Do I Need a Google Business Profile?: Yes, you do.
It is one of the most powerful tools you can use to grow your business online.
Think of it as a 24/7 salesperson.
Showcasing your services, collecting glowing reviews, and making it easy for customers to find and choose you.
When properly set up and optimised, your GBP not only highlights why your business is great but also helps you rank in Google’s exclusive business pack.
It is one of the most powerful tools you can use to grow your business online.
Think of it as a 24/7 salesperson.
Showcasing your services, collecting glowing reviews, and making it easy for customers to find and choose you.
When properly set up and optimised, your GBP not only highlights why your business is great but also helps you rank in Google’s exclusive business pack.
These listings are prime real estate on search results pages (just like your website is on these same SERPS) and maps, visible to people actively looking for what you offer.
In short, if you run a business and don’t have a Google Business Profile, you’re leaving traffic, visibility, and potential customers up for grabs by your competitors.
Do I Need a Google Business Profile Even if I Don't Have a Storefront?
You still need one.
Even if your business doesn’t have a physical storefront, having a Google Business Profile is still essential.
Why?
Because your business still exists, and people still need to find you.
Whether you’re a service-based business, operate remotely, or cover a large area (like I do in the North East), a Google Business Profile ensures your presence is visible where it matters—online.
Instead of tagging your physical location, Google allows you to select the service areas you provide business to.
This way, you can appear in search results for multiple locations, reaching customers wherever they’re looking for the services you offer.
*Your GBP may not be AS visible as your competitors who have a physical location, but this is your only option UNLESS you do decide to register multiple locations.
The Benefits of a Google Businsess Profile
I know I keep banging on about how you NEED a Google Business Profile, but what are the actual, tangible benefits?
Beyond just showing up higher in Google’s local pack (which, let’s be honest, is already a massive win on its own)
Let’s jump int to a few…
Your Potential Customers Can Take Action Straight From the SERP
If you’ve ever worked in sales (and yes, SEO is sales—most people just don’t treat it that way, which is exactly why they fail), you know the golden rule;
Make it as easy as humanly possible for your prospect to convert.
Think of your potential customers as aliens who have no clue how to navigate Earth’s tech.
Make it as easy as humanly possible for your prospect to convert.
Think of your potential customers as aliens who have no clue how to navigate Earth’s tech.
You’ve got to spell it out, make it painfully obvious what they need to do next to get what you’re offering –
No room for confusion, no hoops to jump through.
So, what does all this have to do with your Google Business Profile (GBP)?
Everything.
Your GBP is basically sales fundamentals on autopilot.
Those handy buttons-
call now, visit website, get directions
Are built right into your profile
Making it stupidly simple for prospects to convert without even visiting your website, allowing them to convert right there and then in the SERP.
The ONE downside to this though?
Your current SEO guy ain’t going to be happy.
As he won’t be able to tie it back these types of conversions to his mad SEO skills.
So let’s keep this one between us…
No room for confusion, no hoops to jump through.
So, what does all this have to do with your Google Business Profile (GBP)?
Everything.
Your GBP is basically sales fundamentals on autopilot.
Those handy buttons-
call now, visit website, get directions
Are built right into your profile
Making it stupidly simple for prospects to convert without even visiting your website, allowing them to convert right there and then in the SERP.
The ONE downside to this though?
Your current SEO guy ain’t going to be happy.
As he won’t be able to tie it back these types of conversions to his mad SEO skills.
So let’s keep this one between us…
It brings a variety of user-generated content (UGC) into one place
Your GBP is like the ultimate content aggregator;
It pulls together all the juicy user-generated content (UGC) your customers care about: reviews, photos, Q&As, and more.
It’s a one-stop shop where potential customers can instantly see why you’re the go-to choice.
And because of all this UGC it pulls together, it acts as a powerful signposting tool, giving you plenty of chances to showcase and link to key content on your website.
Think of it as your mini billboard (which is free btw) on Google, featuring:
Less friction, more conversions—right at the moment they’re ready to take action.
It pulls together all the juicy user-generated content (UGC) your customers care about: reviews, photos, Q&As, and more.
It’s a one-stop shop where potential customers can instantly see why you’re the go-to choice.
And because of all this UGC it pulls together, it acts as a powerful signposting tool, giving you plenty of chances to showcase and link to key content on your website.
Think of it as your mini billboard (which is free btw) on Google, featuring:
- Google Posts: Share updates, promotions, or news to keep people engaged.
- Google Products: Highlight specific services or products with direct links.
- Menu: Perfect for restaurants or service menus—make it easy for users to browse.
- Appointments: Let customers book directly with you in just a few clicks.
Less friction, more conversions—right at the moment they’re ready to take action.
It’s a Useful Source for Customer Insight (& to Snoop On Your Competitors)
Your Google Business Profile isn’t just about being seen—it’s also a goldmine for insights.
Want to know what your customers love about your business?
It’s in their reviews.
Curious what they hate about your competitors?
That’s there too. When people leave feedback, they’re handing you free, actionable data.
Use it to spot trends, improve your service, or even outshine the competition.
Think of it as your built-in market research tool—no focus groups required.
Want to know what your customers love about your business?
It’s in their reviews.
Curious what they hate about your competitors?
That’s there too. When people leave feedback, they’re handing you free, actionable data.
Use it to spot trends, improve your service, or even outshine the competition.
Think of it as your built-in market research tool—no focus groups required.
Reviews Section
Reviews are where the real tea is spilled.
Customers don’t hold back, and that’s great for you.
The glowing ones tell you what’s working—perfect for doubling down on your strengths.
The critical ones?
They’re your cheat sheet for what to fix.
Plus, keeping an eye on competitor reviews gives you a sneaky advantage: you’ll know exactly where they’re dropping the ball (and where you can swoop in to win).
Customers don’t hold back, and that’s great for you.
The glowing ones tell you what’s working—perfect for doubling down on your strengths.
The critical ones?
They’re your cheat sheet for what to fix.
Plus, keeping an eye on competitor reviews gives you a sneaky advantage: you’ll know exactly where they’re dropping the ball (and where you can swoop in to win).
TIP: The more (good) reviews you have, the better your chances of ranking higher in the local business pack.
Businesses with lots of positive reviews almost always outperform those with few or none—it’s just how the game works.
Q&A Section
The Q&A section is an underrated gem.
Potential customers ask questions about your business, and the answers (whether you provide them or not) live right there on your profile.
Stay on top of this section—it’s your chance to clear up confusion, build trust, and look proactive.
Oh, and keep an eye on competitors’ Q&A too. The questions people ask them can give you ideas for your own content or services.
Here’s another sneaky SEO tip: the Q&A section on your Google Business Profile is a sneaky way to boost your SEO.
Ask a friend to log into their account and post common questions people might have about your business.
Then, answer them yourself from your own account.
These Q&A entries can show up in search results when someone Googles similar queries—essentially turning them into mini SEO boosters for your profile.
Potential customers ask questions about your business, and the answers (whether you provide them or not) live right there on your profile.
Stay on top of this section—it’s your chance to clear up confusion, build trust, and look proactive.
Oh, and keep an eye on competitors’ Q&A too. The questions people ask them can give you ideas for your own content or services.
Here’s another sneaky SEO tip: the Q&A section on your Google Business Profile is a sneaky way to boost your SEO.
Ask a friend to log into their account and post common questions people might have about your business.
Then, answer them yourself from your own account.
These Q&A entries can show up in search results when someone Googles similar queries—essentially turning them into mini SEO boosters for your profile.
It’s Used by Potential Customers to Get Directions to Your Business
Ever tried finding a place without Google Maps? Neither have your customers.
Your Google Business Profile acts as the ultimate guide, leading people straight to your door.
One tap on “Get Directions,” and boom—they’re on their way.
This feature isn’t just convenient; it’s critical.
Customers searching for directions are actively looking to visit your business.
Right now
They’re not window shopping; they’re on a mission.
Make sure your address is accurate, and you’ve claimed all the map real estate you can—because the easier you are to find, the more likely they are to walk through your doors.
Your Google Business Profile acts as the ultimate guide, leading people straight to your door.
One tap on “Get Directions,” and boom—they’re on their way.
This feature isn’t just convenient; it’s critical.
Customers searching for directions are actively looking to visit your business.
Right now
They’re not window shopping; they’re on a mission.
Make sure your address is accurate, and you’ve claimed all the map real estate you can—because the easier you are to find, the more likely they are to walk through your doors.
It Influences Google’s Understanding of your Business as an ‘entity’
Your Google Business Profile does more than just display your hours and reviews—it helps Google understand what your business actually is.
This is crucial because Google doesn’t just rank websites anymore; it ranks entities.
And guess what?
You’re the entity in question.
When you optimise your GBP, you’re feeding Google the information it needs to associate your business with specific keywords, services, and locations.
The better Google understands your business, the more likely it is to rank you for the right searches.
Hint: this is also why it’s a GREAT idea to list your business on as many relevant directories as possible, so you can help with this entity building.
Basically, your GBP is like shouting, “Hey Google, here’s who I am, what I do, and why I’m the best at it!”
This is crucial because Google doesn’t just rank websites anymore; it ranks entities.
And guess what?
You’re the entity in question.
When you optimise your GBP, you’re feeding Google the information it needs to associate your business with specific keywords, services, and locations.
The better Google understands your business, the more likely it is to rank you for the right searches.
Hint: this is also why it’s a GREAT idea to list your business on as many relevant directories as possible, so you can help with this entity building.
Basically, your GBP is like shouting, “Hey Google, here’s who I am, what I do, and why I’m the best at it!”
How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile (5 Tips)
Want to make your Google Business Profile work for you?
Here are five quick tips:
- Fill Out Every Field – Don’t leave anything blank. The more info you give, the more Google loves you.
- Use High-Quality Images – A picture says a thousand words. Make sure yours say, “This is the best business in town.”
- Encourage Reviews – Reviews boost trust and rankings. Get your happy customers talking.
- Update Regularly – Change your hours? Add a new service? Post updates to keep your profile fresh.
- Leverage Keywords – Sprinkle relevant keywords into your business description and posts. It’s like SEO magic, but for your GBP.
For a deeper dive, check out my full guide.
Time To Get Started (Or Leave Business on the Table)
Let’s be blunt: if you don’t have a Google Business Profile, you’re making it way too easy for your competitors to win.
You’re practically handing them customers and saying, “Go ahead, I didn’t want them anyway.”
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Setting up and optimising your GBP puts you in front of people actively searching for what you offer—right when they’re ready to take action.
It’s your ticket to more visibility, more leads, and ultimately, more revenue.
So, what’s it going to be?
Get started today and start reaping the rewards, or keep leaving business on the table.
The choice is yours, but I know which one I’d pick.
You’re practically handing them customers and saying, “Go ahead, I didn’t want them anyway.”
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Setting up and optimising your GBP puts you in front of people actively searching for what you offer—right when they’re ready to take action.
It’s your ticket to more visibility, more leads, and ultimately, more revenue.
So, what’s it going to be?
Get started today and start reaping the rewards, or keep leaving business on the table.
The choice is yours, but I know which one I’d pick.