When people search for a local business, one of the first things they see is the Google Business Profile.
Whether someone is looking for a dentist, plumber, med spa, or electrician, they are usually comparing businesses before they ever visit a website. That means your Google Business Profile is often your first impression.
The good news is that you do not need to be an SEO expert to improve it. Spending 20 to 30 minutes updating your profile can make it more helpful to potential customers and increase your chances of showing up in local searches.
Here are a few simple things every local business should do.
1. Fill Out Every Section
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is only filling out the basics.
Take a few minutes to complete everything Google asks for, including:
- Business description
- Services
- Business hours
- Phone number
- Website
- Appointment link (if applicable)
- Service areas
- Questions and answers
The more complete your profile is, the more helpful it is to both Google and potential customers.
2. Choose the Right Business Categories
Your primary category tells Google what your business does.
Choose the category that best describes your main service. Then add any relevant secondary categories that fit your business.
For example, a family dentist might also add cosmetic dentist, emergency dental service, or pediatric dentist if those services are offered.
Just avoid adding categories that do not accurately describe your business.
3. Add New Photos Regularly
People like seeing real businesses.
Upload photos of your:
- Building
- Team
- Office
- Equipment
- Completed work
- Waiting area
- Products, if applicable
You do not need professional photography every time. Even high-quality photos from your phone are better than leaving your profile unchanged for months.
Adding new photos every few weeks shows that your business is active.
4. Ask Happy Customers for Reviews
Reviews are one of the most important parts of your Google Business Profile.
The easiest way to get more reviews is simply to ask.
Ask customers shortly after their appointment or service while the experience is still fresh.
The easier you make it, the more likely they are to leave one. Send them a direct review link through text or email instead of asking them to search for your business.
5. Respond to Every Review
Many businesses only respond to negative reviews.
Instead, try to respond to all of them.
A simple thank you on positive reviews shows you appreciate your customers. Responding professionally to negative reviews also shows future customers that you care about resolving problems.
Potential customers often read your responses just as much as the reviews themselves.
6. Keep Your Information Up to Date
If your hours change, update them.
If you move locations, update your address.
If your phone number changes, update it immediately.
It sounds obvious, but outdated information is one of the fastest ways to lose potential customers.
Take a few minutes every month to double check that everything is still accurate.
7. Post Updates From Time to Time
Google lets businesses publish updates directly to their profile.
You do not need to post every day.
A few updates each month can help keep your profile active.
You can post things like:
- Company updates
- New services
- Special promotions
- Holiday hours
- Community events
Think of it as another way to show customers that your business is active and engaged.
Keep It Updated
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is not something you do once and forget about.
The businesses that tend to perform best are the ones that continue updating their information, adding photos, collecting reviews, and checking in regularly.
Even spending a few minutes each month can make a noticeable difference over time.
Need a Hand?
Everything in this guide is something you can do yourself with a little time and consistency. If you’d rather spend your time running your business instead of managing your online presence, that’s exactly what we help our clients with.
Contact Digital Canvas Marketing if you’d like us to handle it for you. We’ll help optimize and manage your Google Business Profile so more local customers can find your business online.