What is a Google Business Profile and how can it grow your business?

Whether you’re just starting out or have been running your business for a while, there’s one crucial ingredient you might be missing: a Google Business Profile.

You may have heard the term before and wondered, ‘What is a Google Business Profile?’. In simple terms, it’s how customers find you on Google. When someone searches for your business—or even your industry—these profiles show key details that help people connect with you.

A website alone may not always get you noticed. Adding your business to Google makes you easier to discover, trust, and connect with.

What is a Google Business Profile?

Your Google Business Profile is like your business card on Google Search and Maps. When people look you up, they don’t just see a website link — they see a panel with your location, opening hours, reviews, photos, and even a booking button.

If your website is your store, think of your profile as your digital storefront. Add key details such as your address, phone number, and type of business. Then, build trust with reviews and convert leads quickly with a ‘Book’ button. Bringing it all together helps turn passive searches into loyal customers.

Why your business needs a Google Business Profile

It’s more than simply getting seen. Google Business Profile optimization helps people learn more about your business, instantly be seen as an ‘expert’ or ‘trustworthy’ in your industry, or even transform how you’re engaged with. 

• Build credibility. Customers are 2.7 times more likely to view a business as reputable if they see a complete profile. It adds a layer of professionalism – first impressions matter, and it is often the first thing people see of your business. 
• Drive real action. Over 5% of views on a profile lead to a conversion — and when you add a ‘Book’ now to your Google Business Profile, booking an appointment becomes a breeze.
• Boost customer interest. A complete Google Business Profile is 70% more likely to attract visits and 50% more likely to for people to buy from.

The best part? Setting up a profile is free.

How to set up and complete Google Business Profile verification

Getting started is super easy and pretty quick:

1. Head to business.google.com/add
2. Enter your business name, industry, and location
3. Add contact details, such as your phone number and website
4. Choose how customers engage with you (online, in-person, store)
5. Verify your business through Google (this may be via phone, email, video, or postcard)

Once verified, it’s all up to you how your business appears in Search and Maps.

Google Business Profile optimization: how to edit, update, and be visible

Setting up is just the beginning. To stand apart, your profile needs to be active, accurate, and engaging. Don’t think of it as another thing that needs constant attention — but keep in mind that up-to-date, relevant, and polished profiles tend to perform better. Make it part of your monthly routine to see the best results.

• Keep info up-to-date: Post your hours (if they change, or if you’re now open 24 hours), location, and phone number so customers always know how to reach you.
• Add images: A picture is worth a thousand words—or views. Businesses with images see 42–45% more direction requests and 31–35% more website clicks than those without them. It helps visualize your space, your products, and your personality.
• Use keywords naturally: Think about the terms people type into Google. If you’re a yoga studio, include phrases like “yoga classes in [city]” in your business description.
• Collect reviews: Reviews build trust and boost your ranking in search. Respond to them (yes, even the tricky ones) to show you care. Reviews also help with keywords; if people mention them, you show up. 
• Check insights monthly: Google provides analytics showing what search terms brought people to you, how many requested directions, clicked your site, or called. Use this to refine your strategy.

Google Business Profile 🤝 Setmore

Your profile gets you discovered and seen. Setmore turns that visibility into booked appointments. Here’s how they can hard together:

1. Open 24/7 with Live Receptionist (US only)

Live Receptionist ensures a real person is there to answer your calls, day and night. When people find your Google Business Profile outside working hours, a missed call could mean a missed customer. 

Having a receptionist pick up the phone, answer questions, transfer calls, and book appointments ensures that when you’re discoverable on Google, you’re always reachable. This makes your business open 24/7.

2. Connect Reserve with Google

Customers can book directly from your profile with Reserve with Google. It’s a cool feature that adds a ‘Book’ button to your panel, so people who find you in Search or Maps are directed to your Booking Page when they click it. 

It’s super easy to connect, so every new booking flows straight into your calendar. Less back-and-forth — just search, find, and book an appointment. Simple.

3. Boost reviews through Setmore

Google Business Profile reviews influence decisions more than you may think. 81% of US consumers use Google to check reviews for local businesses. That’s a lot of power in what they say—word of mouth is alive and well.

Connect with Google Reviews to sync feedback with your Booking Page. After each appointment, send automatic reminders encouraging customers to leave a review with Setmore Pro. More reviews = more trust = more bookings.

Small steps, big impact

It’s more than just a listing — it’s a free growth tool. Google Business Profile SEO ensures your business is found, trusted, and chosen. And with Setmore, it helps turn those eyes into bookings pronto. 

• Customers can discover you on Google Search and Maps
• Search leads to instant bookings through Reserve with Google
• You’re available and open 24/7 with Live Receptionist
• Review requests are automated, boosting your reputation

And with insights from both Google and Setmore, you’ll always know what’s working — and where to fine-tune. Stats help you make informed decisions.

So, if you haven’t claimed your profile yet, now’s the time to do so and turn local search into new customers. Get started with a FREE Setmore account today, and book a demo for Live Receptionist.

by Lee

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