5 Google Business Profile Tips Every Local Business Should Know

You know that box that pops up when you Google a local business? The one with the address, phone number, hours, and reviews?

That's a Google Business Profile (GBP). And if you're a local business, it might be the most important piece of your online presence.

Here are five tips to make sure yours is helping -not hurting -your business.

1. Claim It and Complete It

First things first: make sure you've actually claimed your profile. Google often creates these automatically, but if you haven't verified ownership, you can't control what it says.

Once you've claimed it, fill out everything:

• Your exact business name
• Address (if you have a physical location)
• Service area (if you go to customers)
• Phone number
• Hours of operation
• Business category
• Description

The more complete your profile, the more Google trusts it.

2. Add Photos (Real Ones)

Businesses with photos get more clicks. It's that simple.

Add photos of:

• Your storefront or office
• Your team
• Your work (before/after, products, etc.)
• Happy customers (with permission)

Don't use stock photos. People can tell. Real photos build real trust.

3. Get Reviews (And Respond to Them)

Reviews are gold. More reviews = more trust = higher rankings.

But here's what most businesses miss: responding to reviews matters too.

Thank people for positive reviews. Address concerns in negative ones professionally. Google notices this, and so do potential customers.

Pro tip: Make it easy for customers to leave reviews. Send them a direct link after you've completed a job.

4. Post Updates Regularly

Did you know your Google Business Profile has a posting feature? Most businesses don't use it.

You can post:

• Special offers
• News and updates
• New services
• Events

It shows Google (and customers) that your business is active and engaged.

5. Keep Your Information Current

Nothing frustrates a potential customer more than showing up to a business that's closed -when Google said it would be open.

Update your hours for holidays. Change your phone number if it changes. Keep your service list accurate.

It sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how many businesses get this wrong.

The Bottom Line

Your Google Business Profile is free and incredibly powerful. A well-maintained profile can be the difference between getting the call and losing it to a competitor.

Take 30 minutes this week to review yours. Make sure everything is complete, current, and compelling.

Need help? We're happy to take a look.