Local business guide to Google Business Profile

Is it possible to appear at the top of Google Search for free—and see real foot traffic results in just days? Absolutely. With a well-optimized Google Business Profile (GBP), small businesses can claim a top spot in local search results, show up on Google Maps, and even monitor performance metrics—all without paying a cent.

This updated guide walks you through everything you need to know about Google Business Profile, from setup to strategy. Whether you're a local store owner or service provider, here’s how you can get discovered, get clicks, and grow your business online.

What is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile is a free tool from Google that allows businesses to manage how they appear in Google Search and Maps. It’s your digital storefront—complete with hours, reviews, contact info, and more.

Once you claim and verify your profile, your business becomes eligible to show up in:
- Google’s Local Pack (the top 3 listings on search results)
- Google Maps
- Local discovery searches like “plumber near me” or “best tacos in [your city]”

Your GBP acts as an all-in-one info hub for searchers—and it's mobile-friendly, making it easy for customers to call, get directions, or visit your website with one tap.

5 Types of Local Search Queries You Want to Appear In

Local search queries combine product or service terms with location-specific intent, like:
- “hair salon in Sacramento”
- “vegan bakery near downtown Reno”
- “best family dentist in North Stockton”

These searches trigger Google’s Local Pack, which sits above organic search results and paid ads. If your business lands in one of those top three spots, your visibility skyrockets—often with no ad spend required.

Clicking on the map expands to show more local listings, directions, reviews, and business info—all pulled directly from each business’s Google Business Profile.

What’s Included in a Google Business Profile Listing?

A well-optimized GBP can include:
- Phone number and clickable website link
- Business address and map location
- Service areas
- Hours of operation (including popular times)
- Photos, videos, and product images
- Google reviews
- FAQ and business updates (posts and offers)
- Direct messaging (optional)

For mobile users, these listings are incredibly powerful. With one tap, they can:
- Call you
- Get directions
- View photos
- Read reviews
- Visit your website or social media

Pro tip: Keep your photos and hours up to date—Google prioritizes active profiles.

Key Benefits of Google Business Profile

Claiming and optimizing your GBP helps you:
- Appear in local search and Google Maps
- Reach new customers at the moment they’re searching
- Increase web traffic, calls, and foot traffic
- Show up on other Google surfaces and Android apps
- Collect and respond to reviews
- Gain trust with local searchers
- Track performance through built-in insights

Best of all? It’s completely free—and easier to manage than most people realize.

View Listing Insights and Customer Interactions

Your GBP dashboard includes valuable data on how your listing performs, such as:
- How many people found you through Search or Maps
- How many clicked to call, visit your website, or request directions
- Search queries people used to find your business
- How your photos are performing compared to similar businesses

Google also sends monthly performance emails, helping you keep track of growth without needing advanced tools.

How to Claim and Verify Your Business Profile

The first step is to visit the Get your business on Google webpage.

Steps:
1. Search your business name to see if a profile already exists
2. If not, select "Add your business to Google"
3. Enter your business name, category, and contact details
4. Add service areas or your storefront address
5. Choose your verification method (call, text, email, or postcard)
6. Enter the verification code when prompted to complete setup

You must provide a valid business address (can be hidden from public view if you’re a service-based business without a storefront).

Bonus tip: Use the same business name, address, and phone (NAP) across your website and all directories—Google rewards consistency.

Using Your GBP Dashboard to Maximize Results

Once verified, your GBP dashboard becomes your command center. From here, you can:
- Update your hours, location, or service area
- Add posts (sales, events, updates)
- Upload photos and videos
- Answer FAQs
- Respond to reviews
- View insights (calls, clicks, views)

Click on “Performance” for deeper insights, such as:
- Where your profile is showing up
- What actions users take
- What devices people use to find you

Consistency is key—regular updates signal to Google that your business is active and relevant.

The Power of Google Reviews

Customer reviews on Google can make or break a buying decision.

The Reviews section of your profile: - Displays all feedback from verified customers
- Allows you to reply (and yes, you should always reply)
- Notifies customers when you respond

A good review strategy helps your rankings, improves CTR, and builds trust with potential customers. Negative review? A professional and timely response can turn it into an opportunity to show character.

At One Eleven Web Design™, we coach our clients on how to actively generate reviews—and we’ll help you respond the right way, too.

Manage Your Online Presence with One Eleven Web Design™

Your Google Business Profile is a foundational part of any local SEO strategy—and we make sure you get it right. At One Eleven Web Design™, we do more than build beautiful, ADA-compliant websites. We help clients:
- Claim and manage their GBP
- Optimize listings for keywords and conversions
- Develop review strategies
- Create consistent branding across Google, Yelp, Facebook, and more
- Post updates, offers, and photos that keep your listing fresh

Whether you need hands-on help or a partner to manage the whole thing, we’re here to grow your business—online and on the map.