5 Best Practices for Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (previously Google My Business) is typically the initial interaction that customers have with your company. Whether someone is looking for your phone number, reading reviews, or contemplating a visit to your business, your profile can directly influence the buying decision.
Maximizing this profile is not merely about visibility—credibility, trust, and conversion are at stake. Here are five best practices that every business can implement to maximize their Google presence.
1. Keep Your Business Information Accurate and Up to Date
Outdated or inconsistent information is one of the quickest ways to lose trust. Make sure your:
- Business name
- Address
- Phone number (NAP)
- Website URL
- Business hours
…are all accurate and consistent with what’s listed on your website and throughout the internet. Consistency is a cue that Google uses for SEO and ranking in local search results.
Pro Tip: If you alter your hours seasonally or for holidays, update them in advance to spare frustrated potential customers.
2. Optimize Your Description and Categories
Your business description is your chance to inform prospective customers about who you are, what you do, and why they need to do business with you.
Employ descriptive, keyword-rich terms that reflect your services or products. Also, select the most relevant primary and secondary categories. These categories help Google understand your business and show your profile in relevant search results.
Don’t overdo the buzzwords—keep your description human, helpful, and easy to read.
3. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos
Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites, according to Google.
Post clear, well-lit images of:
- Your storefront
- Interior space
- Staff in action
- Products or services
- Behind-the-scenes shots
Short videos can also help showcase your personality and customer experience.
Pro Tip: Don’t just post once and forget. Add new images regularly to keep your profile active and engaging.
4. Actively Manage and Respond to Reviews
Reviews play a huge role in influencing potential customers—and your Google ranking. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, and avoid immediately responding to reviews. Instead, try to report the review for possible review violations. This can help your business remove any inaccurate and inappropriate reviews from your profile.
If the review is legit and you have exhausted all other options, it’s time to professionally reply to the review. Avoid arguments or defensive responses. Instead, show that your business listens, learns, and adapts.
Example Response to a Negative Review:
“Thank you for the feedback. We’re sorry to hear about your experience and would love the chance to make it right. Please reach out to us directly at [your contact info].”
This kind of response shows prospective customers that you care about their experience and take accountability.
5. Post Regular Updates and Promotions
Use the Posts feature on your Google Business Profile to post:
- Announcements
- Offers or sales
- Events
- Launches of new products
- Interesting tips or blog posts
This keeps you on top of people’s minds, communicates value, and even has a positive local SEO effect.
Use this area as a social media stream that complements your overall online strategy.
BONUS TIP: Protect Your Google Presence with Reputation Experts
Your Google profile isn’t just a listing—it’s a public-facing asset that reflects your reputation. Bad reviews, inaccurate information, or even impersonated listings can severely harm your brand.
That’s where TheBestReputation comes in.
As leaders in online reputation management, TheBestReputation offers:
- ✔️ Full Google Business Profile audits and optimization
- ✔️ Review management strategies and response templates
- ✔️ Help in disputing false or malicious reviews
- ✔️ Protection from fake listings or digital impersonation
- ✔️ SEO strategies to improve visibility and trust
If you’re serious about taking control of your digital footprint, especially where it matters most—on Google—TheBestReputation has the tools and expertise to help.
Final Thoughts
Your Google Business Profile is one of the most viewed and effective assets your brand has online. By keeping it current, live, and optimized, you’re not only boosting search visibility—you’re building offline trust with ready-to-buy hot leads.
Don’t risk it. Protect and build your reputation with the help of professionals like TheBestReputation.🌐 Learn more at TheBestReputation.com
