8 Google Business Profile Tips That Get You Noticed
When’s the last time you Googled your own business? Do it right now! Are the hours correct? Are the photos from the last 6 months? Or worse... is there nothing there at all? Most businesses claim their profile once and forget it exists. But that’s exactly how visibility disappears.
Your Google Business Profile is one of the easiest tools to control and one of the most powerful for local SEO. It shows up on Maps. It shows up in search. It probably shows up before your website does.
This guide breaks down how to make your profile actually work for your business so you can start using it to get found
What Is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is an important part of your local SEO and GEO strategy. It’s your company’s storefront on Google Search and Maps. It shows your relevant business and contact information when someone looks for your business or searches for services like yours nearby.
While blogging for business drives leads, so does a Google Business Profile. It’s a bridge between searchers and your real-world presence. A well-optimized profile helps people find you faster and get in touch more easily, while building trust quickly. The best part is it’s free.
How To Claim Your Google Business Profile
Claiming your profile gives you full control over how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. Follow these steps to claim your profile:
Search your business name on Google or Google Maps.
Click “Own this business” once it appears and follow the prompts to claim it.
Go to Google and click “Add your business” if your business name doesn’t appear.
Enter your business details and keep them consistent with your website.
Complete the ownership verification process when prompted.
Once you’re done, you’ll have access to edit your information, add photos, respond to reviews, and track how customers find you.
How To Verify Your Business
I won’t lie, getting verified can be a real pain! But it is worth it. Verification confirms to Google that your business is legitimate and managed by the right person. Most businesses now have to film a video to prove the person managing the profile is legitimate. The video should be between 2-3 minutes long, and must include nearby street signs and businesses as well as you opening an employee only area, such as a cash register or office.
If you’re setting up a service-area business or one with multiple locations, you may need additional verification.
Why is this step important? A verified profile builds trust and increases your brand awareness with both customers and search engines and businesses with verified GBP are 2.7 times more likely to be trusted by customers.
Virtual Address Clarification
Working from home or a virtual office doesn’t mean you don’t need a Google Business Profile. If you visit clients for appointments or operate from a co-working space with virtual address options, you can still claim and manage a GBP for your business. You should not use your home or a P.O. box to set up a GBP.
8 Google Business Profile Tips To Get Discovered
Your GBP dashboard is where you manage everything that shapes your presence on Google. It’s the control center for all of your updates and engagement insights. These Google Business Profile tips will help you use the dashboard strategically, so your profile stays accurate and visible.
#1 - Keep your business details accurate and consistent.
Update hours, location, contact info, and even specials anytime they change. A complete profile builds trust and helps customers learn about you faster.
#2 - One of the most effective Google Business Profile tips for visibility is to use photos.
Upload authentic images of your space or team, and refresh them often to stay current. Active profiles with recent photos get more clicks. For example, if you run a restaurant, post photos of weekly specials or seasonal dishes to catch attention and help your profile appear in more local searches. Use photos in your GBP posts as well (more on that later).
#3 - Explain what you do to potential customers by listing your main offerings.
Mention your exact services and products in your business description, GBP posts, and Q&A section (hello keywords!) If you sell via WooCommerce, you can connect WooCommerce to your GBP to sell directly from your GBP.
#4 - Use a local phone number and enable scheduling and/or messaging.
Local phone numbers that match the zip code or state you’re in are a trust signal. There are actually a ton of rules about what kinds of phone numbers you can and can’t use on your GBP, so be sure to review those so you don’t get penalized. For instance, you must have a voicemail service, you can’t use a number that’s not local to the country in which your business is located, and you can’t use letters to describe your phone number (i.e. 1-800-GOO-OGLE)
#5 - Use the Insights tab to see how people find and interact with your business.
You can track activity on your GBP to help you understand how well local SEO is working for you. Check out the tabs for interactions, website visits, phone calls, and directions. These metrics show what’s working and where to adjust. Incorporate these insights into your SEO strategy.
#6 - Use the Q&A feature and use keywords.
If a customer is searching for your services, they likely have questions. Provide answers to common questions directly in your profile using the Q&A feature. Keep answers clear and honest, and in your brand voice, and of course, use keywords related to your services. (Yes, you as the owner can ask yourself a question and then answer it. It will not be displayed as asked by you!)
#7 - Get as many 5 star reviews as humanly possible.
It can feel hard to ask customers for reviews, but if they’re happy, they will gladly leave one for you. Make it easy by sending the ask in an email with a link to your profile, or place a QR code in your office if clients visit you there. Customers and Google appreciate an engaged brand, so respond to every review, thank customers for positive feedback, and handle negative reviews quickly and professionally.
#8 - Most importantly, post regularly on you GBP!
Did you know you can post updates directly to your GBP similar to social media posts? Share short updates about new products, offers, and events. Regular posts keep your listing active and give searchers a reason to connect. You can post videos, photos, links, products, and even special offers.
Google Business Profile: Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes, setting up and managing a Google Business Profile is completely free. The only investment is your time to keep it accurate and actively showing up in Search and Maps.
Do I need an LLC for Google Business?
No, you don’t need an LLC to create a Google Business Profile. Sole proprietors and freelancers can all set one up. You just need a legitimate business name, phone number, and address that Google can verify.
We’ll Handle Your GBP: Work With Emerald Creative Content
Our team applies proven Google Business Profile tips to optimize, update, and manage your listing so it drives results. If you’re ready to show up where people are searching, then we want to manage your SEO strategy for you. Get in touch with us for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help get more eyes on your business.
