Did you know that nearly 46% of all Google searches are for local information? That means millions of people in your area are looking for products and services every day. The question is, are they finding you? If your business isn’t appearing in Google’s local search results, you could be losing customers to competitors who have taken the time to optimise their Google Business Profile (GBP). Let’s explore how a well-optimised profile can turn those searches into loyal customers.

What is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business, is your online shopfront. It allows you to control how your business appears in Google Search and Maps, showing key details such as your opening hours, reviews, photos, and contact information. A complete and up-to-date profile helps you appear when people search for the services you provide in your area. It also builds trust, increases visibility, and encourages engagement.

Why Google Business Profile Optimisation Matters

A fully optimised profile improves your visibility in local searches, making it more likely that people will discover your business. This can position your listing at the top of Google Maps results, where customers often look first. Your profile also makes it easy for customers to connect with you in a single click, whether they want to call, send a message, or book an appointment. Businesses with optimised profiles often see a rise in calls and enquiries. Positive reviews add social proof, with 88% of people trusting online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Finally, a well-maintained profile can drive more footfall when people search for “businesses near me.”

Key Features of a Strong Google Business Profile

Your information should be accurate and consistent across all platforms, including your business name, address, telephone number, and opening hours. Photos and videos make your profile more appealing, and profiles with images receive significantly more direction requests than those without. Regular posts and updates keep your profile fresh, whether you are promoting products, announcing events, or sharing service updates. Encouraging and responding to customer reviews also creates a positive impression and shows that you value feedback.

How to Optimise Your Profile

• Verify Your Profile – This unlocks all features and shows customers your business is legitimate.
  
  
• Select Accurate Categories – Choose categories that match your services and include relevant terms in your description so you appear for the right searches.
  
  
• Use High-Quality Visuals – Showcase your products, services, or team with professional photos that represent your brand well.
  
  
• Encourage Reviews – Ask satisfied customers to share their experiences and respond to every review to build trust.
  
  
• Track Performance – Use Google Business Insights to see how people find you and what actions they take, then adjust your strategy accordingly.
  
  
• Post Regularly – Keep customers informed with promotions, tips, or updates to maintain interest and engagement.
  
  

A Local Success Story

Consider Jane, a photography studio owner in a busy city. Before optimising her profile, most of her clients came through word of mouth, and her online presence was minimal. After following these optimisation steps, her bookings increased from five to nearly thirty per month in just three months. Many new clients said they found her through Google, proving how effective an optimised profile can be.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Google Business Profiles

Over 76% of people who search “near me” visit a business within a day, and most local searches happen on mobile devices. If your profile isn’t optimised, competitors can easily outrank you. In today’s digital marketplace, ignoring your profile means missing out on valuable customers.

Get Started Today

You don’t have to spend hours figuring out how to optimise your Google Business Profile. At Get Customers Fast, we help local businesses build a strong reputation that boosts their rankings and attracts more local leads. Our strategies are tailored to your brand and audience, ensuring your profile stands out, earns trust, and converts visitors into customers. Stop losing business to competitors and start improving your local visibility today. 

Let’s optimise your Google Business Profile using your reputation for maximum exposure.