Setting up a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the easiest ways to improve your local search visibility. But here’s the catch: just creating a listing isn’t enough. Many businesses claim their profile, add a few details, and never touch it again.
If that sounds familiar, you could be leaving serious visibility (and potential customers) on the table.
In this post, we’ll cover what most businesses overlook and how to fully optimize your Google Business Profile to boost your local rankings and show up more often in “near me” searches.
Why Your Google Business Profile Matters
Your profile is often the first impression someone gets of your business in local search. It appears in:
- Google Maps
- The local 3-pack (top three listings)
- Knowledge panels in branded searches
An optimized profile can help you:
- Show up for relevant local searches
- Get more website visits, calls, and directions
- Build trust through photos and reviews
What Most Businesses Miss (And How to Fix It)
1. Incomplete Information
A lot of businesses leave fields blank. Fill out every section:
- Business name, address, phone
- Business category and attributes
- Hours (including holidays)
- Website link and appointment URLs
- Products or services you offer
2. Choosing the Wrong Category
Your primary category heavily influences your search visibility. Make sure it’s accurate and specific. You can also add secondary categories for extra relevance.
3. No Business Description
This is your chance to explain what you do and who you serve. Use keywords naturally, but keep it clear and readable.
4. No Regular Posts or Updates
Google allows you to publish short updates (like social posts) directly to your profile. You can share:
- Special offers
- Events
- Blog posts
- Announcements
Doing this regularly shows Google that you’re active and engaged.
5. Low-Quality or No Photos
High-quality photos help users trust your business. Add:
- Exterior and interior shots
- Team photos
- Product or service images
Bonus tip: Use geo-tagged images when possible.
6. Not Responding to Reviews
Reviews impact local rankings and customer perception. Thank customers for positive reviews and respond calmly and professionally to negative ones.
7. Missing Q&A Monitoring
Anyone can ask (and answer) questions on your profile. Check this section regularly and provide accurate answers to avoid misinformation.
Keep It Updated and Active
Your Google Business Profile is not a “set it and forget it” tool. Think of it as a living part of your online presence. The more active and complete it is, the more likely Google is to prioritize it in search results.
Here’s a simple maintenance checklist:
- Check your profile weekly
- Post at least once per month
- Add new photos regularly
- Monitor and respond to reviews
- Update hours during holidays
Need Help Getting It Right?
At Nova SEO Solutions, we don’t just help you set up your Google Business Profile—we help you turn it into a lead-generating asset. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need a tune-up, we can optimize your profile to boost your visibility and attract more local customers.
Ready to grow your local presence? Let’s talk.