If you want more local customers, you need to show up when they search on Google and Google Maps. One of the best free ways to do that is with Google Business Profile.
It is your listing on Google. It helps people find you, trust you, and contact you fast.
A lot of searches are local. Google has shared in the past that 46 percent of searches are looking for local information.
What is a Google Business Profile ?
Google Business Profile is a free tool that lets you manage how your business appears on:
- Google Search
- Google Maps
It can show your opening hours, phone number, website, photos, reviews, and more.
It used to be called Google My Business. You may still see people call it that.
Why should I use a Google Business Profile
A good profile can help you:
- Show up for local searches
- Stand out from competitors
- Build trust with reviews
- Get more calls, messages, and visits
- Answer key questions before someone even clicks your website
Is It Another Time Suck?
- It takes some effort, especially at the start.
- But once your basics are right, it is mostly light upkeep:
- Share updates when you have something worth saying
- Keep details up to date
- Add new photos now and then
- Obtain & Reply to reviews
- Check any automatic updates Google does all by itself !
Do I already have a Google Maps presence ?
Some businesses already have a profile, even if they never set it up. Google can create listings from public information.
To check, search your business name on Google. If you see a business panel with your details, you likely have a profile.
You may also find duplicates. These can confuse customers and hurt performance, so they are worth fixing.
Why having a profile matters
The main benefit is simple. It points customers to your business with correct, accurate, up to date information.
A strong profile also builds trust. People can see reviews, photos, and your contact details in seconds.
You also get useful insights, like what people searched for, how many called you, and where they came from.
What your profile includes
This depends on your business type, but most profiles include:
- Service areas for mobile businesses
- Business name, address, phone number
- Opening hours
- Website link
- Services or products
- Photos
- Reviews
- Map location
How to set it up Google Business Profile
The steps can vary by industry, but the basics are:
- Sign in with a Google account
- Find your business or add it
- Choose the best category
- Add your details
- Verify the business
- If you want to get started on your own check out this trusted resource from Bright Local.
How your profile helps customers
A good profile makes it easy for customers to choose you.
They can quickly see:
- What you do
- Where you are
- When you are open
- What people say about you
- How to contact you
Less friction means more enquiries.
What insights you can get
Once your profile is running, you can see useful data like:
- How many people viewed your profile
- What search terms they used
- How many called you
- How many asked for directions
- How many clicks to your website
This helps you learn what people want, and what is working. Below is one of the kind of reports we can provide to show your visibility in your area.
Can I list products and services
Yes.
Adding products and services helps customers understand what you offer before they contact you. For some businesses, this can also show prices and short descriptions.
If you have a service that is popular or limited, add it early.
How important are photos
Photos matter because people want proof you are real and professional.
Aim to add:
- An exterior shot if customers visit you
- A few interior shots if you have a space
- Product or job photos
- A team photo, or a clear head and shoulders photo if you are the face of the business
If you have professional brand photos, even better. No stock photos, this goes against Google guidelines.
How to get Google reviews
The simple answer is to ask.
Most happy customers will not leave a review unless you prompt them. Make it easy with a direct link.
Then do two things:
- monitor reviews
- reply to reviews
A calm, polite reply shows you are present and you care. Do not incentivise your customers – it’s a big Google no-no !
Why Google posts matter
Google Posts are like short updates on your profile. They help keep your listing active and useful.
Use them for:
- New services
- Seasonal offers
- Events
- New blog posts
- Important changes to opening hours
Even small updates can help.
Can customers contact me through the profile
Yes. People can contact you in several ways, depending on your setup:
- Call
- Website click
- Directions
- Messages in some cases
The key is keeping your details correct and responding quickly.
How to add service areas
If you travel to customers, add the areas you cover. Start with your main area, then expand to nearby towns if it makes sense.
Do not add areas you cannot realistically serve. It leads to poor enquiries and weak conversions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the wrong primary category
- Out of date opening hours
- Duplicate listings
- Missing photos
- Never replying to reviews
- Stuffing keywords into the business name
A clean and accurate profile nearly always performs better long term.
Need help with a Google Business Profile suspension ?
If your profile has been suspended, we can help with the reinstatement process and the fixes that often sit behind the issue. Take a look at this case study where it took 3 months to recover a suspended profile for a Manchester plumber > https://bloomdigitalmarketing.uk/results/jb-plumbing-and-heating/
Prefer a one off job
Some businesses just want a clear audit and a one off optimisation. We can do that.
Want ongoing support
If you are on our Business Amplifier Growth Plan, Google Business Profile work is included as part of your wider local SEO. That means we keep improving it month after month, not just once.
Get in touch
If you want more local visibility, start with your Google Business Profile. It is free, it is powerful, and it is often the quickest win in local SEO.
