How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile for More Local Customers

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How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile for More Local Customers

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) — formerly Google My Business — is one of the most powerful free tools available to local businesses in Australia. When someone searches for your service in your area, your GBP listing is often the first thing they see. Here’s how to make sure yours is working as hard as it can.

What Is a Google Business Profile?

It’s the listing that appears in Google Maps and the “local pack” (the map section with 3 businesses shown at the top of search results). It shows your business name, address, phone number, hours, photos, reviews, and a link to your website.

Appearing in the local pack for searches like “web designer Sunshine Coast” or “plumber Maroochydore” can generate significant leads — without paying for ads.

Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Listing

Go to business.google.com and search for your business. If it exists, claim it. If not, create it. Google will verify your business by sending a postcard to your address with a PIN, or via phone or email for eligible businesses.

Without verification, your listing won’t appear fully in search results and you can’t respond to reviews.

Step 2: Fill Out Every Section Completely

Incomplete profiles rank lower. Make sure you’ve filled out:

  • Business name: Your real business name — no keyword stuffing (it violates Google’s guidelines and can get you suspended)
  • Address: Exact address matching your website and other directories
  • Phone number: Local number preferred
  • Website: Link to your homepage or a relevant service page
  • Hours: Keep these accurate and update for public holidays
  • Business category: Choose the most specific primary category, then add additional categories
  • Business description: 750 characters max — describe what you do, who you help, and where you’re located. Include your main keywords naturally.
  • Services: List every service you offer with descriptions
  • Products: Relevant for retail or product-based businesses

Step 3: Add High-Quality Photos

Listings with photos receive significantly more clicks and direction requests than those without. Upload:

  • Your logo and cover image
  • Interior and exterior photos of your premises
  • Team photos
  • Before/after photos of your work (especially effective for trades)
  • Photos of your products or services in action

Aim for at least 10 photos, and continue adding new ones regularly. Real photos perform better than stock images — Google can detect generic stock and customers prefer authenticity.

Step 4: Get More Google Reviews

Reviews are one of the strongest ranking factors in local search. Businesses with more reviews (and higher ratings) consistently rank higher in the map pack.

How to get more reviews:

  • Ask every satisfied customer directly — most people are happy to help but won’t think to do it unprompted
  • Send a follow-up email or SMS after completing a job with a direct link to your review page
  • Add a “Leave us a Google review” link to your email signature
  • Create a short URL using Google’s review link generator in your GBP dashboard

Always respond to every review — positive and negative. Responses show Google and potential customers that you’re engaged and professional.

Step 5: Post Regular Updates

Google Posts let you share updates, offers, events, and new services directly on your listing. Post at least once a week to show Google your listing is active. Good content for posts:

  • Special offers or promotions
  • New services added
  • Recent project highlights or case studies
  • Tips relevant to your customers
  • Seasonal reminders

Step 6: Answer Questions in the Q&A Section

Anyone can ask questions on your listing — and anyone can answer them. Proactively add your own FAQs before customers ask them. Common questions like “Do you offer free quotes?”, “What areas do you service?”, and “How long does the job take?” are great candidates. This also helps your listing appear for those question-based searches.

Step 7: Keep Your NAP Consistent Everywhere

NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone number. These details need to be identical across your website, GBP, Yellow Pages, True Local, and every other directory you’re listed in. Inconsistencies confuse Google and hurt your local rankings.

How Long Until You See Results?

A fully optimised GBP with regular posts and consistent reviews typically shows improvement in local pack rankings within 4–8 weeks. The combination of a strong GBP and a well-optimised website is the most powerful formula for local SEO results.

If you’d like help optimising your Google Business Profile or improving your overall local search presence on the Sunshine Coast, our team at Oop Design can help. Check out our local SEO services or get in touch for a free audit.

Your Ultimate Solution for Boosting Your Website's Online Visibility, Get in touch today.

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