Does your business profile on Google bring in the traffic you deserve? With Google being the go-to search engine for most consumers, having an optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) can make all the difference. Complete GBPs are 2.7x more likely to be considered reputable by consumers. This simply means that having a well-maintained profile is already a must-have tool to gain customer trust and increase visibility.
But here’s the catch: only having a profile isn’t enough. To truly stand out, you need to you need to optimize it effectively and keep it updated. So, how can you make your profile more effective in attracting customers? Let’s break it down step by step.
What is Google Business Profile and Why Should You Care?
If you’ve ever searched for a local coffee shop or plumber and seen a business pop up with photos, reviews, and directions, you’ve seen a Google Business Profile in action. It’s a free tool that helps your business show up on Google Search and Google Maps, giving potential customers everything they need to connect with you.
Here’s why it matters:
🔍Increases Your Visibility: When someone searches for a business in your area, a complete profile helps you appear in local search results.
✅Builds Trust: A polished, professional profile with reviews and photos makes your business more appealing.
🎯Encourages Engagement: Features like Q&A, messaging, and updates give customers more reasons to interact with you.
In other words, a Google Business Profile is your online first impression, and we all know how important that is.
5 Ways to Attract More Visitors to Your Google Business Profile
Ready to take your profile to the next level? Here are five tried-and-true strategies to get more eyes on your business:
1. Fill Out Every Detail (And Keep It Updated)
Just as a clean, organized store makes a better impression on visitors, a complete and accurate profile encourages more people to engage with your business.
- Add All Essential Information – Make sure your profile includes your business name, address, phone number (NAP), website, and operating hours. Consistency across platforms is key, your NAP details should match exactly with what’s on your website or social media pages.
- Write a Clear and Compelling Description – Your business description is an opportunity to highlight what sets you apart. Use this space to describe your services, emphasize your expertise, and include a few keywords that align with what people might search for.
- Use High-Quality Visuals – Photos and videos have a big impact on how your business is perceived. Include professional-looking images of the service/products you offer or the team in action.
❗️It’s equally important to keep this information current. If your business hours change during holidays or you move to a new location, update your profile immediately. Customers rely on this information to make decisions, and outdated details could harm your credibility.
2. Post Regular Updates
Your Google Business Profile isn’t a static listing, it is a dynamic platform where you can engage with potential customers. Consistent updates can give people a reason to revisit your profile and stay informed about your latest offerings.
- Share News and Promotions – Use the Google Posts feature to share details about new product launches, limited-time discounts, or upcoming events.
- Include Calls-to-Action (CTAs) – Encourage visitors to take the next step with CTAs like “Learn More,” “Call Now,” or “Shop Today.”
❗️Posting consistently helps signal to Google that your business is active and relevant. This can improve your profile’s visibility in search results.
3. Encourage Customer Reviews (And Respond to Them)
Customer reviews are one of the most influential factors in building trust and driving traffic to your profile. Positive reviews enhance your reputation and improve your profile’s ranking in local search results.
- Ask for Reviews – After completing a sale or service, kindly request customers to leave a review. You can make this process easy by providing a direct link in a follow-up email or on your receipt.
- Engage With All Reviews – Thank customers for positive feedback and address negative reviews professionally and constructively. For instance, if a customer mentions a delay in service, apologize and explain how you’re addressing the issue.
❗️Responding quickly to reviews shows you value feedback and care about customer satisfaction. It also gives other visitors a glimpse of your customer service approach.
4. Use Keywords Wisely
Keywords aren’t just for websites, they also play an important role in how your Google Business Profile gets found by potential customers. Adding relevant keywords to your profile guarantees that it meets the terms people are searching for.
- Identify Key Phrases – Think about what your target audience might search for.
- Include Keywords Naturally – Add these phrases to your business description, updates, and even your services section. Avoid keyword stuffing, as it can make your content feel unnatural and may harm your profile’s visibility.
❗️Using keywords effectively helps Google connect your profile with the right searches, which increases the likelihood that customers will find you.
5. Promote your services and products
One of the most overlooked features of Google Business Profile is the ability to list your services and products. This provides a detailed overview of what you offer and gives potential customers all the information they need to choose your business.
- Be Specific – Break down your offerings into clear categories. For example, a plumber could list “drain cleaning,” “emergency repairs,” and “water heater installation.”
- Include Pricing Information – If possible, add prices or ranges for your products or services. Transparency about costs helps customers make informed decisions.
❗️This feature not only helps visitors understand your offerings but also improves your chances of appearing in search results for specific queries, such as “emergency plumbing services in [City].”
Helpful Tools to Boost Your Profile’s Performance
Managing your Google Business Profile can feel overwhelming, but the right tools make it easier. Here are a few to try:
- Google Analytics: Track user interactions with your profile, including clicks to your website, direction requests, and phone calls.
- Canva: Design banners for Google Posts, create branded images, or enhance your photos with text overlays.
- BrightLocal: Monitor your local SEO rankings and track reviews in one place.
- Hootsuite: Manage and schedule updates for your Google Business Profile.
- Google Keyword Planner: Find the right keywords to target based on what your customers are searching for.
- Yext: You can save time by syncing updates to your business name, address, and phone number across major directories.
What to Keep in Mind When Optimizing Your Profile
Optimizing your Google Business Profile goes beyond just adding your basic information. To make the most of this platform, it’s important to follow a few key best practices:
- Be as specific as possible when selecting your business category. For example, instead of just “Lead Generation Company,” select “Exclusive Lead Generation Company.” Adding secondary categories can also help you appear in more searches, but don’t overdo it, focus on what truly represents your business.
- Add an FAQ section to answer common customer questions. This reduces friction for potential customers and improves your profile’s relevance.
- Use the Google Business Profile Insights feature to track metrics like how often people call your business, request directions, or visit your website.
Q&A
Q: How do I verify my Google Business Profile?
A: After claiming your profile on the Google Business Profile website, Google may ask you to verify it. Verification can be done via a postcard, phone call, or email. Once verified, you can fully manage and optimize your profile.
Q: How often should I update my profile?
A: Post updates at least once a week and review your business details monthly. Frequent updates signal to Google that your business is active, improving your visibility.
Q: Can I manage multiple locations with one account?
A: Yes. Google allows businesses with multiple locations to manage all profiles under one account. This is particularly useful for franchises or businesses with branches in different cities.
Q: Does adding photos really help?
A: Yes! According to Google, profiles with photos receive 35% more clicks to websites and 42% more requests for directions than those without. Regularly updating visuals keeps your profile engaging and trustworthy.
Q: Do I need a website if I have a Google Business Profile?
A: Yes, a website complements your profile by providing more detailed information about your business. Together, they create a stronger online presence, giving potential customers multiple ways to learn about and trust your business.
