Google Business Profile Guides & Answers 

What Is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile is a free business listing that appears on Google Search and Google Maps. It displays key information such as your business name, phone number, website, hours, services, reviews, and photos.

When properly configured, your profile helps customers find and contact your business directly from search results. It also allows you to respond to reviews, post updates, and manage how your business appears locally.

Many businesses create a profile but never fully optimize it. Incomplete or inconsistent information can reduce visibility. Proper setup and ongoing management ensure your listing stays accurate and competitive in local search.

If you need help setting up or correcting your profile, visit our Services page to learn more about professional profile management.

How Does Google Business Profile Ranking Work? 

Google Business Profile rankings are primarily based on three factors: relevance, distance, and prominence.

Relevance refers to how closely your profile matches what someone is searching for. Distance is how close your business is to the searcher. Prominence is based on signals like reviews, activity, completeness, and online presence.

Businesses that consistently update their information, respond to reviews, and maintain accurate details tend to perform better over time.

Ranking improvements are gradual and depend on consistency, not shortcuts. Ongoing optimization helps maintain strong local visibility.

Learn more about our ongoing management options on our Services page.

How Often Should I Update My Google Business Profile? 

Your Google Business Profile should be reviewed at least once per month.

Regular updates may include adjusting hours, adding services, uploading photos, or posting updates. Consistency signals to Google that your business is active and maintained.

If your information becomes outdated or inconsistent with your website, it can negatively impact trust and visibility.

Monthly monitoring helps ensure your listing stays accurate and aligned with Google’s best practices.

Our Monthly Management service is designed to handle these updates consistently.

Why Is My Business Not Showing on Google Maps? 

If your business is not appearing on Google Maps, several issues may be affecting visibility.

Common causes include incomplete profile information, incorrect categories, low activity levels, suspension issues, or strong local competition.

New profiles may also take time to gain traction, especially in competitive areas.

Improving visibility involves ensuring proper category selection, accurate service areas, consistent updates, and strong profile completeness.

If you are unsure why your business is not appearing, professional review and optimization may help identify gaps.

Can I Manage My Google Business Profile Myself? 

Yes, business owners can manage their own Google Business Profile. Google provides direct access to edit business information, respond to reviews, and post updates.

However, many business owners do not have the time to monitor updates, adjust categories, or maintain consistency over time.

Improper edits or neglected updates can reduce visibility or cause confusion for customers.

For businesses that prefer a structured and consistent approach, professional management ensures your profile remains accurate and active.

Explore our Google Business Profile Management services for more information.

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