Your online presence starts with your Google Business Profile—think of it as your digital storefront. It’s where people go to check your hours, find your location on Google Maps, and read reviews before deciding to visit or buy from you.
A well-optimized profile can make a huge difference. Businesses with complete and active listings get 70% more visits and are 50% more likely to turn those visits into sales. It’s one of the easiest ways to stand out in local searches and attract customers right when they need you most.
In this guide, we’ll walk through simple, practical steps to make your Google Business Profile shine—helping you rank higher, get more customers, and stay ahead of the competition.
Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Business Profile
First things first—claim and verify your listing. This gives you full control over your business information, like your hours, address, phone number, and website.
If you don’t verify your business, Google may pull info from other sources, which can lead to mistakes and confusion for potential customers. Surprisingly, more than half of businesses (56%) haven’t claimed their profile—don’t be one of them!
You can verify your business in a few ways:
- Postcard: Google mails you a code to confirm your location.
- Phone or Email: Some businesses can verify instantly.
- Video Chat: Google might ask you to show your location or signage on a live call.
Verifying your profile builds trust, ensures accurate information, and helps you show up in local search results.
Step 2: Complete Every Section of Your Profile
A half-filled profile is like a store with no sign—you’ll lose potential customers.
Make sure your business name, address, phone number (NAP), website, and hours are accurate. Then, fill out every other section:
- The “From the Business” description
- Products or services you offer
- Attributes (like “Free Wi-Fi” or “Pet-friendly”)
- Q&A section
The more complete your profile, the better Google understands your business—and the more often you’ll appear in relevant searches.
Also Read: How to Use Schema Markup to Boost Your SEO (Updated 2026)
Step 3: Choose the Right Categories and Attributes
Choosing the right category is key. Since 84% of profile views come from “discovery” searches (like “dentist near me”), your category directly affects who finds you.
Pick a main category that best fits your business (for example, “Chiropractor”) and add secondary categories for related services (like “Massage Therapist” or “Acupuncturist”).
Don’t forget attributes—like “Wheelchair Accessible” or “Takes Online Appointments.” These small details make your business more appealing and help customers know what to expect.
Step 4: Keep Your Contact Info Consistent
Your name, address, and phone number should be exactly the same everywhere—on Google, your website, social media, and directories. Even small differences like “St.” vs. “Street” can confuse Google and hurt your ranking.
Double-check your info regularly to make sure it’s accurate and consistent. Consistency builds trust with both Google and your customers.
Step 5: Add Great Photos and Videos
People trust what they can see. Adding high-quality photos and videos makes your profile more attractive and boosts engagement.
According to studies, businesses with over 100 images get 520% more calls and 1,065% more website clicks than those with just one.
Include a mix of:
- Exterior and interior shots (so customers recognize your location)
- Team photos (to humanize your brand)
- Product or service photos (to show what you offer)
Short videos—like a quick tour or behind-the-scenes look—also help make your business feel approachable and genuine.
Step 6: Respond to Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are pure gold. They build trust, boost your ranking, and influence buying decisions.
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews—maybe offer a small incentive like a discount on their next visit or entry into a giveaway.
Always respond to reviews—good or bad. Thank people for positive feedback, and handle negative comments professionally. Showing that you care about customers goes a long way in building credibility.
Step 7: Use Google Posts for Updates and Promotions
Google Posts let you share updates, offers, and events right on your profile. They’re a great way to keep your business active and engaging.
Posts disappear after seven days (except event posts), so keep them fresh. Use short, catchy text, clear calls to action like “Book Now” or “Learn More,” and include eye-catching images.
Regular posting shows Google—and your customers—that your business is active and trustworthy.
Step 8: Use the Q&A Section
The Questions & Answers section is a powerful but often ignored feature. You can use it to address common customer questions before they even ask.
Add FAQs about your services, hours, or booking process. Monitor this section regularly to make sure answers are accurate, since anyone can reply to questions.
A clear and well-managed Q&A helps customers get the info they need quickly—and boosts your profile’s credibility.
Also Read: The Importance of Internal Linking for SEO – (Updated 2026)
Step 9: Highlight Your Products and Services
Your Google Business Profile isn’t just a listing—it’s a mini showcase. Add your products or services with clear descriptions and pricing if possible.
This helps customers understand what you offer and improves your chances of appearing in more local searches. Update this section regularly to include seasonal offers or new services.
Step 10: Track Performance with Google Insights
Once your profile is optimized, track your results using Google My Business Insights.
You’ll see:
- Search terms people used to find you
- Customer actions (calls, website visits, direction requests)
- Engagement data (post clicks, photo views, etc.)
Use these insights to see what’s working and what can be improved. Data-driven tweaks help you keep growing your online visibility.
Why a Google Business Profile Matters
1. Boosts Local Search Visibility
An optimized profile helps you rank higher in Google Maps and local results—especially in the Local Pack (the top 3 local listings).
2. Increases Customer Engagement
Features like reviews, posts, and Q&A make it easy for customers to interact with your business directly.
3. Drives More Website Visits and Calls
Profiles with complete info get up to 35% more website clicks. Buttons like “Call Now” or “Get Directions” make it easy for people to take action fast.
4. Builds Customer Trust
Responding to reviews and keeping your info accurate makes you appear professional and reliable.
5. Helps with Voice Search
With almost half of voice searches focused on local businesses, a detailed and updated profile increases your chances of being found when people say things like “Hey Google, find a coffee shop near me.”
6. Offers Valuable Insights
Google’s built-in analytics help you understand what customers are searching for—so you can keep improving your strategy.
Maximize Your Local Search with iMatrix
A well-optimized Google Business Profile is your ticket to more visibility, more traffic, and more customers. From claiming your profile to managing reviews and posts, every small step adds up.
At iMatrix, we help chiropractors, veterinarians, and eye care professionals boost their local SEO and stand out online. Whether you need help with your Google Business Profile or a full digital marketing strategy, our team can help you reach more customers and grow your practice.
FAQs
Is it worth adding products to Google My Business?
Yes! Adding products makes your profile more engaging and helps customers see what you offer right away.
Do Google My Business posts help SEO?
They don’t directly boost rankings, but they show Google that your business is active—which can help you appear in more searches.
Is Google My Business off-page SEO?
Yes. It’s part of your online presence outside your website and plays a big role in local search rankings.
Do Google Posts expire?
Most posts expire after seven days (except event posts). Keep posting regularly to stay visible.
How often should I post photos?
Try uploading new photos at least once a week. Active profiles with fresh images get more engagement and higher visibility.
