Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Admin
Google My Business Profile formerly known as Google Business Profile, is most suitable tool for local businesses that aim to boost their visibility in Google. It strengthens your business credibility through customer reviews and highlight your business offerings including product & services, real time information, contact details, directions and more. A well-optimized profile helps your business drive more foot traffic, calls and website visits, making it stand out in the competitive market.
What is Google My Business Profile?
Google My Business Profile is a free business listing tool that allows user to create a business listing on Google and lets you control how your business appears on Google Search and Google Maps.
You can create a GMB profile, and optimize it with details of your business like business category, products & service offer, location, opening hours, customer reviews, photos, etc. then it helps your business visibility to potential customers who are looking for their specific needs. It is a very basic medium of promoting your business online which looks like:
What are the Benefits of Google My Business Profile?
Having a Google My Business Profile offers several benefits such as:
- Improve visibility in Google Search and Maps: When users search for a business on Google, especially with location-based searches, they will see a section of maps at the top of the results page. This is known as Google local pack that displays top nearby businesses with business key details like hours, ratings, directions etc.
Well-optimized Google My Business Profiles are much more likely to appear in these results. As per a report by Google, there has been a 200% increase in local searches containing phrases like “where to buy” and “near me” on mobile phones.
- Share key business details with customers: If your GMB is properly setup with authentic key details, your business listing has a strong chance of showing up in local results, even when users search for generic terms related to your products or services.
It is important to fill authentic business details so that your business listing performs well in search engine. Choose the right product categories and services, contact details, website link, operating hours, & holidays, special announcements or updates, etc. Keeping accurate and updated information helps potential customers find and trust your business.
- 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 new 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 GMB profile can significantly improve the chances of showing up in local search results. Once you appear in the Google Local Pack and in relevant searches, your business gains more visibility among local customers.
- Access valuable business insights: Google My Business profile gives you the insights about your business and reveals how users are interacting with. It’s important to understand user behavior and work to improve marketing strategy in order to make data-backed decisions.
How to Create a Google My Business Profile?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you to setup Google My Business Profile:
- Log into the Google account & goto the Google My Business Profile site and click on Sign in to start setting up your business listing with Google.
- Enter your business name and click Continue.
- Select your business type and choose your business model:
- In next step, add your business location
Note: Enter the full address of your physical store and place a marker on the map for the exact location. If you serve customers in person service but don’t have a physical store then select your service areas. And 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.
- Enter your business’s contact details, website URL or both.
- 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 available methods. However, verification options may vary based on your business type, location, and other factors.
- You must complete your listing by adding more information such as Business hours, business description, product/service images etc.
The more details you provide, the higher your chances of appearing in local searches.
How to Optimize Your Google My Business Profile Listing?
To appear in Google Maps and local search results, it’s essential to optimize your Google My Business Profile with complete and accurate information. You need to follow below points to optimize your profile listing:
- Create a compelling business description: Your business description in your Google My 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.
- Maintain local listings consistency: Local listings, also known as citations, are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number. Consistent NAP details across online platforms help potential customers find and recognize your business without getting confused. 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 My Business Profile.
- 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. So always 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. These visuals builds social proof and trust which improves creditability and attract more potential customers.
- 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 details help your listing stand out and connect with customers.
- Regularly update your business information: Accuracy in your Google My 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. 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.
- 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 with a strong call-to-action button. Monitor and analyze performance with GMB insights to improve your strategy and customer engagement to check how customers find your business.
- 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 GMB doesn’t have to be time-consuming since you can use AI tools to streamline many aspects of your profile such as writing AI-generated responses to customer reviews, integrate chatbots with your GBP to provide instant customer support etc.
Wrapping Up!
Google My Business Profile (GMB) is a powerful tool for every business. 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. You can contact AlgoSaga digital marketing agency where SEO experts will help you with your GMB profile as well.
FAQs for Google My Business Profile Optimization
Q1: What is the difference between Google My Business and Google My Business Profile?
Ans. Google My Business Profile is the updated version of Google Business Profile (GBP). It has the same features but is now more integrated with Google Maps and Search directly.
Q2: Do I need a physical location to create a Google My Business Profile?
Ans. Businesses without a physical store like online or service-based stores can still create and manage a Google My 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 My Business Profile?
Ans. Make sure to check and update your Google My 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 GMB?
Ans. To get more reviews from customers, you need to encourage them by sending follow-up emails with a direct review link, provide small incentives like discounts and by displaying a QR code in-store that links to the review page.
Q6: Is it possible to manage Google My Business Profile using my phone?
Ans. Yes. You can use the Google My 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.