Stand Out on Google with a Business Profile

Table of Contents

1. Why Google Business Profile Matters in 2025
2. The Power of Local SEO and Visibility
3. How to Register and Verify Your Business
4. Optimising Every Section of Your Profile
5. Visual Content: Your Most Powerful Conversion Tool
6. Reviews & Reputation: The Trust Engine
7. Content Strategy for GBP: Posting, Messaging & Q&A
8. Advanced tactics to enhance Google Ranking
9. Insights & Analytics: Tracking What Works
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up GBP
11. How Connect SEO Can Supercharge Your Profile
12. Recommended YouTube Video
13. Final Thoughts

1. Why Google Business Profile Matters in 2025

90% of local searchers click on businesses within Google Maps or the Local 3-Pack (Search Engine Journal, 2024).

• A complete and optimised profile is 70% more likely to attract location visits.
• GBP is a top-ranking factor in local SEO.

Your Business Profile shows your:

• Business name and location.
• Website and phone number.
• Customer reviews.
• Photos and services.
• Promotions, FAQs, and more.

Without a standout GBP, you may never show up when someone searches for “best restaurant near me” or “SEO expert in Manchester.”

2. The Power of Local SEO and Visibility

Local SEO helps you appear when nearby customers search for your product or service. Google Business Profile is the foundation of local SEO.

Here’s why:

• Enables “near me” search visibility.
• Appears in the Google Local Pack (top three local listings).
• Adds credibility through ratings and reviews.
• Drives traffic from Maps and mobile searches.

Related Keywords:

• “How to stand out on Google Maps”
• “Google Business Profile SEO tips”.
• “Get more customers locally."

Google gives prominence to profiles that are complete, regularly updated, and interact with users through posts and review responses.

3. How to Register and Verify Your Business

Creating a GBP account is free and straightforward.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Visit https://www.google.com/business/.
• Click “Manage Now” and sign in to your Google account.
• Enter your business name and category.

• Add location or service areas.

• Provide contact info and website.

• Choose a verification method (usually via postcard).
• Once verified, access your dashboard and start optimising!

4. Optimising Every Section of Your Profile

Google prioritises complete and consistent profiles. Here’s how to make yours stand out:

Business Name and Categories

• Use your actual business name (avoid keyword stuffing).
• Choose one primary category (e.g. “Marketing Consultant").
• Add secondary categories (e.g. “Digital Marketing Service", “SEO Consultant”).

Description (750 characters)

Include keywords naturally, describe your services, location, and unique value:

Connect SEO is a results-driven SEO agency helping businesses get found online through strategic local SEO, Google profile optimisation, and content marketing.

Services

• List services with short descriptions.
• Include pricing if applicable.

Attributes

These help customers know what to expect (e.g., wheelchair accessible, women-led, outdoor seating).

Business Hours & Holiday Updates

Ensure this is always up to date to avoid confusion and missed opportunities.

Optimisation Keywords:

• "Optimise Google Business Profile."
• "Update the business hours on Google."
• "Best GBP category for local businesses."

5. Visual Content: Your Most Powerful Conversion Tool

Google reports:

• Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions.
• Profiles with videos generate 35% more clicks.

What to Add:

• Logo and cover photo (high-resolution).
• Staff or office photos.
• Products, services, or in-action shots.
• Short intro videos.

Video Tip:

Keep it under 30 seconds. Say who you are, what you offer, and how to get in touch.

Pro Tip:

Use location tagging and image filenames like “connect-seo-agency-london.jpg” to boost local SEO.

Keyword Targets:

• “Best images for Google Business Profiles"
• “Upload videos to your Google profile”

6. Reviews & Reputation: The Trust Engine

Why Reviews Matter:

• 87% of people trust Google reviews as much as personal recommendations.
• Review responses improve engagement and SEO.
• Higher star ratings lead to more clicks and conversions.

Ask for Reviews

• After each project or sale.
• Via follow-up email with direct link.
• Use QR codes on receipts or brochures.

Template for Asking Reviews

"Thank you for choosing Connect SEO! We’d love your feedback—please take a moment to leave us a review on Google."

Manage Negative Reviews

• Respond professionally and promptly.
• Apologise and offer to take the conversation offline.
• Never ignore or delete legitimate criticism.

Keywords to Target

• “How to get more Google reviews”
• “Respond to negative Google reviews”
• “Improve online reputation, Google profile”

7. Content Strategy for GBP: Posting, Messaging and Q&A

Your Google Business Profile isn’t static—it should be updated consistently to engage customers and improve visibility.

Google Posts

Think of these as mini social posts or announcements. They appear in your profile and attract clicks.

Types of posts:

• What’s new (e.g. service updates).
• Events (e.g. webinars, launches).
• Offers (e.g. discounts).
• Products.

Best practices:

• Include a call to action (CTA).
• Use images or short videos.
• Keep text concise (150–300 words).

Messaging

Allow customers to message you directly from your profile.

• Respond quickly (within 24 hours).
• Use a professional, friendly tone.
• Automate FAQs with short responses.

Q&A Section

• Answer common questions upfront.
• Monitor for incorrect public answers.
• Add your own FAQs to answer concerns.

SEO Keywords

• “Google Business Profile post ideas”
• “GBP messaging tips”
• “Google Business Q&A examples”

8. Advanced tactics to enhance Google Ranking

Use keywords in every field

Incorporate natural, location-based keywords across descriptions, posts, and services:

• “Affordable SEO agency in London”.
• “Trusted marketing firm UK”.

Add UTM parameters to Links

Track traffic from GBP to your site using Google Analytics.

Leverage Products and Services Tabs

• Add SKUs or pricing where applicable.
• Include keywords naturally in product descriptions.

Embed a Map on Your Website

Link your Google listing for trust and SEO boost.

Encourage photo uploads from Customers

Photos uploaded by users increase credibility and freshness in Google’s eyes.

9. Insights & Analytics: Tracking What Works

Monitor your GBP performance via Google’s dashboard:

Metrics to watch:

• Profile views (Search vs. Maps).
• Direction requests.
• Website clicks.
• Call button taps.
• Photo views compared to competitors.How to Use Insights:
• See which days get the most traffic.
• Know which keywords are leading to discovery.
• Adjust the posting schedule and content based on data.

SEO Phrases:

• “Google Business Profile analytics”.
• “Track profile views and clicks”.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up GBP

• Incomplete profiles (missing hours, images).
• Inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone).
• Ignoring reviews or Q&A.
• Using outdated or incorrect categories.
• Forgetting to post regularly.

Avoiding these mistakes can drastically improve your chances of ranking in the Google Local Pack.

11. How Connect SEO Can Supercharge Your Profile

At Connect SEO, we specialise in optimising GBP for visibility, engagement, and leads. Our tailored services include:

• Full profile setup and verification.
• Keyword-optimised descriptions and services.
• Content strategy and post creation.
• Review generation and management.
• Analytics tracking and insights.

We help you dominate local search and get the most from your free Google listing. Visit https://connectseo.uk/ to learn more.

12. Recommended YouTube Video

Video Title: “How to Optimise Google My Business in 2025 – Full Tutorial”

Channel: Ignite Visibility

This video visually demonstrates many steps covered in this guide and provides current insights on algorithm updates and optimisation.

13. Final Thoughts

A well-optimised Google Business Profile is a game-changer. From increasing foot traffic to building trust and converting leads, your GBP acts as a free, always-on digital storefront.

Whether you're just starting or need to revamp your profile, take action today.

Need help? Connect SEO is here to guide you step-by-step. Contact us to get started with your optimised, high-performing business profile that drives results.