What Is Google My Business (Now Called Google Business Profile)?
Google My Business — now officially called Google Business Profile — is a free tool from Google that lets you control how your business appears in Google Search and Google Maps. When someone searches “plumber Maroochydore” or “cafe Noosa”, the businesses that appear in that map box at the top of results are there because of Google Business Profile.
If you haven’t set yours up, or if your listing is incomplete, you are invisible to the most valuable customers: people actively searching for what you offer, right now, in your area.
Why Google My Business Matters for Sunshine Coast Businesses
The local pack — that map with 3 business listings — appears above the regular organic results for almost every local search. Studies consistently show it captures over 40% of all clicks on the page. Ranking in the local pack for terms like “web design Maroochydore” or “SEO Sunshine Coast” is often more valuable than ranking #1 in the organic results below it.
Your Google Business Profile is the single most important factor in whether you appear there.
How to Set Up Google Business Profile: Step by Step
Step 1: Claim or Create Your Listing
Go to business.google.com and sign in with a Google account. Search for your business name. If it already exists (Google auto-generates listings from public data), click “Claim this business.” If not, click “Add your business to Google.”
Step 2: Choose the Right Business Category
Your primary category is one of the most important ranking factors. Be specific — don’t just pick “Marketing Agency” if you can choose “SEO Agency” or “Web Design Company.” You can add secondary categories too. Choose the one that matches your most valuable service first.
Step 3: Add Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
NAP consistency is critical for local SEO. Your business name, address, and phone number must be identical across your Google profile, website, and every directory listing. Even small differences (St vs Street, (07) vs 07) can hurt your rankings.
If you operate from a home address and serve clients at their location, you can hide your address and set a service area instead.
Step 4: Verify Your Business
Google will send a postcard to your address with a verification code (usually arrives within 5 days). Enter the code in your dashboard. Until verified, your listing won’t rank. Some businesses can verify by phone or email — check if those options appear for you.
Step 5: Complete Every Section
Businesses with complete profiles get 7x more clicks than those with incomplete ones. Fill in:
- Business description — 750 characters, include your main keywords naturally
- Hours — keep these up to date, especially public holidays
- Services — list every service with a description and price if applicable
- Photos — add at least 10 photos: your team, your office/location, your work
- Website link — link to your actual homepage
- Attributes — tick everything relevant to your business
Step 6: Add Products and Services
Many businesses skip this. Don’t. Adding individual services with descriptions helps Google understand exactly what you offer and match you to more searches.
How to Optimise Your Profile to Rank Higher
Post Weekly Updates
Google Posts are mini updates that appear on your profile. Posting weekly signals to Google that your business is active. Announce specials, share blog posts, or highlight a service. Posts expire after 7 days so consistency matters.
Collect and Respond to Reviews
Reviews are one of the top 3 local pack ranking factors. The number of reviews, their recency, and your response rate all matter. Ask every happy client for a review — send them a direct link found in your Google Business dashboard under “Get more reviews.”
Always respond to reviews, both positive and negative. A professional response to a negative review often impresses potential customers more than the negative review hurts you.
Use Keywords in Your Responses and Posts
When you respond to reviews or write Google Posts, naturally mention your services and location. “Thanks for choosing us for your Sunshine Coast web design project” reinforces your keyword relevance to Google.
Add Q&A
Proactively add your own questions and answers covering common queries. This content appears in your profile and helps Google understand your services.
Common Google My Business Mistakes
- Keyword stuffing your business name — violations can get your listing suspended. Use your real business name only.
- Inconsistent phone numbers — if your website shows one number and Google shows another, it hurts your rankings.
- Ignoring the listing after setup — stale listings rank lower. Update photos, post regularly, respond to reviews.
- No photos — listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks.
How Long Does It Take to Rank in the Local Pack?
With a fully optimised profile and consistent effort, most businesses start seeing movement in the local pack within 2-4 months. Sunshine Coast local terms are achievable faster given lower competition than Brisbane or Sydney.
Need Help With Your Google Business Profile?
At Oop Design, we manage Google Business Profiles for Sunshine Coast businesses as part of our local SEO services. If you would rather focus on running your business than wrestling with Google, get in touch and we will handle it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google My Business free?
Yes, Google Business Profile is completely free to create and manage. It is one of the best free marketing tools available to small businesses.
Can I have multiple Google Business Profile listings?
You can have one listing per physical location. Creating duplicate listings for the same location violates Google guidelines and can result in suspension.
What is the difference between Google My Business and Google Business Profile?
They are the same product. Google rebranded “Google My Business” to “Google Business Profile” in 2021.
How do I get more reviews on Google?
Ask directly after completing a job. Send a text or email with your direct review link. Most satisfied customers are happy to leave a review — they just need to be asked and given an easy link.
Does Google Business Profile help with SEO?
Yes, significantly for local searches. A well-optimised profile is one of the most powerful local SEO signals and drives substantial traffic independent of your organic ranking position.