Not Showing Up on Google and Wondering Why?
If you’re a local business owner, chances are you’ve asked yourself some version of this question: “Why can’t more people find us online?”
Maybe your website is live.
You’re posting on social media (maybe not as consistently as you’d like).
Word of mouth still brings in a few referrals.
But when someone searches online for a service you offer—your business doesn’t show up in the Google Maps 3-pack… or worse, they can’t find you at all.
There is one free marketing tool that can fix this almost instantly.
Introducing the Google Business Profile
Formerly known as Google My Business, far too many businesses either haven’t claimed their Google Business Profile listing or just haven’t taken the time to optimise it properly.
Let’s change that. In this post, we’ll unpack:
- Why does your Google Business Profile matters
- Optimising your profile to be seen by more local customers
- And where to go if you need assistance
What Is A Google Business Profile?
Think of your Google Business Profile as your digital shopfront—it’s the information that shows up when people search for your business (or businesses like yours) on Google or Google Maps.
Your name, contact details, hours, services, photos, reviews… all of it appears right there, often before someone ever clicks through to your website.
Google wants to promote local businesses that are active, trusted, and relevant.
But if your profile is missing key business info—or worse, you have not claimed it at all—then Google is far less likely to recommend that listing in the search results.
That’s why an optimised profile isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.
Why Optimise Your Google Business Profile?
1. Get Found in the Local Google Maps 3-Pack
You know that map that shows up at the top of your Google searches, and it will have 3 businesses listed?
That’s the Google Maps 3-Pack—and it’s prime real estate. That’s where your local customers are looking to find people who do what you offer.
An optimised Google Business Profile increases your chances of appearing there when people search for what you offer in your area.
That means more visibility, more clicks, more phone calls and/or more foot traffic.
2. Build Trust Through Reviews and Photos
An active profile with real customer reviews and up-to-date photos makes a huge impression.
People can see at a glance what your business is about—and whether others trust you. This kind of social proof is powerful. It can be the difference between someone scrolling past or picking up the phone to call you.
And Google will favour more active profiles, as ‘more relevant’ to what local customers are searching for.
3. Drive More Calls, Website Clicks and Bookings
Your profile isn’t just for show—it’s designed to convert.
With a well-optimised profile, people can call you, visit your website, get directions, or book a service without ever leaving Google.
The easier you make it for customers to take action, the more likely they will.
How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile
If you haven’t claimed your profile yet, that’s step one.
Go here and follow the prompts to verify your business.
Already claimed it? Great. Now it’s time to optimise. Here’s how:
✅ Fill Out Every Field
Make sure your business name, address, phone number, website, hours and services are all correct and consistent with your website and other listings.
📸 Upload High-Quality Photos
Photos of your premises, team, products or services help humanise your brand and give people a reason to trust you.
📝 Write a Compelling Business Description
Use this space to tell people what you do, who you help, and why they should choose you. Include relevant keywords—but keep it natural and easy to read.
🌟 Encourage Reviews (and Respond to Them)
Customer reviews are one of the biggest ranking factors in local search. Ask happy clients to leave feedback, and always reply—whether it’s a glowing 5-star or a bit of constructive criticism.
📅 Keep It Updated
Holiday hours? Temporary closure? New product? Keep your profile fresh. Google prioritises active businesses that regularly update their information.
Don’t Let Your Competitors Outrank You
This isn’t about being flashy or tech-savvy—it’s about showing up where it matters most.
When local people are searching for a service you offer, your business should be front and centre. A properly optimised Google Business Profile gives you that edge—and best of all, it doesn’t cost a cent.
But like anything in marketing, it will work for your business if it’s done right… and you are prepared to be consistently maintaining your profile.
Which is why sometimes it makes sense to hand that over to someone who can focus on doing that, whilst you focus on running your business.
Need a Hand Optimising Your Listing?
Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’ve already claimed your profile but are not showing up in those top 3 spots, we can help.
At Droid Media, we love to help local businesses to optimise their online visibility—and with tools like Google Business Profile that deliver fast, free wins, it is a key component of our SEO Services.
Reach out for a no-pressure chat and we’ll take a look at where your profile stands now, what might be holding it back, and how to fix it.
👉 Let’s make sure your business gets found.
