Your Google Business Profile might seem like a “set it and forget it” type of tool, but small mistakes on it can make a big difference when it comes to search engine rankings. A well-managed profile can help new customers find your business, while an incomplete or outdated one can bury you in the search results. First impressions count, and Google often uses your profile to form that impression for potential customers.
The good news is that most errors are easy to fix once you know what to look for. From incorrect contact details to poor photo choices, a handful of missteps can quietly hold your business back. Spotting these common mistakes is the first step to making sure your profile is working in your favor and not against you.
Incomplete Or Incorrect Business Information
Accuracy isn’t just important. It’s the backbone of your Google Business Profile. When customers search for your business, they expect to find the correct address, phone number, hours, and other details. If that information is wrong or missing, it can not only lead to confusion but also a drop in trust.
Google pulls data from various online sources. If it finds mismatches, such as one version of your name on your website and another on your profile, it may lower your ranking or show outdated info to users. That means fewer clicks, fewer calls, and potentially fewer visits.
Here are a few common business info errors that can hurt your visibility:
– Listing a different address across platforms (your website, Google, Yelp, etc.)
– Using an outdated phone number
– Forgetting to update business hours for holidays or seasonal changes
– Including the wrong website URL or none at all
– Leaving out important details like suite numbers or landmarks
These discrepancies might seem small, but search engines are all about consistency. Maintaining correct details across every online directory helps Google verify your business more easily and show it to the right people. Double-check your information at least once per quarter or anytime something about your business changes. A quick update can save you from lost opportunities down the line.
Ignoring Reviews And Ratings
Reviews aren’t just helpful for shoppers. They also tell Google whether your business is active and trustworthy. Ignoring them, or only responding to negative ones, can limit how often your business shows up in local results.
Most people check reviews before deciding to contact a business. If they see unanswered complaints or no signs of recent customer interaction, that sends the wrong signal. Getting into a routine of checking and responding to reviews is a small step that can make a big impact.
If your profile feels light on comments or ratings, try doing one or two of these:
– Ask happy customers to leave a quick review after a sale or service
– Send a follow-up email with a review link
– Thank reviewers for positive feedback to show appreciation
– Reply professionally to concerns and offer a next step
As one example, a local bakery that started asking customers at checkout to leave honest Google reviews noticed a jump in both engagement and foot traffic. More activity told Google their business was relevant, which helped them rank higher in local searches.
Being active in your review section shows both people and search engines that your business cares and is worth recommending.
Poor Category Selection
Choosing the right category for your business might feel like a quick checkbox task, but it plays a bigger role than many realize. Google uses this detail to decide when your profile should appear in search results. If the category doesn’t match what you offer, you’re probably missing out on visibility and traffic.
Start by thinking about what your business really offers. For example, if you run a fitness studio that focuses on yoga, choosing a gym or a personal trainer might not match up as well. There’s a chance the people who want what you offer won’t even see your profile if the category points to something a little off.
Here’s how to pick better-fitting categories:
– Use the most specific option available. If a nail salon fits better than a beauty salon, choose it.
– Avoid adding categories that don’t reflect your core service.
– Don’t overload your profile with too many categories. Stick to one primary and a few accurate secondary ones.
– Revisit your categories every few months or if you expand your services.
The wrong category won’t just confuse Google; it will confuse potential customers. The clearer your profile is about what you do, the easier it is for people to find you when they need your services.
Lack Of Photos And Media
People like visuals. High-quality images and videos give your listing life and help search engines understand more about your business. If your profile has no media or it’s full of low-quality, outdated photos, that gives users a reason to scroll past you.
Most users want a quick look at what they can expect from your business. A welcoming photo of your storefront, clean shots of your interior, or a few behind-the-scenes images make your services feel more real and trustworthy. Google also sees photo activity as a sign that your business is active and engaging.
Types of media that can help boost your profile:
– A current photo of your storefront or logo
– Team pictures that show personality and staff friendliness
– Before-and-after examples if applicable (cleaning, remodeling, haircuts, etc.)
– Short video tours to give context and energy to your profile
– Clear shots of new products or fresh displays
One small business that redecorated its cafe uploaded fresh photos weekly for a month. Within weeks, they noticed more customers saying they found the place through Maps because of how up-to-date and inviting the profile looked. Media tells a story quicker than words ever could.
Posting regular visuals not only makes your business more appealing but also keeps Google’s algorithm active on your listing. It’s worth setting aside 10 minutes a week to upload just one new image.
Neglecting Profile Updates
Profiles that don’t stay current begin to fade in both search rankings and customer confidence. Forgetting to update holiday hours, changing your phone number without reflecting it online, or still offering a service you no longer do can all lead to miscommunication and lost trust.
Your business is always moving, growing, or adjusting. That means your Google Business Profile needs to reflect those changes too. An outdated profile makes your business look unattended or worse, closed.
Here’s a basic checklist for keeping your profile updated:
– Edit hours and availability seasonally or during holidays
– Add new services or remove any you’ve discontinued
– Update your business description with changes in focus or growth
– List any special offers or limited-time deals
– Refresh your photos and staff images now and then
Set a calendar reminder once a month to check in on your profile. Even five minutes of attention can prevent confusion. A small change like fixing a misspelled service can make the difference between a click and a skip.
Your Profile Could Be Doing A Lot More For You
Getting found online isn’t about tricks or shortcuts. It’s about building a solid foundation, and your Google Business Profile is part of that. When info is accurate, categories are well-chosen, reviews are managed, media is fresh, and updates are routine, that profile does more than just show up. It works as an extension of your business.
It’s easy to overlook the small things when you’re busy running your business. But each of these profile errors shrinks your window of discovery. Fixing even just one or two areas can start to shift your visibility in the right direction.
Make the time to check on your profile regularly. Treat it like a storefront window online. The clearer and more aligned things are with what you’re really offering, the more likely it is that new customers will find their way to you.
Strengthen your digital footprint by refining your Google Business Profile today. Let DeBellevue Global Marketing Agency guide you through implementing effective online marketing strategies that enhance your business’s visibility and credibility.
Take control and ensure potential customers find exactly what they need when they search for your services. Start turning those searches into loyal customers with a consistent and engaging online presence.