Your Google Business Profile is the most important local marketing asset your business has. It appears in Google Maps, in the Map Pack, and in local search results. If your profile is incomplete or unoptimized, you are handing leads to your competitors.
What Is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free listing that shows your business information directly in Google Search and Maps. It includes your business name, address, phone number, hours, photos, reviews, posts, and services. Google uses this information to decide when and where to show your business in local search results.
How Do You Optimize a Google Business Profile?
Start with the basics: verify your listing, choose the right primary category, and fill out every available field. Your business description should include your main services and the cities you serve — but avoid keyword stuffing. Add your service list, business hours, and attributes.
Photos matter more than most businesses realize. Profiles with 100+ photos get 520% more calls than average. Add photos of your team, your work, your office, and your equipment. Update photos monthly.
How Often Should You Post on Google Business Profile?
Post at least once per week. GBP posts stay visible for 7 days and signal to Google that your business is active. Post about services, promotions, events, or helpful tips. Keep posts under 300 words with a clear call to action.
What Role Do Reviews Play in GBP Rankings?
Reviews are one of the top three ranking factors for local search. Review count matters, but review velocity (how consistently you get new reviews) matters more. A business getting 4 reviews per month will outrank a business with more total reviews but no new ones in 6 months.
Respond to every review — positive and negative. Google has confirmed that review responses are a ranking signal. For help managing your Google Business Profile, contact Datanalytico for a free audit.