How To Improve Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing a potential customer sees. An optimized profile generates more calls, more directions requests, more website visits — and more revenue.
📍 Key Stat: Businesses with complete Google Business Profiles get 7x more clicks and 70% more location visits than businesses with incomplete profiles.
What Is A Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your free business listing on Google. When someone searches for your business or a service you offer near Myrtle Beach, your profile appears in Google Search and Google Maps — showing your business name, hours, phone number, reviews, photos, and more.
A fully optimized profile positions your business to appear in the coveted "Map Pack" — the top 3 local business results that appear above all other search results for local queries.
10 Steps To Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Claim And Verify Your Profile
If you haven't already, claim your Google Business Profile at business.google.com and complete the verification process. An unverified profile has significantly reduced visibility.
Complete Every Section
Fill out every single field — business name, address, phone number, website, hours, category, description, attributes, and services. Google rewards completeness with higher rankings.
Choose The Right Primary Category
Your primary category is the single most important ranking factor on your profile. Choose the most specific category that accurately describes your business — not a general one.
Write A Compelling Business Description
Your 750-character business description should clearly explain what you do, who you serve, and what makes you different. Include your primary keywords naturally — no keyword stuffing.
Upload High-Quality Photos Regularly
Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks. Upload photos of your team, work, location, and completed projects. Aim for at least 10-20 photos and add new ones regularly.
Collect Google Reviews Consistently
Reviews are one of the most important ranking factors for local search. Set up an automated review request system that sends every customer a review link after their experience.
Respond To Every Review
Responding to reviews — both positive and negative — signals to Google that your business is active and engaged. It also shows potential customers that you care about feedback.
Post Weekly Updates
Google Posts are short updates (like social media posts) that appear on your profile. Posting weekly about promotions, news, events, or helpful content keeps your profile active and improves rankings.
List All Your Services And Products
Add every service you offer with descriptions and pricing ranges. This helps Google match your profile with more relevant searches and gives visitors more reasons to choose you.
Monitor Your Q&A Section
Anyone can ask questions on your profile — and anyone can answer them. Monitor your Q&A section regularly, add your own Q&As proactively, and flag any incorrect answers.
Common Google Business Profile Mistakes
- Using a different business name than your legal name (keyword stuffing in the name field violates Google's policies)
- Having inconsistent NAP (name, address, phone) across the web
- Ignoring or not responding to reviews — especially negative ones
- Letting your profile go weeks without any activity
- Not updating holiday hours and special closures
- Leaving the Q&A section unmonitored
- Not adding a booking link or website link
Our Google Business Profile Management Service
MB South Digital LLC offers full Google Business Profile setup, optimization, and ongoing management as part of our Starter Visibility package starting at just $97/month. Our team handles everything — photos, posts, review management, and monthly reporting — so you can focus on running your business.
Get A Free Google Business Profile Audit
We'll review your current profile and show you exactly what needs to be fixed to rank higher in local search.
Get Free AuditReady To Rank Higher On Google?
Google Business Profile management and local SEO for businesses across the Grand Strand.
