of tools such as GMB insights, Google analytics and Google search console.

Final Thoughts

Localisation, authenticity and consistency are three things that are required to optimise Google My Business for the Nordic markets. By considering the above strategies, you can culturally adapt and data-optimize your GMB profile, build trust and attract customers in the Nordics.