According to Google, 30% of mobile searches are location-related. That means nearly one in three people searching on their phones is looking for something nearby.
Imagine you own a hair salon. A potential customer finishes work and decides it’s time for a haircut. They grab their phone, open Google or Google Maps, and type “hair salon.” The businesses that appear first, with complete and accurate information, are the ones most likely to win that booking.
A strong online presence is essential for any business in America, and one of the most important tools for local visibility is Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business). It’s free, easy to use, and a key part of any local SEO strategy. Let’s take a closer look at what it is, how it works, and how to set up an effective business profile.
What is a Google Business Profile, and how can it help your business?
A Google Business Profile, previously called Google My Business, is a free listing that allows your business to appear in Google Search and Google Maps when people look for products or services nearby. It displays pertinent information, such as your business name, address, phone number, hours, website, photos, and customer reviews, all in one place.
This profile helps potential customers quickly understand who you are, what you offer, and how to contact or visit you. When optimized correctly, a Google Business Profile strengthens your local visibility and makes it easier for nearby customers to choose your business with confidence.
Benefits of using a Google Business Profile
Using free tools like Google Business Profile helps your business show up when local customers are actively searching. Its key benefits include:
- Increased visibility in Google Search and Google Maps
- A higher chance of appearing in local results when customers search nearby
- The ability to respond to customer reviews and messages
- More trust and credibility through updated information and recent activity
When building your Google My Business profile, it’s important to note that there are two key steps you need to take: claiming it and updating it.
The first part is claiming it. This tells Google that you are the rightful owner of the business and can answer questions and respond to reviews. Google wants to know you’re sharing correct information and engaging with reviewers, so this is a critical first step.
The next element is ongoing, and that’s the process of updating your profile. This includes sharing relevant information that customers need to know before visiting. "Having an updated Google My Business profile is a legitimizing factor on the first page of Google,” says Tracy Ring, in Using Google My Business: A Beginner’s Guide.
She continues, “When someone searches for a business and sees an updated GMB listing and recently posted content, they immediately know that the business is open and actively promotes their product/service. They don’t need to navigate to their site to find the hours or wonder if the Google information is correct."
Your Google Business Profile can answer all of these questions and help drive more customers to your business.
7 tips to optimize your Google Business Profile
Don’t just claim your profile, update it with basic information, and then walk away. You need to optimize your Google Business Profile to provide searchers with the information they need, while also using the various features to your advantage.
1. Ensure consistency of information and branding
Make sure your information is relevant and up to date. This is something that your customers want, and Google expects. This includes minor changes to store hours, prices, and menu items, along with a consistent phone number, website, and address. If these details differ between your website and your business profile, Google is less likely to show your profile.
2. Complete every relevant section
An optimized Google Business Profile starts with completeness. Fill out every relevant section, including your business description, categories, services, hours, contact information, and photos. The more detailed and accurate your profile is, the easier it is for Google to match your business with the right local searches.
3. Generate reviews from customers
Ask existing customers to leave reviews of your business on Google and other sites where your business is listed. This is vital because customers read an average of 10 reviews before trusting a business. A steady flow of authentic reviews builds credibility, improves your local visibility, and gives new customers the confidence to choose you over competitors. In fact, reviews influence 93% of purchasing decisions. That makes sharing reviews an effective marketing tactic for boosting sales.
4. Respond to customer reviews and questions
Replying to customers quickly shows that you care and are eager to help them. Thank customers for good reviews and offer to help customers who leave bad ones. You can also act quickly to answer questions to win potential customers over before they share more bad reviews or choose your competitor.
5. Add high-quality photos of your business
Let customers know that you operate a clean, safe, trustworthy business. Share professional photos of your storefront, showroom, and products. As customers leave reviews, Google will prompt them to upload photos, so the number of images you have should increase over time.
6. Incorporate relevant keywords
SEO is an important part of Google Business Profiles. Include keywords that provide information about your business. These keywords should relate to your brand name, industry, services, products, and other key traits. This increases the chances that your business is listed when customers search for terms related to you.
7. Publish content frequently
Add new FAQs, make announcements, and share new photos of your business regularly. This tells Google that your company is active while giving potential customers new content to engage with and get to know you.
As you build out your profile, think about what you would want to see from a business you aren’t familiar with.
What could a company say to earn your trust or make you click on their website?
Your customers need this information too, so leave no questions unanswered in your profile.
How to register for Google Maps
When you create and verify your Google Business Profile, your business becomes eligible to appear in local Google Maps results. This can help customers find directions, hours, and contact details in seconds. However, this isn’t automatic; you have to register for Google Maps using the steps below.
Step 1: Sign in to Google Business
Visit google.com/business, sign in using the account associated with your business, and click “Manage now.” Enter your business name to see if a listing already exists. If it appears, you can claim it. If not, select the option to add your business. This step connects your business to Google Maps through your Google Business Profile.
Step 2: Enter your business information
Provide accurate details, including your business name, category, address, and contact information. Make sure your address is correct, as this determines where your business appears on Google Maps. If you serve customers at their location instead of a storefront, you can list service areas instead of a physical address.
Step 3: Verify your business
Google requires verification to confirm you are the rightful owner. Verification options may include a postcard by mail, phone, email, or video verification. Follow the instructions provided and complete the process promptly. Your business will not fully appear on Google Maps until verification is complete.
Step 4: Optimize and publish
Once verified, add your hours, services, description, and photos. Double-check that all information is accurate and up to date. A complete profile improves your visibility in Google Maps results and gives customers the details they need to visit, call, or book.
Key factors for ranking on Google Maps (Local SEO)
Registering your business on Google Maps is only the first step; staying competitive requires ongoing attention to the factors that influence how your business ranks and appears in local results. This is known as local SEO. Pay close attention to:
- Relevance: Choose the most accurate business categories, clearly describe what you offer, and list services or products that match what customers are searching for. The closer your profile aligns with search intent, the more likely Google is to display it.
- Distance: Location matters. Google considers how close your business or service area is to the person searching. Make sure your address or service areas are accurate so you can appear in the right local results.
- Prominence: Build authority through reviews, backlinks, and online mentions. Positive reviews and consistent brand signals show Google that your business is trusted within your industry and community.
- Complete profile: Add photos, business hours, attributes, and verified contact details. A fully completed profile improves visibility and gives customers confidence in your business.
- Activity: Stay active by publishing posts and responding to reviews and questions. Regular updates signal that your business is engaged, open, and ready to serve.
What to do if your business doesn’t appear on Google Maps
If you’ve followed the steps and tips above and your business still isn’t showing up on Google Maps:
- Verify your Google Business Profile: Verification is required before your business is visible on Google Maps. Double-check that you completed the verification process and received confirmation from Google.
- Review your business information: Make sure your profile details are accurate and complete. Confirm your address is correct and that the map pin is placed in the right location. Even small errors can affect visibility.
- Refine your categories and description: Choose precise categories and write a clear description of your services. Strong alignment between your profile and what customers are searching for improves your chances of appearing in results.
- Build and engage with reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them consistently. Active engagement and positive feedback strengthen your credibility and help improve local visibility.
Increase your business’s online visibility
Showing up in local search results is one of the most effective ways to connect with customers who are ready to take action. A fully optimized Google Business Profile and a strong presence on Google Maps can drive calls, visits, and sales, but long-term growth requires a smart, consistent SEO strategy.
If you want expert guidance, GoDaddy’s SEO services can help. Our team works with you to improve your visibility, optimize your local listings, and build a strategy designed to attract the right customers. Get started with GoDaddy SEO services today and turn more local searches into real business growth.
FAQs
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes, a Google Business Profile is completely free to create and manage.
Is it free to put your business on Google Maps?
Yes, adding your business to Google Maps is free. You can do so through your Google Business Profile once it's created and verified.
How do I get my business to show up first on Google Maps?
There is no shortcut to the top position. Focus on optimizing your profile with accurate categories, a complete description, updated hours, and high-quality photos. Encourage customer reviews and respond to them regularly. Strong local SEO, consistent information, and ongoing activity improve your chances of ranking higher over time.
Do you need a Gmail account for a Google Business Profile?
No, you do not need a Gmail account for a Google Business Profile. However, you do need a Google account to verify and control your listing.
How to get approved for a Google Business Profile?
To get approved, create your profile and complete Google’s verification process. This may include receiving a postcard, phone call, email, or video verification request. Once Google confirms that you are the legitimate business owner, your profile can appear publicly in Search and Maps.
