Google Business Profile: How to Attract More Local Customers

Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing a customer sees when searching for « plumber Marseille » or « bakery near me ». Filling it in properly costs nothing, and it can decide whether someone calls you or your competitor. Here is how to set it up step by step, even if you are not comfortable with digital tools.

Why does your Google profile matter so much?

When someone searches for a local service, Google shows a box at the top of the results with a map and a few businesses. This is the local pack. Your profile appears there with your opening hours, address, photos and reviews. For a local shop or a tradesperson, it is often more visible than your website itself.

Which details should you fill in first?

• Your exact business name, as shown on your sign and invoices. Adding keywords to the name breaks Google’s rules and can get the profile suspended.
• Your main category, as precise as possible: « Plumber » rather than « Service company ». It is one of the strongest ranking factors for local searches.
• A few secondary categories, only those that truly match your services.
• Your address and service area: if you travel to customers without welcoming visitors, say so and list the areas you cover.
• Opening hours, including public holidays and seasonal changes. Wrong hours lead to frustrated visitors and bad reviews.
• Your phone number and website link, pointing to your homepage or services page.

How do you make the profile attractive?

People often look at photos before they call or visit. A few simple principles:

• A storefront photo and an interior photo, bright and recent.
• Photos of your finished work or products, sharply framed.
• A team photo if it reassures customers, though it is not required.

The description is limited to 750 characters. Keep it clear: what you do, in which city, for whom. List your main services, with an indicative price where it makes sense.

Reviews: reply to everyone, even criticism

Ask satisfied customers to leave a review by sending them the direct link to your profile. Reply to every review within a few days: a thank-you for positive feedback, and a calm, factual answer to criticism. Never publish fake reviews or buy them, as Google detects this and it can harm your ranking.

Which mistakes should you avoid?

• Creating several profiles for the same business, which confuses both Google and customers.
• Leaving outdated hours after a seasonal change.
• Stuffing the name or description with keywords, which hurts readability.
• Ignoring the questions asked on your profile: if you do not answer, someone else may.
• Never posting: an occasional update (news, offer, finished job) shows the business is active.

How do you set up your profile next week?

1. Check whether a profile already exists for your business, and claim it rather than creating a new one.
2. Fill in the name, address, service area, hours and phone number.
3. Choose your main category, then two or three secondary ones.
4. Add five to ten good-quality photos.
5. Write a clear description and list your services.
6. Send the link to recent customers to collect reviews.

Do you need a website to appear locally?

Google compares your profile with your website: same name, same address, same phone number. A consistent website strengthens your profile. If you are starting from scratch, the Pro package of a business website at 1,490 € includes a configured Google Business profile. If you already have a site, the Google Business profile option is 120 € on the SEO and performance page, and a free audit can show what holds back your visibility.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay for a Google Business Profile?

No. Creating and managing your profile is free. Help with setting it up or optimising it is an optional service.

How long does it take to appear?

Google’s verification can take a few days, sometimes longer. I cannot guarantee a precise timeframe, but a complete profile that matches your website usually speeds things up.

What if my profile is suspended?

First check that the name contains no added keywords and that the address is accurate. Provide the documents Google asks for, such as an invoice or a storefront photo. If you are unsure, a conversation with the studio can save time.

My address is not shown, is that normal?

Yes, if you travel to customers and do not welcome visitors. You can hide the address and show only your service area.

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A well-kept profile takes about an hour to set up and then needs only light upkeep. To review your online presence, request a free audit or book a 30-minute call and we will look together at what can be improved.