When locals look for services, a well-optimized Google Business Profile helps your company appear first.
What is a Google Business Profile TL;DR
- You are losing local clients if your Google Business Profile is incomplete, unverified, and not updated on a regular basis.
- Most consumers look for services rather than brands.
- Visibility, trust, and clicks are all increased by a strong profile.
- Add correct information, publish every week, respond to reviews, and, if necessary, confirm with a video.
Here, minor adjustments lead to significant outcomes.
People are frequently prepared to act, call, make a reservation, or come in when they look up your service on their phone.
If a competitor is at the top and your company is in fifth place, it’s probably not because they are superior.
They have a better-configured Google Business Profile.
The majority of consumers don’t look for your company by name.
They look for what you do, such as “best SEO company in Melbourne” or “SEO agency near me.”
These category-based searches account for 86% of Google Business Profile views, according to Birdeye’s 2025 research.
How to make your profile stand out is covered in this guide.
You’ll discover how to correctly update, validate, and claim your profile.
Additionally, you will learn how to utilize features that most companies overlook.
Why Google Business Profiles Matter
Google uses proximity, prominence, and relevancy to rank companies.
A verified, comprehensive profile with current information is essential for local SEO optimization and increases your chances of appearing in local searches and on maps.
Three Reasons to Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Increase Local Visibility
For small businesses, having a thorough, verified profile makes it easier for your company to show up in the local map pack and top search results, where most clicks occur.
2. Build Trust and Authority
Strong E-E-A-T signals (experience, expertise, authority, trust) are sent by profiles with accurate information, actual images, and frequent updates. Google takes note. Customers do the same.
3. Engage with Customers
You may reply to actual people directly using features like reviews and Q&A. That exchange boosts conversions, enhances your rating, and fosters confidence.
Top profiles frequently include more than 200 reviews, complete descriptions, and recent additions, such as messages or posts.
Profiles with precise information—such as hours, location, service area, and photos—perform higher. The top three results, where 42% of clicks occur, are more likely to have verified items.
Customers are 2.7 times more inclined to trust a company with a complete profile, according to Google.
Moz reports that approximately 15% of local ranking variables are influenced by review signals.
Since 2024, listings that are inaccurate or out-of-date run the danger of being suspended due to stringent verification regulations.
The most popular technique of verification in 2025 is video. You must provide evidence that your company has a physical location.
Want proof Google Business profiles get results?
Thanks in part to appropriate GBP optimization, our collaboration with CorePlus resulted in a 20% increase in bookings across several studio locations.
You’re losing out on reservations if your profile is incomplete.
How to Verify Your Google Business Profile
Click “Start Now” after visiting google.com/business.
Enter your company’s name, address, phone number, service area, and website.
Carefully select your business category. It influences where you show up in searches.
Finish the procedure of verification. Video verification is now required for the majority of new profiles. You must document:
- Your entryway or storefront
- Workspace inside
- Signage displaying the name of the company
- A brief glance at the equipment or tools you use
As instructed by Google, upload the video. Typically, processing takes three to five business days.
Use the dashboard to check the status of your profile. You will be able to handle reviews, messages, and updates after approval.
Errors in your name, address, or category may result in rejections or delays. Before submitting, make sure everything is right.
How to Claim a Google Business Profile Someone Else Manages
Here’s how to take responsibility if your company is already listed on Google Maps but you have no control over it:
1. Find the Listing
Look up the name of your company on Google or Google Maps. Click “Claim this business” if there is already a listing.
2. Request Access
Google will direct you to a form. Complete it with:
Your position (agency, employee, or owner)
The level of access you’re asking for (manager or owner)
Your contact information
3. Wait for a Response
Your request has seven days to be approved or denied by the current profile owner. Google might allow you to confirm ownership in a different manner if they don’t reply.
This is a typical situation if you’ve recently acquired or taken over a business (such as a franchise or location).
Take charge early to prevent problems with inaccurate information, overlooked messaging, or out-of-date branding.
Google Business Profile: 10-Point Optimisation Checklist
1.Maintain Accuracy
Make sure your company’s name, address, phone number, and hours are consistent throughout your website and listings. Check every month.
2. Include Actual Pictures
Upload top-notch photos of your team, services, interior, and storefront. Every two weeks, an update is made.
3. Clearly Describe
Incorporate your activities, location, unique selling points, and pertinent keywords.
4. Publish Every Week
Use Google Posts to share events, offers, or updates. A compelling visual and call to action should always be included.
5. Make Use of CTA Buttons
Post “Order Online,” “Call,” or “Book Now” buttons. Connect them to the appropriate page.
6. Ask for and Address Reviews
Inquire after satisfying encounters. Respond to all reviews, whether positive or negative. Remain helpful and professional.
7. Highlighted Goods or Services
Include names, pictures, descriptions, and links in your list of offerings. Emphasize important features and costs.
8. Respond to queries
Post your own FAQs or answer consumer questions in the Q&A section.
9. Turn on ordering, booking, and menus
Add menus, permit food orders, or enable direct booking through your profile if applicable.
10. Monitor Performance Every month
Track clicks, views, search phrases, and client activity with the GBP dashboard.