23 May Why every local business needs a Google Business Profile

If you’ve recently started a business or have been trading for several years, there is one free marketing tool that you simply can’t afford to ignore – your Google Business Profile.

At Beach Media Web Design, we regularly meet new clients who are ready to invest in a professional website. Many already own their domain name and have their branding sorted, but we’re often surprised to discover they still haven’t created a Google Business Profile.

In many cases, the business has been trading for six months, a year or even longer without appearing properly on Google Maps or in local search results.

That means they’re potentially missing out on customers every single day.

What is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile is your free business listing that appears when people search for your company or the services you provide. It displays important information including:

• Your business name
• Telephone number
• Website link
• Opening hours
• Location or service area
• Customer reviews
• Photos of your business
• Directions through Google Maps

It also allows customers to call you, visit your website or request directions directly from Google’s search results.

The best part? It’s completely free to create and manage. (Google Help⁠)

Why is it so important?

Think about your own habits when you’re looking for a local business.

Whether you need an electrician, accountant, café, plumber or web designer, chances are you’ll search Google before doing anything else.

Businesses with a complete Google Business Profile are far more visible in local searches and Google Maps. A well-maintained profile also helps build trust before a potential customer has even visited your website. (Google Help⁠)

It helps your local SEO

A professionally designed website is essential, but it works even better when it’s supported by a fully optimised Google Business Profile.

Google uses the information within your profile to understand:

• Where you’re based
• The services you offer
• Your business category
• Customer reviews
• Business updates
• Photos and activity

All of this helps improve your visibility when people search for businesses like yours nearby.

For many local businesses, appearing in Google’s Map Pack can generate more enquiries than traditional organic search results alone.

Build trust before customers visit your website

People naturally trust businesses that have:

• Positive customer reviews
• Up-to-date opening hours
• Recent photographs
• Accurate contact information
• A professional online presence

If your competitors have complete Google Business Profiles and you don’t, who do you think customers are more likely to contact?

It’s easier than you think

Many business owners assume setting up a Google Business Profile is complicated.

In reality, it usually takes less than an hour to create your listing. Google will then verify your business before it becomes fully active.

You can get started by visiting:

Google Business Profile Setup⁠

Google will guide you through the process step by step. (Google Help⁠)

Already have one? Make sure it’s working for you

Simply creating your profile isn’t enough.

To get the most from it, you should regularly:

• Add new photographs
• Respond to customer reviews
• Keep your opening hours updated
• Add your latest services
• Publish occasional business updates
• Ensure your contact details remain accurate

An active profile sends positive signals to both Google and potential customers.

Need a hand?

If technology isn’t your thing, don’t worry.

At Beach Media Web Design, we can set up and optimise your Google Business Profile for you for a small one-off fee.

We’ll make sure everything is configured correctly, your business information is complete and your profile is ready to start attracting more local customers.

If you’re investing in a new website, having a properly optimised Google Business Profile is one of the smartest decisions you can make. The two work hand in hand to improve your visibility, increase trust and generate more enquiries.

If you’d like us to help, simply get in touch and we’ll have your profile up and running in no time.