Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing potential customers see when they search for your business online. It affects whether they call, visit your website, or choose a competitor. The good news? You can make meaningful improvements today with just a few simple steps. Here are five things a small business can do today to improve your Google Business Profile.
- Claim and Verify Your Listing (If You Haven’t Already)
If you haven’t claimed your business on Google yet, this is your first and most important step.
- Go to Google Business Profile Manager and search for your business.
- Follow the steps to claim and verify it (usually by phone, email, or mail).
- Once verified, you can manage everything customers see about your business.
If your profile already exists, make sure you have full control of it.
2. Update and Complete All Business Information
Make sure your profile is 100% accurate and up to date:
• Business name, address, and phone number (NAP)
• Website and email
• Business hours—including holiday changes
• Categories and attributes (e.g., “family-friendly,” “Black-owned,” “wheelchair accessible”)
A complete profile boosts your chances of showing up in local search results and builds trust with potential customers.
3. Add High-Quality Photos
Photos are one of the top factors customers use when deciding where to shop, eat, or visit.
- Upload clear images of your storefront, products, team, and interior.
- Use consistent branding and lighting.
- Add new photos regularly to keep your profile fresh and engaging.
Businesses with photos get significantly more clicks, calls, and direction requests.
4. Ask for and Respond to Reviews
Positive reviews build credibility and improve your local SEO ranking.
- Ask happy customers to leave a Google review after a purchase or visit.
- Make it easy—send them a direct link or include it in follow-up emails.
- Always respond to reviews, both positive and negative, professionally and promptly.
Engaging with reviews shows you care and builds trust with potential customers.
5. Use Google Posts to Share Updates
Google lets you post short updates directly to your Business Profile—like mini social media posts.
- Share events, promotions, new products, or announcements.
- Include a photo and call-to-action (e.g., “Learn More,” “Call Now”).
- These posts show up in your listing and help keep your audience informed.
Bonus: Posting regularly can help improve your ranking in local search.
Final Thought: Keep It Active, Keep It Accurate
Your Google Business Profile isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool—it’s a living part of your online presence. Just 10–15 minutes a week can make a huge difference in how customers find and choose your business.
Which update will you make today? Let us know in the comments or share your success!