If you’ve ever searched for “coffee near me” and seen a list of local shops pop up on Google Maps…
That’s powered by Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).
If you own a small business — this free tool might be the most important online listing you’ll ever create.
What Is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool from Google that lets you control how your business appears on:
- Google Search
- Google Maps
- Google’s Local Pack (3-pack)
It includes:
- Your name, address, phone number
- Website link
- Business hours
- Photos and videos
- Reviews
- FAQs
- Services or menu items
Why Does It Matter for Local Businesses?
🎯 1. You Show Up When It Counts
When someone nearby searches for your service (e.g. “barber shop near me”), your GBP listing can appear right at the top — before even the websites.
💰 2. It Drives Free Traffic
Click-to-call, driving directions, website visits, photo views… all trackable and free.
🌟 3. Reviews Build Trust
Your star rating and customer reviews make or break trust. A great GBP with positive reviews = instant social proof.
📸 4. Photos Sell Without Words
Businesses that upload photos see 42% more direction requests and 35% more clicks to their websites, according to Google.
Quick Stats:
📍 93% of consumers use Google to find a local business
📲 68% of people contact a business directly from search results
⭐ Businesses with 4.0+ star ratings get chosen more often
How to Set Up or Claim Your Profile
Already have a business listing showing on Google Maps? You can claim it and optimize it.
Starting from scratch? Create a new one in minutes.
Steps:
- Visit https://www.google.com/business/
- Log in with your business Gmail
- Search your business or add it
- Verify your ownership (usually via postcard or phone)
- Fill in your details: hours, services, website, logo, etc.
- Start collecting reviews!
🧠 Pro Tip: Make sure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) exactly match your website and other directories (like The Local Spotlight).
Best Practices for a Winning Google Profile
✅ Upload at least 10 high-quality photos
✅ Respond to reviews — even the bad ones
✅ Post updates regularly (Google Posts)
✅ List your services and service areas
✅ Keep your hours up-to-date, especially on holidays
The Local Spotlight + Google = Double Visibility
Want to increase your chances of showing up?
- Get listed on The Local Spotlight
- Set up or claim your Google Business Profile
- Make sure both listings match and stay updated
This 1–2 punch boosts trust, reach, and local SEO power.
Final Thoughts
Google Business Profile isn’t optional anymore — it’s essential.
It’s free. It’s powerful. And it works 24/7 to help you get discovered, trusted, and contacted.
Posted by The Local Spotlight
Helping small businesses get found, trusted, and supported locally.
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