What Every Local Business Needs on Their Google Business Profile (But Usually Misses)

If you're a small business owner, especially here in Southwest Florida, you probably already know the importance of showing up on Google. But simply having a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) isn't enough; you need to optimize it. And you’d be surprised how many businesses miss some of the most essential elements.

Here’s what your profile needs to truly work for you and what most businesses overlook.

1. Accurate Business Hours (Including Holidays)

It might sound simple, but incorrect or missing business hours are a fast way to lose potential customers. If someone searches for you on a Sunday and your hours are outdated or missing, they’ll move on to the next option. Make sure your hours are up-to-date, and take the extra step to add holiday hours ahead of time.

2. High-Quality, Up-to-Date Photos

Visuals matter. Google prioritizes active, visually-rich profiles. Add recent photos of your storefront, team, services, or products, and keep them current. If your last post was from 2019, it might be doing more harm than good. A fresh photo library tells Google (and your customers) you're open, active, and trustworthy.

3. Strategic Use of Keywords

Your profile description and updates should include keywords your customers are searching for. If you're a Fort Myers bakery specializing in wedding cakes, say that. Don’t just list your business as “Bakery." Optimize it with phrases like “custom wedding cakes in Fort Myers” to improve your chances of appearing in relevant searches.

4. Use the Q&A Section to Your Advantage

Most businesses ignore the Q&A section entirely, but it’s a goldmine. You can seed your questions and answers based on what customers typically ask. Think of it as an FAQ section built directly into your search results. Pro tip: log in to your profile regularly so you can answer questions quickly before a customer or competitor does.

5. Have a Clear Review Strategy

Reviews aren’t just about credibility, they directly affect your visibility. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews (and guide them on how to do it). Always respond, whether it’s a glowing review or constructive criticism. Google sees engagement as a sign of a reputable business and will rank you higher because of it.

Bottom Line

Google Business Profiles aren’t just a digital placeholder, they’re a powerful local SEO tool. When optimized properly, your profile helps you rank higher in search, attract more local customers, and stand out in a competitive market.

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Need Help Showing Up in Search Results?

At Info Creates, we specialize in local SEO and content strategy to help small businesses, especially right here in Southwest Florida, get found first. Whether you're starting from scratch or want to level up your existing profile, we’re here to help.

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