Use Google Business Profile: Get Listed & Reach Customers

Use Google Business Profile and Google My Business to Get More Customers

Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is one of the most powerful free tools you can use to grow your business online.

Whether you're a local tradesperson, run a shop, or manage a growing online brand with physical locations, having a strong business profile on Google helps you get discovered and attract new customers.

This article will show you how to set up, optimise, and use Google Business Profile to help your business stand out, get more Google reviews, and make the most of every potential customer searching for your services.

By reading this, you'll learn practical steps to improve your business listing, appear higher in Google search and maps, and manage your profile effectively to boost trust and clicks.

If you're not already using Google Business Profile, you're leaving opportunities on the table.

Article Outline

1. What Is a Google Business Profile and Why Does It Matter?

2. How Do You Set Up a Google Business Profile?

3. What’s the Difference Between Google Business Profile and Google My Business?

4. How Can You Verify Your Business on Google?

5. Why Does Optimising Your Google Business Profile Matter?

6. How Do You Optimise Your Google My Business Listing?

7. What Information Should You Include in Your Business Profile?

8. How Does Google Use Your Business Information?

9. How Do You Get More Google Reviews?

10. Should You Respond to Reviews, and How?

11. How Does a Google Business Profile Help Customers Find You?

12. Can Google Ads Work with Your Business Profile?

13. How Can You Manage Your Business from Google?

14. What Are the Best Ways to Get Customers to Leave Reviews?

15. What’s Next After Setting Up Your Profile?

1. What Is a Google Business Profile and Why Does It Matter?

A Google Business Profile is a free business listing on Google that allows you to manage how your business appears on Google Search and Google Maps.

It’s one of the easiest ways to show your business online, connect with customers on Google, and help potential customers get key information quickly.

Having a business profile on Google helps your business stand out in local search results.

It also builds credibility by showing verified business information, location, business hours, and customer reviews. Simply put, your profile is the key to helping customers find you on Google.

2. How Do You Set Up a Google Business Profile?

To get started, you’ll need a Google account. Once you’re signed in:

• Go to the Google Business Profile homepage.

• Click “Manage now” and enter your business name.

• Follow the steps to add your business information.

When you set up a Google Business Profile, you’re creating a place for potential customers to find your business on Google Search and Google Maps.

This includes showing your location, phone number, opening times, and more.

Setting up your business on Google is free, and it helps your business appear in local search results.

A free business profile helps customers that you care about find the information they need, fast.

3. What’s the Difference Between Google Business Profile and Google My Business?

The tool used to be called Google My Business. Now, it's simply called Google Business Profile. The name may have changed, but the features remain largely the same.

Google My Business was the original platform where businesses could create a listing.

Now, managing your Google Business Profile is done directly from Google Search or the Google Maps app, rather than a separate dashboard.

If you're still searching online for how to use Google My Business, you're in the right place. Everything you could do before is still possible - only now it’s easier and more accessible.

4. How Can You Verify Your Business on Google?

To show up on Google Maps and in local SEO search results, you need to verify your business. This helps confirm that your business information is accurate and that you're the legitimate owner.

Verification usually happens by post, phone, or email. You’ll receive a code which you enter to confirm your listing.

When you verify your business, it gives your listing more authority and trust. Without verification, your profile might not appear or could be flagged as incomplete.

A verified profile helps potential customers trust your business.

5. Why Does Optimising Your Google Business Profile Matter?

An incomplete or outdated profile can make or break your business. Google uses the data in your profile to decide when and where to show your listing.

Optimising your Google Business Profile helps you rank higher in search results. It also improves how your listing looks - encouraging more clicks, calls, and visits.

If you don’t update your profile regularly, or leave out key details, potential customers might choose a competitor who has a clearer and more trustworthy presence on Google.

6. How Do You Optimise Your Google My Business Listing?

To optimise your Google My Business listing:

• Add detailed business information, including your business name, business hours, and services.

• Use relevant keywords in your description.

• Upload high-quality images of your location, products, or work.

• Update your profile regularly to reflect changes or promotions.

Optimising your profile makes it easier for customers on Google to find accurate, useful details.

An optimised Google Business Profile can be the difference between showing up in the top results or being ignored.

7. What Information Should You Include in Your Business Profile?

Your business profile should include:

• Your business name

• Address or service area

• Phone number

• Website link

• Business hours

• Type of business or category

• Photos and updates

Adding detailed and accurate business information improves how Google presents your business. Keep your profile up to date and make your profile reflect what customers will actually experience.

8. How Does Google Use Your Business Information?

Google uses your business profile to display relevant results when people search for services like yours. This includes your location, reviews, and photos.

Your business information helps Google decide where to place you in the results. Accurate and consistent information across your website and business listing supports higher visibility.

Listing your business on Google also gives you the chance to appear in the local 3-pack - the three listings that appear under the map in local searches.

9. How Do You Get More Google Reviews?

Ask your customers directly. Google lets you share a direct review link. You can:

• Send follow-up emails asking for feedback

• Include a review link in your email signature

• Add a CTA on your website

Customers to leave reviews not only boosts your trust but can also improve your visibility in search results. The more reviews you collect, the better your business looks on Google.

10. Should You Respond to Reviews, and How?

Yes. Always respond to reviews – good and bad.

When you respond to reviews, it shows potential customers that you care. It also lets Google know you're active and managing your business.

A short reply thanking a happy customer or offering to fix a problem for an unhappy one goes a long way.

Make sure you regularly respond to reviews to keep your profile healthy and engaged.

11. How Does a Google Business Profile Help Customers Find You?

Your profile appears on Google Search and Maps when someone searches for your business or related services. This helps customers find your business when they need you most.

If your profile is accurate and complete, it shows your address, opening times, phone number, and even directions via Google Maps.

When you optimise your Google Business Profile, you make it easier for people to find your business on Google.

This helps you attract more footfall or online traffic from people already looking for what you offer.

12. Can Google Ads Work with Your Business Profile?

Yes. Google Ads can link to your Business Profile to boost your visibility.

By linking your Google Business Profile to your ads, your location and contact info appear as part of the ad. This is known as location extensions.

Using Google Ads alongside your business listing increases the chances of customers finding you and can speed up growth when you're ready to invest in paid marketing.

13. How Can You Manage Your Business from Google?

Once you’re set up and verified, you can manage your business from Google Search or the Google Maps app. Just search your business name while logged into your Google account.

From there, you can:

• Update your profile

• Upload photos

• Respond to reviews

• Post offers or updates

You no longer need a separate app - managing your business from Google has never been easier. Just search your business and get started.

14. What Are the Best Ways to Get Customers to Leave Reviews?

There are a few proven ways to encourage customers to leave reviews:

• Ask in person after a good experience

• Send an email with a direct link

• Include review requests in your thank-you pages or order confirmations

Telling customers that you value their feedback - and showing them how easy it is - helps build more reviews over time.

Positive customer reviews are key to showing trust and attracting more potential customers.

15. What’s Next After Setting Up Your Profile?

Once your Google Business Profile is live:

• Keep your profile up to date

• Encourage customers to leave reviews

• Add regular posts, offers, and photos

• Check how your profile performs using Google Analytics

Continue to optimise your profile to reach more customers and build your online reputation. Remember, your profile isn’t a one-time setup - it’s something to manage and improve over time.

Summary – What You Should Remember

• A Google Business Profile helps customers find your business on Google Search and Maps.

• You can set up a free business profile using your Google account.

• It was formerly called Google My Business, but now it’s managed directly in Google.

• Always verify your business to appear in search results.

• Keep your business information accurate and updated.

• Respond to reviews to show customers that you care.

• Optimise your Google Business Profile to appear higher in local search results.

• Add good quality photos and use keywords in your description.

• Use Google Ads to support your local listing if needed.

• Ask happy customers to leave reviews - the more, the better.

• Manage your business from Google Search or the Maps app.

• Use your profile to post updates and offers.

• Keep checking your analytics to improve performance.

• Your presence on Google can make or break your business.

Let your profile do the hard work and start reaching more customers today. If you need help with your SEO, contact SEOJet today!