By Gecko Studio · updated October 2026
Every day, billions of people use Google to look for all kinds of information. Your Google listing is your online business card: it can make you more visible to people searching for your products or services, help you interact with customers and let you share your company's details.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a Google service (now called Google Business Profile) that helps you reach customers online. It is an easy, free way to tell people about your business, whether or not you have a physical location.
You can update your business information, reply to reviews and see how you rank in Google results for specific searches such as "restaurant near me" or "home repairs".
At Gecko Studio we specialise in local search. We study your market and optimise your listing so it reaches a wider audience.
Why should I use Google Business Profile?
It lets you manage how your company appears on Google. You can use it to post updates, share photos of your business and reply to reviews.
It is free, and it connects you with customers in a way that was never possible before. Managing this information helps people find you, get in touch and share their experience of your business.
It helps you reach more customers and grow your business. Here are some of its advantages.
It puts you in Google Maps and local listings
Google Business Profile is a free tool for creating, editing and publishing information about your business on Google Maps and in local results. It also lets you manage your presence across Google products such as Search and Ads, and control what information appears on each, so potential customers get the most accurate picture of your business.
Embed your Google Map on your website so visitors know exactly where to find you.
Local SEO takes up a huge amount of space on page one of Google's results, and it is the first thing any user sees after typing a query. Google Business Profile has made it easy for companies to build their own listings and make sure they are fully optimised for local search.
It is important to keep your information up to date because every customer will see it. Add any new photos or videos too, so people can see what is new in your business.
It lets people leave reviews
If you want your business to be visible in search results, using Google Business Profile to make it easy for customers to leave positive feedback is essential. Reviews can lead potential customers to your website.
More and more people read customer opinions before choosing a business, and many base their buying decisions on reviews. People pay more attention to you when they see excellent comments. Positive reviews can improve your search ranking and promote your business for free.
It gives you useful information
The platform provides valuable data about your business, such as how many people view your listing and how many visit your website. That information helps you decide what to do to improve and attract more customers.
You can also track how customers find you, and look at which search terms they type to reach you.
It is free and easy to use
It is a powerful tool any company or organisation can use to promote itself in different ways: linking to its website, adding images and videos of its products or services, and writing posts about what is happening on the blog.
Why Google Business Profile matters for local SEO
The importance of Google Business Profile for local SEO cannot be overstated: it is one of the most important tools for any business that wants to generate traffic from search engines.
Google wants to provide relevant information and uses location as an excellent way to select results in the user's area. Three factors determine how your business will rank locally:
- Distance: how far the searcher is from your business.
- Prominence: how well known your business is.
- Relevance: how well your business matches the intent of the search.
A website that meets SEO needs and carries great content is an excellent way to secure local SEO success. If you are new to the topic, our guide to NAP consistency explains how to keep your name, address and phone number aligned everywhere, and local SEO vs AEO in 2026 looks at how AI answers are changing local search.
How to optimise your Google Business Profile
Optimising your profile helps you rank higher in search results, get more traffic and raise customer conversion rates. The aim is to include as much information as possible.
An address is the first step in showing people where your business is. Think of it as a virtual welcome mat. If you are not on the map, people will not find you, and businesses without an accurate address can lose customers and revenue.
Your listing will not perform as it should unless you keep it updated with information your customers care about.
Write a good description
To use the service fully, take the time to write a good description of your business and make it as local as possible so people across the area can find you when they search.
Your description should be non-promotional and contain keywords. Put the most relevant information in the first sentences and include the 2 or 3 keywords that best describe your business.
Add posts
Posts give you plenty of flexibility to promote events, share your content, and highlight your products or services, particularly when you have special offers.
Add photos or videos to your posts
Posts are one of the most important parts of your online presence. They are the perfect way to showcase your business, share photos and videos, and explain what you offer.
You can add up to 10 photos or videos to a post, so you can do even more by showing your products or services in action.
Google Business Profile has its own image format requirements, so make sure the format you use is the right one.
Add images regularly
People are visual. That is why images matter on your profile: they encourage people to click on your business and help them understand what you offer. If you reuse the same photos on social media, our guide to social media image sizes will help you prepare them.
Collect reviews
Reviews are the modern form of word-of-mouth advertising and matter to every business, but Google reviews matter even more. They play an important part in search engine optimisation and in map results. If you want to rank higher in search and maps, collect reviews.
Collecting them is easy: just ask. We would not offer discounts or gifts in return for reviews, as Google's guidelines restrict incentivised reviews. Ask, make it easy, and let customers write what they honestly think.
Reply to reviews
Reviews are one of the most important tools for managing any company's online reputation. They shape the public perception of your business and can also affect search rankings. It is therefore essential to pay attention to every review, positive or negative, and reply with a constructive attitude.
When replying, keep a courteous, professional tone. Thanking the reviewer is a good first step, as it shows you value their time and opinion. For example, you can begin with: "Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review."
For positive reviews, express your gratitude and, where possible, pick out something specific they mentioned. It shows you are paying attention and strengthens the relationship.
For negative reviews, handle criticism calmly and respectfully. Thank the customer for the feedback and apologise sincerely if they had a bad experience. Offer solutions or invite them to contact you directly. That can turn a negative experience into a chance to show your commitment to customer satisfaction.
Also treat reviews as an opportunity to improve. Read the comments carefully to spot patterns in what people like and dislike, and use them to adjust your products or services. If several customers say your customer service could be better, for instance, consider extra training for your team.
Replying well improves your online reputation and can also attract new customers. A company that values and answers customer opinions is seen as more trustworthy and more committed to excellence.
Don't miss out on Google Business Profile
Make sure your business has an up-to-date, detailed profile. If not, you are missing one of the best free ways to appear in Google results.
If you lack the time or know-how to set up and optimise your profile, Gecko Studio will be glad to help. Our local SEO service covers it, and you can get in touch with a member of our team for any information you need.