How to Use Google Business Profile to Get More Local Clients
If you're running a local business and not using Google Business Profile, you’re leaving money (and visibility) on the table. When someone searches for “[your service] near me,” this is where you show up….or don’t.
I’ve helped multiple clients get new leads just from optimizing their Google listing. It’s free, it’s simple, and honestly, it’s one of the easiest ways to boost local traffic without paying for ads.
In Today’s Article:
What Google Business Profile actually is (and why it matters)
How to set it up or clean it up in 10 minutes
Easy ways to show up higher in local search results
The one mistake that could hurt your visibility
1. What Is Google Business Profile?
It’s the listing that pops up when someone Googles your business, or something related to your service, near your location.
It includes your name, phone number, hours, reviews, photos, and more. Basically, it’s your digital storefront. If it’s missing, outdated, or unclaimed, you’re probably not being seen by the people searching for you.
2. How to Set It Up (or Fix It Fast)
Step 1: Claim your listing.
Go to google.com/business and either create a new listing or claim an existing one.
Step 2: Fill out everything.
Don’t skip sections. Add your business description, services, hours, website, phone number, even holiday hours if you have them.
Step 3: Add photos.
Real photos of your space, team, or work perform better than stock images. I always recommend uploading at least 5–10 to start.
Step 4: Get reviews (and reply to them).
Ask happy clients to leave a review. And make sure you respond to every review, good or bad. Google loves engagement.
Step 5: Post weekly updates.
Yes, you can post on your profile like you would on social media. Share promos, updates, events, or photos of your work. It helps keep your profile active and visible.
3. How to Rank Higher in Local Search
Use keywords in your business description (ex: “Palm Beach wedding photographer”)
Get more reviews. These are huge for ranking
Stay active (respond to reviews, update photos, post weekly)
Keep your business info accurate and updated
4. One Mistake to Avoid
Don’t use a fake address or a random location just to show up in a different city. Google will catch it, and it can hurt your credibility or get your profile removed altogether.
Try It This Week
Whether you’re a local service provider, a creative, or a storefront, this is one of the best free tools out there. It only takes a few minutes to update and it can seriously change how people find and trust your business.
Need help setting yours up? I’m always down to walk through it together.