A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your business’s listing on Google Maps and Search. It’s what shows up when someone Googles your business name—or searches for services in your area.
It’s free, powerful, and essential for local SEO.
What it includes
- Business name, location, and phone number (NAP)
- Website link
- Hours of operation
- Reviews and star rating
- Photos, products, and services
- Q&A and customer posts
Why it matters
- Increases local visibility: Appear in the “local pack” above organic results
- Drives phone calls and visits: Especially from mobile users
- Boosts trust: Reviews, photos, and completeness signal credibility
- Supports SEO: Google uses it to understand your relevance and authority
Best practices
- Claim and verify your profile
- Add accurate, complete business info
- Upload high-quality images of your space or work
- Respond to reviews—positive and negative
- Use posts and updates to keep the profile fresh
Pro tip
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews—and respond promptly. Google reviews influence not just search rankings, but buying decisions.
Bottom line
If you serve a local audience, your Google Business Profile is often the first thing people see—before your website. Treat it like your digital storefront and keep it as polished and up to date as your homepage.
