7 reasons every business should have a Google Business Profile

In today’s digital-first world, your business’s online presence is just as important as its physical one. One of the most powerful (and free!) tools available to help businesses grow online is Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Whether you’re a small local shop or a growing company, setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile can transform your local SEO strategy and bring in new customers.

Here are 7 reasons every business should have a Google Business Profile:

1. Boosts Local SEO Rankings

Google Business Profile is one of the most important ranking factors for local search results. When someone searches for “dentist near me” or “digital marketing agency in Virginia,” businesses with optimized profiles are more likely to appear in the local map pack—the highly visible section of Google search results.

2. Increases Online Visibility

With billions of daily searches on Google, your profile helps ensure your business gets discovered. Appearing in Google Search and Google Maps boosts your online visibility, making it easier for potential customers to find you.

3. Builds Trust and Credibility

A complete profile with reviews, photos, and up-to-date information signals credibility. Customers trust businesses that look professional and have positive Google reviews, which directly influences purchasing decisions.

4. Encourages Customer Engagement

Google Business Profile allows customers to call, message, or visit your website directly from your listing. Features like Q&A, posts, and updates make it easy to engage with your audience in real time.

5. Provides Valuable Insights

With Google Business Profile Insights, you can track how customers find you, where they’re located, and which actions they take. These analytics give you powerful data to improve your marketing strategy.

6. Showcases Your Brand with Photos & Posts

Uploading high-quality photos and creating posts (offers, updates, events) allows you to showcase your products, services, and company culture. Businesses with images receive significantly more clicks and requests for directions than those without.

7. It’s Free but Powerful Marketing

Unlike paid advertising, setting up and managing a Google Business Profile costs nothing. Yet, the return on visibility, credibility, and customer engagement is massive.

In a nutshell

If you want to increase online visibility, drive local traffic, and gain customer trust, setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile is non-negotiable. It’s one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to strengthen your digital marketing strategy and stay ahead of competitors.