In today’s digital-first world, being visible locally is just as important as having a professional website or social media accounts. For local businesses, Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile) is the best free tool to help you show up on Google search and Google Maps.
Whether you provide services, run a local store, work in real estate, manage a healthcare clinic, or own a restaurant, your Google Business Profile (GBP) can greatly influence how your brand appears online. It can also help you generate leads without spending any money on ads.
This guide will cover everything you need to know, like how to set up your Google Business Profile, how to optimize it for the best results, how to maintain your ranking, and how to delete your Google My Business account if necessary.
What is Google My Business (Google Business Profile)?
Google Business Profile is a free local listing service from Google that allows business owners to manage how their business appears in Google Search and Maps. It’s essentially a powerful tool that allows you to put your business in front of local customers who are actively searching for what you offer.
When someone searches for “plumber near me,” “best bakery in NYC,” or “digital marketing company in Los Angeles,” the results that appear in the Google 3-Pack (Local Pack) come directly from Google Business Profiles.
Each profile includes key business details like:
- Business name
- Address (or service area)
- Contact number
- Website link
- Hours of operation
- Business categories
- Photos & videos
- Customer reviews
- Business updates and offers
Why is Google Business Profile So Important?
Here are some important statistics to consider:
- 97% of people learn about a local business online more than anywhere else.
- 64% of customers use Google My Business to find contact information.
- Listings with photos receive 35% more clicks.
- Businesses that update their Google My Business profile every week generate 7 times more leads.
If you are a dentist, photographer, gym owner, or run a digital marketing agency, having an optimized Google Business Profile is essential to attract attention and turn interest into action.
How to Set Up Google Business Profile (Step-by-Step)
Setting up your profile correctly is the foundation. Follow these steps to ensure your business is properly listed and verified on Google:
Step 1: GMB Login
- Go to the Google Business Profile page
- Click “Manage Now” and sign in using your Google account (preferably your business email).
Step 2: Enter Business Information
- Business Name: Ensure it’s consistent across all platforms.
- Business Category: Select the most accurate primary category (e.g., “Digital Marketing Agency” or “Home Cleaning Service”).
- Location: If your business has a physical location where customers can visit, please provide your full address.
But, if you don’t have a public location but serve customers at their homes, workplaces, or online, select: “I deliver goods and services to my customers.” You can then list the areas (cities, zip codes, regions) where you operate. Your exact address will not be visible to the public.
- Contact Details: Include your phone number and website URL.
Step 3: Verify Your Business
Google provides these ways to verify your business. You cannot change these verification methods once you choose them. The standard methods are:
- Phone or text: You will receive a code at your phone number.
- Email: A code will be sent to the email address you provided.
- Video recording: You need to record a video showing your business’s location, equipment, and proof of management.
- Postcard: If you choose this option, Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address. You will need to enter this unique code on your Business Profile.
Once verified, your listing becomes live and visible to the public.
6 Common Problems Business Owners Face with Google Business Profiles
Keeping a Google Business Profile (GBP) up to date can be tricky, even with a good plan. Knowing these problems and how to fix them can save you time, help customers find you, and build trust. Here are six common issues:
1. Incorrect or Inconsistent Business Information
If your business name, address, phone number (NAP), hours, or website don’t match on different platforms, it can confuse customers and search engines. This may lead to lower visibility.
Fix: Regularly check and update your GBP to ensure it matches other online listings.
2. Duplicate Listings
Having more than one listing for the same business creates confusion. It splits reviews and can lower your search results.
Fix: Look for duplicate profiles and merge or remove them according to Google’s guidelines.
3. Wrong Business Category
Choosing a vague or incorrect business category can make it hard for your target audience to find you. For example, calling a vegan bakery simply “Bakery” may not attract the right customers.
Fix: Choose a clear primary category and add specific secondary ones as needed.
4. Unverified or Suspended Profile
If your profile isn’t verified, you can’t make changes. Not following Google’s rules can lead to suspension and loss of visibility.
Fix: Verify your profile through postcard, phone, or email, and follow the rules to stay active.
5. Neglecting Reviews, Q&A, Posts, and Photos
Ignoring reviews and the Q&A section can send a bad message to potential customers. Not using features like posts or low-quality photos can decrease engagement.
Fix: Respond to all reviews, engage with Q&A, post regularly, and use clear, appealing images.
6. Lack of Performance Tracking
Not monitoring your GBP insights like views and customer actions means you may miss ways to improve your profile.
Fix: Check your analytics regularly, look for trends, and update your profile and strategy as needed.
6 Key Factors for Boosting Your Google Business Profile Visibility
Here are 6 key factors to improve your Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile) visibility and attract local customers:
1. Relevance
Make sure your business matches what people are searching for. Use clear and accurate primary and secondary categories, include relevant keywords in your business description, and list your services clearly. This helps Google connect your profile to the right searches.
2. Distance & Location Accuracy
Google considers how close your business is to the person searching. While you can’t change your location, it’s important to have a clear and accurate address on your profile. Misleading or hidden address details can hurt your ranking.
3. Prominence
Your online reputation and local presence matter:
- Reviews: Get more reviews, and respond to them thoughtfully. The quantity and quality of your reviews affect your ranking.
- Citations & Backlinks: Be listed in trusted directories and get links from local websites. This increases your credibility.
- Organic Ranking: A strong website with good local SEO can boost your Google Business Profile performance and GMB Ranking.
4. Profile Completeness & Optimization
Fully completed profiles rank better. Fill out every field, including your business name (without keyword stuffing), categories, hours, description, photos, services, products, attributes, and even links to social accounts or opening dates. This shows that you are credible.
5. Engagement Signals & Behavioral Factors
User interactions with your profile influence how you rank:
- Track how many people call you, get directions, or visit your website.
- Keep your content fresh with weekly posts, new photos, and timely updates in the Q&A section.
- High engagement shows Google that your profile is relevant and should be shown more often.
6. Website and On-Page SEO Signals
Your Google Business Profile is connected to your website. Important factors include:
- A mobile-friendly, fast-loading website.
- Consistent Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) across all platforms.
- Use schema markup for your local business details.
- Strong organic presence and relevant service/location pages linked from your Google Business Profile.
Why Is Google Business Profile Important for Local SEO?
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is not just a listing; it’s a powerful tool that helps improve your local SEO and connect you with nearby customers. Here’s why it is so important:
1. Increases Local Visibility and Maps Presence
A well-optimized Google Business Profile can help your business appear in Google’s Local Pack, Maps, and regular search results, especially for local searches. Google focuses on relevance, proximity, and prominence, and a good GBP addresses all three.
2. Builds Credibility and Trust
An accurate and complete profile shows that your business is legitimate. Profiles with current business hours, contact information, positive reviews, and high ratings gain more trust from customers.
3. Drives Foot Traffic and Web Clicks
When your GBP shows up in local searches or Maps, it attracts attention and encourages customers to take action. Studies show that customers who find businesses through GBP are more likely to visit in person, and 50% make a purchase within a day.
4. Generates Valuable Reviews and Social Proof
Google Reviews are generally more trusted than Facebook reviews for local businesses, and having recent reviews improves your search performance.
5. Provides Actionable Insights
The analytics from GBP show how users interact with your profile, including profile views, search queries, calls, clicks, and direction requests. This data can help you improve your local strategy.
6. Enhances Engagement with Rich Features
GBP includes features like updates, posts, offers, Q&A, and messaging, giving customers various ways to interact with your business directly through the profile.
7. Offers Cost-Effective Marketing
Setting up and managing a GBP is free, making it a cost-efficient marketing option. You gain visibility in search results without spending money on Google Ads.
8. Supports Service-Area Businesses
Businesses without physical storefronts, like mobile services, can define their service areas in GBP, allowing them to rank for local searches even without a public address.
How to Delete Google My Business (Google Business Profile)
Sometimes, you may need to remove your business listing, for example, if your business has closed, moved to a new location, or merged with another.
Here are the Steps to Remove a Google Business Profile:
1. GMB Login: Go to the Google My Business website and sign in with your Google account linked to your Business Profile.
2. Select your profile: If you manage more than one profile, pick the one you want to remove.
3. Access settings: Click the three dots (More) and select “Business Profile settings.”
4. Remove the profile: Click on “Remove Business Profile,” then choose “Remove profile content and managers.”
5. Confirm removal: Follow the prompts to confirm and finish the removal process.
6. Mark as permanently closed: Alternatively, you can mark your business as permanently closed. This will remove it from search results and Maps over time.
Important Note:
Deleting your profile means customers will no longer find you on Google Search or Maps. If you’re only relocating, it’s better to update your address instead of deleting the listing.
Conclusion
A well-optimized Google Business Profile is essential for any business that wants to rank high in local search and attract more customers without spending heavily on ads. Accurate business information, careful category selection, and active engagement with reviews, posts, and photos all play a vital role in improving your local visibility.
Keep in mind that optimization is not a one-time effort. Google’s algorithms, your competition, and customer behaviors are always changing, so your profile needs regular updates and improvements to remain effective.
If you want to save time and avoid common mistakes, consider investing in a GMB Optimization Service. Professionals can improve every part of your profile, track its performance, and ensure you stay visible to the right audience, turning searches into calls, visits, and sales.
Your next customer is likely searching for a business like yours right now. Make sure you are visible and stand out.
Ready to Boost Your Local Visibility? Don’t let your business get lost in search results. With our Google My Business Optimization Service, you can rank higher, attract more local customers, and drive real growth.
Contact us today to get started and make your profile work for you!
Google My Business FAQs
1. What is GMB Everywhere?
GMB Everywhere is a free browser extension that provides insights into any Google Business Profile. It helps you analyze competitors’ categories, keyword usage, reviews, and posting activity, giving you ideas to improve your own GMB ranking.
2. What is the recommended Google My Business Cover Photo Size?
The ideal cover photo size is 1024 x 576 pixels with a 16:9 ratio. Use JPG or PNG format, under 5MB, and ensure the image is bright, professional, and represents your brand well.
3. Can I Delete My Google My Business Profile?
Yes, but deleting will remove your listing from Google Search and Maps. You can do this from your GMB login dashboard under “Business Profile settings” → “Remove Business Profile.”
4. Is Google Business Profile Free?
Yes, setting up and managing a Google Business Profile is completely free. However, investing in professional optimization can help you maximize your ranking potential and attract more local customers.
5. Can Businesses Without Physical Locations Use GBP?
Yes. Service-area businesses (like plumbers, cleaning services, or remote providers) without a storefront can still create a Business Profile. You simply select the option to hide your business address and define your service areas instead.
6. Why might my cover photo not show properly or get rejected?
Your cover photo might not show correctly or could get rejected for several reasons. Common issues include poor image size, watermarks, text over the image, or low quality. Google may also choose a different image if it thinks it fits better. To improve your chances of a proper display, use clear, centered, high-resolution images that meet the size guidelines.
