How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile for Maximum Reach to the Right Audience
Joyce Odette
The first place most customers discover a brand isn’t through ads or social media. Usually the first action is now through a simple Google search. A Google Business Profile (formerly known “Google My Business”) is often the deciding factor between being found or being forgotten.
With over 90% of searches happening on Google, your profile acts as your online storefront, credibility badge and conversion engine all in one. Setting it up the right way means your business appears in the right searches that attracts quality leads, driving measurable results.
Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Profile
Start at the Google My Business page (https://business.google.com/us/business-profile/) to claim or create your listing. Verification helps Google recognize you as the representative of the brand. You can verify through a mailed postcard, phone or video depending on type of business.
Pro Tip: Use a professional email address tied to your domain (not a personal Gmail). This builds trust and helps maintain ownership within the business.
Step 2: Complete Every Detail with Accuracy
Google prefers and rewards completeness of the profile and accuracy. Fill out every field with details such as your business name, website, address (or service area), phone number, hours and description.
Keep all information consistent with your website and other directories.
- Use your real business name without keyword stuffing.
- Double-check your hours (including holiday hours if they will be different).
- Add links to key pages like booking or contact forms.
- Choose the most specific business categories and subcategories that match what you offer.
This isn’t busywork; it directly affects how Google ranks your profile in relevant search results.
Step 3: Optimize Categories and Attributes
Your category determines where you appear. Choose one main category that perfectly describes your core service, then add a few secondary ones that reflect your additional offerings.
Attributes allow you to highlight special features like “women-owned,” “online appointments,” or “eco-friendly.” These make your profile stand out in specific Google searches.
Action: Review and update categories quarterly as your business evolves.
Step 4: Add High-Quality Images
Photos and videos are what stop people from scrolling. Upload clear, well-lit images of your products, team, workspace or finished projects. Include your logo and cover photo for consistent branding.
Pro Tip: Refresh photos at least once a month to let Google know your business is active and keep the profile looking current.
Step 5: Keep Your Profile Active
Google rewards active listings. Use the built-in Posts feature to share updates, offers, or short educational content. List your products and services with clear descriptions and pricing when possible.
Best Practice: Post once a week. Treat it like your mini social channel inside Google Search.
Respond to Q&A messages quickly and keep your audience informed with real-time updates.
Step 6: Collect and Respond to Reviews
Social proof is everything. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews by sending them your unique Google review link after a purchase or service.
Respond to every review, positive or negative, with professionalism. This tells Google (and your potential clients) that you’re engaged and customer-focused.
Avoid shortcuts like fake or purchased reviews. Google has become aggressive in removing them and can penalize accounts that violate their terms.
Step 7: Keep Consistency Across the Web
Your Name, Address, and Phone should be the same on your website, social media, and online directories. Consistency boosts credibility and helps Google connect all your brand’s signals correctly.
If you rebrand or change contact information, update it everywhere immediately to prevent confusion or ranking drops.
Step 8: Measure and Improve
Inside your Google Business dashboard, you’ll find Insights—data showing how people find and interact with your business. Track how many clicks, calls, direction requests or website visits your listing generates.
You can use these numbers to refine your strategy. For instance:
- If photo views spike, post more.
- If your calls are low, review your call-to-action.
- If search views drop, refresh your content or add new services.
Step 9: Avoid Common Mistakes
Sadly, many businesses lose reach because of avoidable errors:
- Adding extra keywords in your business name
- Using a fake or incomplete address
- Ignoring messages or reviews
- Letting old information stay online
Google’s credibility system is built on trust. Keep your profile clean, accurate and human experience-centered.
Final Thoughts
Think of your Google Business Profile as the heartbeat of your digital presence. It’s not just about being visible in one area, it’s about showing up everywhere your ideal audience is searching. A polished and well-maintained profile builds credibility, fuels Search Engine Optimization and converts strangers into clients.
Success on Google isn’t about chasing algorithms; it’s about building trust through clarity, consistency and connection. That starts with your Google Business Profile.