How To Improve Your Google Business Profile

Introduction.

When potential customers search for your business online, your Google Business Profile is often their first impression of your company.

Having a strong profile can be the difference between someone clicking on your business and passing it by for a competitor.

But, what does it take to create a Google Business Profile that stands out? It’s not just about filling out a few details—it’s about optimizing it so that it helps attract and convert more customers.

If you’re not getting the visibility or customer engagement you’d like, then your Google Business Profile might need some work.

In this guide, I’m going to show you simple, effective ways to improve your Google Business Profile, helping you attract more local customers and stand out from the crowd.

I’ll walk you through the basics, share some useful tips, and cover the things you can do to make your profile shine. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Why Your Google Business Profile Matters

Google is the go-to search engine for most people, and having a well-optimized Google Business Profile is key to showing up in search results when someone’s looking for services or products in your area.

According to a 2023 survey, 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information, which means your business needs to show up when people are searching for businesses like yours nearby.

But it’s not just about visibility. An optimized profile can also build trust with potential customers. By including accurate information, up-to-date photos, and engaging with reviews, you can improve your chances of converting searchers into loyal customers.

It’s free, it’s easy to set up, and it’s one of the most powerful tools you can use to grow your business.

How Do I Improve My Google Business Profile?

Now that you know why your Google Business Profile is so important, let’s look at how to improve it. I’ll walk you through the main elements you need to focus on to make sure your profile is fully optimized.

1. Claim Your Profile and Complete All Information

First things first, make sure you’ve claimed your Google Business Profile. If you haven’t done this yet, head to Google My Business to claim your profile. Once you’ve claimed it, go through each section and make sure it’s fully completed.

Make sure your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours are accurate. It’s surprising how often businesses neglect this, but keeping this info up to date is crucial. If your address changes or you adjust your business hours (say, for holidays or special events), update it right away.

2. Choose the Right Categories

Google allows you to choose one primary category and additional secondary categories that best describe your business.

This is one of the most important steps because it helps Google understand what kind of business you are and show your profile to the right people. Be as specific as possible with your categories.

For example, if you run a bakery, don’t just select “restaurant” as your category. Choose “Bakery” or “Cake Shop” to make sure the right customers are finding you. Google uses this information to display your business in relevant searches.

3. Add Photos and Videos

Your Google Business Profile isn’t complete without photos. Listings with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites.

So, adding high-quality photos of your business, products, or services can make a huge difference.

When uploading photos, include:

Exterior shots (to help customers find your business)
Interior shots (show off your space)
Product photos (especially if you sell physical products)
Team photos (showing the human side of your business)
Action shots (e.g., a staff member helping a customer)

Don’t forget about videos, either! A quick video tour of your store or a behind-the-scenes look at your work can go a long way in giving potential customers a feel for your business.

4. Write a Compelling Business Description

The description section of your profile gives you the chance to explain what makes your business unique. It’s your elevator pitch to potential customers who might be considering whether to choose your business over others.

Be sure to:

Clearly describe your products or services
Highlight what sets you apart from competitors
Use simple language that’s easy for anyone to understand
Include any keywords people might use when searching for your business

Just keep it concise—about 750 words or less—and make sure it’s readable.

5. Collect and Respond to Reviews

Google reviews are powerful! A positive review can be the deciding factor for a potential customer, so encouraging happy customers to leave reviews should be a priority.

Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, in a friendly and professional manner. A thank you note for a good review shows that you appreciate the feedback, while addressing negative reviews with care and an offer to fix the problem can turn a dissatisfied customer into a loyal one.

Here’s a tip: Ask your customers to leave reviews. After all, people are more likely to leave feedback if you kindly request it. Just be sure not to incentivize reviews, as Google has policies against that.

6. Use Posts to Keep Customers Informed

Google allows businesses to create posts directly on their profiles. These can be used to promote special offers, announce new products, or simply keep your audience up-to-date with what’s going on in your business.

You can think of these as mini blog posts or social media updates that show up directly in your Google Business Profile.

They’re a great way to engage with potential customers and can even show up in Google search results and Google Maps. Be sure to post regularly so customers know your business is active and up to date.

7. Track Insights and Adjust Your Strategy

Google provides insights into how people are interacting with your profile, from how often your business appears in searches to how many people are clicking on your website or asking for directions.

Check these insights regularly to see what’s working and what could use some improvement. If certain keywords or photos are driving more traffic, double down on those tactics.

8. Enable Messaging

Google also allows customers to message you directly through your profile. Enabling this feature means that potential customers can ask questions about your products or services in real time. It’s a great way to build a direct connection with your audience and show that you’re available for quick responses.

If you don’t have time to answer messages during certain hours, you can set up an automated response so customers still feel like their inquiry is being acknowledged.

Additional Tips for Success

Add your business hours: Make sure people know when you’re open and update your hours around holidays or special events.
Use keywords: Think about the types of words people might use to search for businesses like yours, and make sure those words appear in your business description, posts, and responses.
Consistency is key: Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online platforms, not just Google. Inconsistent information can confuse potential customers and hurt your ranking.

FAQs

Q1: Can I update my Google Business Profile anytime?

Yes! You can make changes to your profile at any time. If you’ve changed your business hours, moved locations, or have new photos, just log in and make those updates.

Q2: How long does it take for changes to appear on my profile?

Usually, updates take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days to reflect on your profile. If you’ve just added photos or a new description, it might show up almost immediately.

Q3: Is it free to use Google Business Profile?

Yes! Google Business Profile is completely free to use, and it’s one of the best tools to improve your online visibility without spending a dime.

Conclusion.

Improving your Google Business Profile is a smart way to grow your business and make it easier for potential customers to find and trust you. From filling out the basics to regularly posting and engaging with reviews, small changes can have a big impact.

The question now is: How soon are you going to update your Google Business Profile to start attracting more customers?