Why Your Google Business Profile Needs Regular Attention
Think of your Google Business Profile as your digital shop window – it’s often the first thing potential customers see when they search for services like yours.
Why Your Profile Matters
- 84% of customers use Google to find local services
- Most people check your profile before calling
- It’s free advertising for your business
- Helps you appear in “near me” searches
Four Essential Areas to Keep Updated
1. Basic Business Information
Your opening hours, contact details, and services need to be accurate. Wrong information frustrates potential customers and sends them to your competitors.
Must be accurate:
- Opening hours (including bank holidays)
- Contact numbers
- Service area
- Physical address (if you have one)
- Services offered
2. Show Off Your Work
Adding photos of your latest work helps customers see what you can do. Whether you’re a decorator, gardener, or cake maker, photos of your work build trust. Businesses with regular photo updates get 42% more requests for location details and 35% more website clicks.
Regular photo updates of:
- Recent projects
- Before/after shots
- Your team at work
- Vehicles/equipment
3. Keep Your Profile Active
Regular updates about your services or seasonal changes help keep your profile appearing in local searches. When someone searches for services like yours nearby, an up-to-date profile is more likely to appear in their results.
Regular updates about:
- Seasonal services
- Special offers
- New equipment/techniques
- Service area changes
- Availability
4. Manage Your Reviews And Build Trust
Responding to customer reviews shows you care about service and helps encourage others to leave feedback. It’s a simple way to show potential customers that you’re active and engaged with your clients.
Best Practices:
- Respond to all reviews within 24 hours
- Thank positive reviewers
- Address negative feedback professionally
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews
Remember, your Google Business Profile is often the first impression people get of your business. A well-maintained profile shows you’re professional, trustworthy and open for business.
