How to Get the Most from Google Business Profile

If you’re a small business owner in the UK, you’ll know that visibility matters. When someone searches for the service you offer, you want them to find accurate information and a clear way to get in touch.

That’s where Google Business Profile, formerly Google My Business, comes in. It gives eligible businesses a free presence on Google Search and Maps. We still meet businesses that haven’t claimed theirs, or haven’t checked the details for a while.

So, here’s redrose.digital’s quick guide to Google Business Profile, how to use it and why it matters for your business.

What is Google Business Profile, and why does it matter?

Google Business Profile is a free tool for eligible businesses that meet customers in person, either at a business location or within a service area. It helps you manage the information people see on Search and Maps.

Say someone searches for “plumber near me”. A Business Profile can help them find your services, reviews, opening hours and contact details. Paid adverts may also appear on that results page, so being listed and being shown first are different things.

A verified Business Profile is separate from Google Local Services Ads, which is a paid lead-generation product with its own eligibility and screening. Verification does not automatically enrol you in those ads or guarantee enquiries.

For trades and small businesses, a useful profile makes it easier for nearby customers to understand what you do. Keep the services, hours and contact details accurate, then give people a good reason to choose you.

Google’s local-ranking guidance describes relevance, distance and prominence. Reviews and accurate information can help, but posting updates is not a guaranteed ranking boost. You cannot pay Google for a better organic local ranking.

And don’t forget your website. Even with a useful Business Profile, a slow or confusing site can make someone click away before they ever get in touch.

Setting up your Google Business Profile

Start by claiming or creating the correct profile. Use your real business name, the most appropriate category and an accurate location or service area. Follow Google’s eligibility rules rather than creating extra profiles for every town you cover.

Google determines which verification methods are available for your business. They can include video recording, a live video call, phone or text, email, or post. You may need more than one method; do not assume a postcard will be offered.

Once you’re verified, keep the profile useful. Check normal and holiday opening hours, services and contact details. Add honest photos of your team, premises and work. These details help customers judge the business; they are not a promise of higher rankings.

Think of it as a useful foundation for local visibility. Verification and updates can take time, and enquiries depend on demand, competition, your offer and how you respond.

Our tips for getting more out of Google Business Profile

Having your profile in place is a good start. These are the practical checks we would make before looking for more complicated local SEO fixes.

Make reviews useful for customers

Genuine reviews help customers understand your service, and Google says review count and positive ratings can help local ranking. They sit alongside other factors; no particular number guarantees a top position.

Ask customers for an honest review after a job, without offering incentives or only approaching people you expect to leave a positive rating. Respond helpfully and keep private customer details out of public replies.

Make it easy to contact your business

Customers can still call you or visit your website from the profile. Google discontinued its built-in chat and call-history features on 31 July 2024. Eligible verified accounts in supported regions can now add a WhatsApp or text-message option; check whether it is available in your profile.

Choose contact routes your team can actually manage. A prompt, useful reply helps the customer, but don’t treat response speed as a promised organic-ranking signal.

Post offers and regular updates

Use posts to share relevant updates, helpful information and genuine offers. Check that any offer is still valid and links to the right page. Useful posts can support a customer’s decision without guaranteeing extra reach or leads.

Get expert help to boost your local SEO

A Business Profile can be a useful part of your local SEO. At redrose.digital, we help businesses check their profiles, website and wider search presence, then agree what needs attention.

Get in touch with redrose.digital to start getting noticed, today.

Talk to us about your local visibility.