Last Updated on May 7, 2025 by Admin
Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business, is a must-have tool for local businesses that aim to boost their visibility in Google Search and Google Maps. A well-optimized profile
helps your business drive more foot traffic, calls and website visits, making it stand out in the competitive market.
GBP further strengthens your credibility through customer reviews and lets you highlight your business offerings including product/services, real-time info, contact details, directions and more.
This blog offers a deep dive into Google Business Profile and provides a step-by-step process to create and optimize your listing.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile is a free tool that allows you to create a listing for your business on Google and lets you control how your business appears on Google Search and Google Maps.
When you create a profile, details like photos, location, products & services, opening hours etc. get shared across Google, boosting your chances of being noticed by potential customers online. Almost all businesses can use Google Business Profile, even those without a physical storefront, like online stores.
Here’s what a typical Google Business Profile looks like:
What are the Benefits of Google Business Profile?
In addition to a local online presence, managing a Google Business Profile offers several benefits such as:
1. Increased visibility in Google Search and Maps
When users search for a business on Google, especially with location-based searches like “restaurants near me”, they will see a local pack of maps at the top of the results. This is known as a ‘local map’ or ‘map pack’ that displays top nearby businesses with their key details like hours, ratings, directions etc.
Businesses with well-optimized Google Business Profiles are much more likely to appear in these results. As per a report by Google, there has been a 200% increase in searches containing phrases like “where to buy” and “near me” on mobile phones.
If your GBP is properly set up, your business has a strong chance of showing up in local results, even when users search for generated terms related to your products or services.
2. Share key business information with customers
A Google Business Profile acts as a central hub for all your important business details, such as:
- Product categories and services
- Operating hours
- Contact details
- Website link
- Holiday hours
- Special announcements or updates
Keeping all this information accurate and updated helps potential customers always find and trust your business.
3. Build trust and credibility with reviews
Customer reviews play a major role in building credibility and trust. According to research, 98% of people check out online reviews for local businesses before making decisions.
Google displays star ratings (1 to 5) next to businesses in search results. They’re not just feedback but also an opportunity for businesses to interact with customers. Positive reviews can enhance your reputation, while thoughtfully responding to negative ones displays your commitment towards customer satisfaction and service quality.
Google suggests that having a mix of both positive and negative reviews can make your business appear more authentic and trustworthy.
Boost your local SEO
An optimized GBP profile can significantly improve your chances of showing up in your local search results. Once you appear in the Google Maps, Local Pack and relevant searches, your business gains more visibility among local customers.
Access valuable business insights
Google Business Profile gives you important and intelligent insights about your business and reveals how users are interacting with it. These are important to understand user behaviour and improve marketing strategy in order to make data-backed decisions.
How to Create a Google Business Profile from Scratch?
If you don’t have a Google Business Profile, then here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set one up:
Step 1:Log in to the Google account you want to be linked with your business. If you don’t have one, create it.
Step 2: Go to the Google Business Profile site and click on ‘Sign in’ to start setting up your business with Google.
Step 3: Enter your business name and click ‘Continue.’
Step 4: Select your business type and choose your business model:
- A physical store
- An online-only store
- A service-based business (without a physical location like delivery-based)
Step 5: 5. The next step is to add your business location
If you have a physical store: Enter the full address and place a marker on the map for the exact location.
If you serve customers in person but don’t have a physical store: Select your service areas and click on ‘Next’ to continue.
If you are online only: Enter your website when prompted.
You also need to select your country of registration which may differ from your physical location.
If you didn’t enter a physical address, Google will ask you to specify which region you’re based in. Choose the appropriate option from the drop-down menu and click ‘Next.’
Step 6: 6. Enter your business’s contact details, website URL or both.
Step 7: To make your profile visible on Google Maps, you must complete the verification process. Unverified profiles won’t be visible, so be sure to verify it using one of these methods:
- Phone
- Postcard
- Video recording/live video call
However, verification options may vary based on your business type, location, and other factors.
Step 8: You must complete your listing by adding more information such as:
- Business hours
- High-quality product/service images
- A detailed business description
The more details you provide, the higher your chances of appearing in local searches.
How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile Listing?
To appear in Google Maps and local search results, it’s essential to optimize your Google Business Profile with complete and accurate information. Below, we have mentioned the steps you need to follow to optimize your profile listing:
1. Create a compelling business description
Your business description in your Google Business Profile plays a key role in attracting potential customers.
- Write a clear, short and keyword-rich introduction that clearly explains what your business offers.
- This brief appears on the search results, so ensure it is informative and appealing.
If someone clicks on your business, they’ll see a longer description. Use this space to share more about your services, highlight your unique selling points and build trust with potential customers.
2. Maintain local listings consistency (NAP Consistency)
Local listings, also known as citations, are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP). Consistent NAP details across online platforms help potential customers find and recognize your business without getting confused.
- Start by verifying your Google Business Profile information.
- Then, check other platforms where your business is listed like Tripadvisor, Yelp and major social media channels.
Any discrepancies in business name, address or phone numbers can hamper your local visibility. So, make sure that the information added in these directories matches with Google Business Profile.
3. Add high-quality and real business images
Visual content definitely boosts engagement. According to Google, a business with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more visits to their website.
- Upload clear and high-resolution images of your storefront, interior, staff and products or services.
- Additionally, encourage customers to post their own pictures by offering incentives like contests or product/gift card giveaways. User content builds social proof and trust.
These visuals not only improve creditability but also attract more potential customers.
4. Choose the right categories and attributes
Categories help Google to understand what your business does and show it to the right audience.
- Choose a primary category that best represents your product or services like a restaurant.
- Add secondary categories for additional services like catering delivery service for a restaurant.
- Highlight special features of your business such as wheelchair access, outdoor seating, LGBTQ+ friendly, women-owned and more.
- These categories help your listing stand out and connect with customers.
These categories help your listing stand out and connect with customers.
5. Regularly update your business information
Accuracy in your Google Business Profile maintains trust, so make sure it is complete and up to date. Regularly review and update your listing anytime there’s a change in your business, like new hours, a different phone number, holidays or special announcements. Customers can get frustrated if they check your hours online, travel to your location, and then discover you’re closed.
To update regular details like operating hours, make changes directly in your profile. For temporary changes or special announcements, create a post for your page instead.
Follow these steps to edit your business information:
- Simply click on ‘Edit profile’ on your GBP dashboard.
- To create a post like an offer, event or update, click on ‘Add Update’.
6. Use Google posts to engage customers
Google Posts allow you to share timely updates, events and promotions directly on your profile. These posts can help drive customer actions. Best practices to do so include:
- Posting at least 1-2 times a week
- Using clear images and concise yet catchy text
- Adding a strong call-to-action (CTA) like “Book Now” or “Learn More”
7. Monitor and analyze performance with GBP insights
Google Business Profile Insights lets you track the performance of your business profile based on different parameters, such as:
- How customers find your business.
- Number of calls, website visits, and direction requests.
- Peak hours when customers mostly engage with your profile.
Use these insights to improve your strategy and customer engagement for continuous business growth.
8. Leverage AI and automation for better management
In this AI-driven era, you can’t neglect the importance and implementation of AI in your business. Managing your GBP doesn’t have to be time-consuming since you can use AI tools to streamline many aspects of your profile such as:
- Write AI-generated responses to customer reviews or comments
- Integrate chatbots with your GBP to provide instant customer support
- Automated Google Posts scheduling
Wrapping Up!
Google Business Profile (GBP) is a powerful platform for every business since it helps them increase their visibility on Google and connect with their targeted customers. A properly optimized profile can drive significant traffic, boost engagement and help your business stand out in local searches.
It’s equally important to maintain your profile by ensuring NAP consistency, adding real images of the business, and replying to customers’ comments to create a strong local presence on Google.
In case you need any help with creating your Google Business Profile, you can contact AlgoSaga digital marketing agency. Our SEO experts will help optimize your profile and help improve your visibility as well.
FAQs for Google Business Profile Optimization
Q1: 1. What is the difference between Google My Business and Google Business Profile?
Ans. Google Business Profile is the updated version of Google My Business. It has the same features but is now more integrated with Google Maps and Search directly.
Q2: 2. Do I need a physical location to create a Google Business Profile?
Ans. Businesses without a physical store like online or service-based stores can still create and manage a Google Business Profile.
Q3: How long does Google take to verify my business profile?
Ans. Verification usually takes between 3 to 7 days, depending on the method you choose.
Q4: How often should I update my Google Business Profile?
Ans. Make sure to check and update your Google Business Profile at least once a month. However, update your business profile instantly whenever there is a change and update in your business, like new product launching, contact details, or business hours.
Q5: How to attract more customer reviews on GBP?
Ans. To get more reviews from customers, you need to encourage them by:
- Sending follow-up emails with a direct review link.
- Providing small incentives like discounts or giveaways.
- Displaying a QR code in-store that links to the review page.
Q6: Is it possible to manage my Google Business Profile using my phone?
Ans. Yes. You can use the Google Business Profile Manager through a mobile browser or access your profile through the Google Maps app. Both options allow you to update business information, add posts, respond to reviews, and monitor performance.