What Is Google My Business?
Google My Business (now officially called Google Business Profile) is a free tool from Google that lets local businesses manage how they appear on Google Search and Google Maps.
Think of it as your online shopfront — your profile displays key details like:
Your business name
Address & service area
Phone number
Opening hours
Photos & videos
Reviews and ratings
Website link
Products & services
It’s 100% free — but incredibly powerful. If you’re not actively managing it, you’re missing out on customers who are searching right now for what you offer.
Why Every Local Business Needs a Google Business Profile
Whether you’re a plumber in Rotherham, a hairdresser in Sheffield, or a café in Barnsley — your Google Business Profile can be the #1 way customers find you.
Here’s why it matters:
Boost Local SEO
Your profile is one of the first things people see when they search for services like yours. It helps you appear in:
Google’s “Map Pack” results
Voice searches (“Hey Google, find a web designer near me”)
Mobile and desktop searches
Build Trust with Reviews
Google reviews are often the first impression someone has of your business. A strong profile with 5-star reviews builds instant credibility.
Get Found by Mobile Users
80% of local searches come from mobile. Google shows your phone number, directions, and website — one tap away from a new customer.
Connect Directly with Customers
Use built-in features like:
Messaging
Posts & offers
Questions & answers
Booking buttons
Whether you’re a plumber in Rotherham, a hairdresser in Sheffield, or a café in Barnsley — your Google Business Profile can be the #1 way customers find you.
Here’s why it matters:
Boost Local SEO
Your profile is one of the first things people see when they search for services like yours. It helps you appear in:
Google’s “Map Pack” results
Voice searches (“Hey Google, find a web designer near me”)
Mobile and desktop searches
Build Trust with Reviews
Google reviews are often the first impression someone has of your business. A strong profile with 5-star reviews builds instant credibility.
Get Found by Mobile Users
80% of local searches come from mobile. Google shows your phone number, directions, and website — one tap away from a new customer.
Connect Directly with Customers
Use built-in features like:
Messaging
Posts & offers
Questions & answers
Booking buttons
How to Use Google My Business for Local Marketing
1. Complete and Optimise Your Profile
A fully filled-out profile is more likely to rank higher. Optimise it by:
Using your real business name
Selecting the right business categories
Listing your phone number, website, and service areas
Adding your logo, photos, and a keyword-rich description
📸 Tip: Businesses with photos get 42% more directions and 35% more clicks.
2. Post Regular Updates
Treat your profile like a social feed. Post:
New services or offers
Photos of recent work
Holiday hours
Customer testimonials
Posting weekly shows Google you’re active — and rewards you with better rankings.
3. Collect and Respond to Reviews
Reviews build trust and improve rankings. Ask happy customers to leave reviews, and respond to every one:
Example: “Thanks for choosing our garden maintenance service in Barnsley!”
Reviews with keywords help boost search results naturally.
4. Upload Photos & Videos
Show the real side of your business:
Before/after work
Behind-the-scenes shots
Product photos
Short team intros
Bonus: Short vertical videos are now supported directly on your profile.
5. Use Local Keywords and Service Areas
Be specific about where you work:
Add towns like “Rotherham, Doncaster, Sheffield, Barnsley”
Mention locations naturally in your description and posts
This helps you appear in “near me” searches and Maps even outside your main postcode.
6. Monitor Insights
Google tells you how people find and interact with your profile:
What search terms people use
How many visits/calls you get
Which photos perform best
Use this data to shape your marketing efforts and content.
7. Add Natural Links to Your Profile
Google likes when you promote your GBP on:
Your website (footer, contact page, blog posts)
Social media bios
Email signatures
Local directories
Anchor text idea: “Read our Google reviews in Sheffield” → [Your GBP Link]
Why It Matters for AI Search
With Google’s AI-driven results becoming more common, profiles that are:
Active
Complete
Consistently updated
…are more likely to show up in rich results and answer boxes. That means more exposure, more trust, more customers.
Final Thoughts: Let Us Help You Get Set Up
Creating and managing your Google Business Profile can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.
At InboxingProWeb, we help local businesses like yours:
✅ Set up and verify your profile
✅ Fully optimise it for fast rankings
✅ Start collecting and showcasing reviews
✅ Post updates and track results
Get Started Today from Just £49
Free consultation | 🕐 Ranked in days | 📍 Local SEO experts
📍 Serving Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley and surrounding areas