If you run a small business, chances are you’re always looking for ways to bring in more customers without breaking the bank. One of the most straightforward and most powerful tools at your fingertips is entirely free: your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business).
When someone searches for your business, or even just your type of service in your area, your Google Business Profile can be the very first thing they see. It’s your digital storefront, your first impression, and a key part of getting found by people in your community. But to really make it work for you, it has to be set up correctly, kept up to date, and used to its fullest potential.
Here’s what every small business owner should know.
Show Up Where It Counts: How to Set Up a Google Business Profile for Local Visibility
Imagine a local customer searching for “best plumber near me” or “family dentist in Hutto.” If you’re not showing up in those search results, your competition is.
Google Business Profiles help you appear in local search results and on Google Maps, which is where most people start when looking for a service nearby. The setup process is fairly straightforward:
- Claim or create your listing at google.com/business
- Choose the most accurate business category
- Add your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours
- Verify your business, usually by receiving a postcard or phone call from Google
To maximize local visibility:
- Use your real, official business name
- Make sure your business address matches what’s listed on your website
- Add service areas if you visit customers at their location
This ensures Google knows who you are, what you offer, and where you do business—all key signals that help you show up when it matters most.
Accuracy Builds Trust: Keep Your Info Up to Date
Having a Google Business Profile isn’t a one-and-done task. In fact, keeping your information accurate and current is critical to your online reputation and local SEO ranking.
Customers rely on your profile to know when you’re open, how to contact you, and whether you’re still offering the services you list. If your hours are wrong or your phone number doesn’t work, you’ll lose trust and business.
Here are a few ways to stay on top of your profile:
- Review your business hours regularly, especially around holidays or special events
- Update your phone number, website, or address as soon as they change
- Respond to customer questions in the Q&A section
- Monitor suggested edits from the public and confirm or correct them
Inaccurate listings can frustrate customers and lead to bad reviews, which hurts your credibility. Google also rewards active and accurate profiles by showing them higher in search results.
Stand Out from the Crowd: Use Photos, Posts, and Reviews
Once your basic profile is set up and accurate, it’s time to make your listing shine. The most successful small businesses treat their Google Business Profile like a mini social media page, and it pays off.
Photos
High-quality, up-to-date images help potential customers visualize your business before they visit. Include:
- Exterior and interior shots of your location
- Team photos to build familiarity
- Before and after shots (great for home services, salons, and contractors)
- Product shots or examples of your work
Businesses with photos receive more clicks, calls, and direction requests than those without.
Posts
Think of Google Posts like mini social media updates. You can highlight:
- Sales or promotions
- New services or products
- Community involvement
- Event announcements
Posts show up right on your profile and help keep your listing fresh and engaging.
Reviews
Perhaps the most powerful part of your profile: customer reviews. Google reviews build trust, boost SEO, and can strongly influence buying decisions. Encourage your happy customers to leave a review by:
- Sending them a direct link
- Asking after a successful service or sale
- Including review requests in follow-up emails
And always take time to respond to reviews, good or bad. A simple “Thank you” or a thoughtful response to criticism shows that you care and are actively managing your business.
FAQs About Google Business Profile
1. How do I get my Google Business Profile verified?
Google typically sends a postcard with a code to your business address. Once you receive it, log into your profile and enter the code to verify ownership.
2. Can I manage my profile from my phone?
Yes! Download the Google Maps or Google Search app. You can manage your profile directly from those apps by logging into your Google account.
3. How often should I update my Google Business Profile?
At least once a month. Check for accuracy, post updates or promotions, and upload new photos to keep things fresh and active.
Want more customers to find you online? Start with your Google Business Profile.
If you need help claiming and verifying your Google Business Listing, check out our Local Search Engine Optimization, where we take care of all the heavy lifting to help your business shine.
Leave a Reply