And you’re probably not using it right.
If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? If your business isn’t showing up online, does it even exist? In 2025, your digital presence can make or break your local business.
Here’s the good news: Google handed you a free golden ticket, and it’s called your Google Business Profile (GBP). Think of it as your 24/7 digital storefront that shows up right when people are searching for what you offer.
Why Your GBP Actually Matters
Sure, you could just throw your address and phone number up there and call it a day. But here’s what most business owners don’t realize – a properly optimized GBP is like having a prime real estate spot on Main Street, except it’s free.
Free? Yes, free.
When someone searches for businesses like yours, you want to show up in that coveted “Local Pack” (those top 3 results with the map). Why? Because get this – when people search for local businesses on their phones, most of them either visit or call within 24 hours. That’s not just traffic, that’s hot leads walking through your door.
The Secret Sauce: Stay Active
Here’s where most businesses mess up – they set up their profile once and forget about it. Big mistake.
Google loves businesses that stay active. When you regularly post updates, share special offers, or announce events, you’re basically telling Google “Hey, we’re still here and we’re worth showing to people.”
Does posting directly boost your rankings? Not exactly. But it does something better – it gets people to engage with your listing. And engagement? That’s what Google really cares about when deciding who deserves the top spots.
Aim for 1-2 posts per week. Nothing fancy – just show people your business is alive and thriving.
Don’t Let Your Competition Win By Default
Look, your competitors are probably sleeping on this too. But the ones who aren’t? They’re eating everyone else’s lunch.
Take 30 minutes this week to spruce up your Google Business Profile and start posting regularly. Your future customers (and your SEO) will thank you for it.
Want to learn more? Watch this space. I’m starting a series that will teach you how to optimize your Google Business Profile. No, it won’t be one or two articles; it will take a while. But that’s ok. Rome wasn’t built in a day and it takes time and work to rank in a Google search.
