Why Your Sales Might Be Slumping (Hint: It's Google)
Your service is top-notch, your website looks decent, but sales? Still crickets. Spoiler: It's probably not your work—it's your Google Business Profile (GBP). Or worse, you don't even have one. That's like running a store with no sign out front and wondering why nobody comes in.
What's a Google Business Profile?
It's basically your business's dating profile on Google Search and Maps. Free, simple, and it tells customers who you are, where you are, when you're open, and whether or not you're worth their time. And since "near me" searches have blown up to 1 billion+ a month in the U.S., this little box decides whether people call you—or your competitor down the street.
Why It Matters
If your GBP is empty or outdated, here's what you're really telling customers:
- "Don't look for me." You'll vanish from local search results.
- "I'm boring." No photos or posts means no clicks.
- "Don't trust me." No reviews? You look shady.
- "Figure it out yourself." Wrong hours or missing info sends people running.
- "SEO? Never heard of her." Google uses GBP signals to rank you. Ignore it, and you're invisible.
How to Optimize (Without Making It Rocket Science)
- Fill out your info – Name, address, phone, website, and hours. And make it consistent everywhere. Don't confuse Google—it's not that smart.
- Add lots of photos – Businesses with 100+ photos get over 10x more clicks. One blurry shot of your logo doesn't cut it. Show your work, your team, your space—make it real.
- Get reviews – 92% of people read them. Ask happy customers to leave one, then respond. Yes, even to the one-star drama queen.
- Keep it updated – Change your hours? Add a new service? Post it. "Closed" on Google when you're open in real life = lost money.
- Post weekly – Offers, events, or just proof you're still alive. Google rewards fresh activity, and customers like seeing you're engaged.
The Bottom Line
Skipping your Google Business Profile is like flipping your "closed" sign during business hours and then blaming the economy. Optimize it, and you'll start showing up where your customers are already searching: right on Google.