Google My Business: Make Your Business Stand Out On Google

Why Google Business Profile Still Matters in 2025

Whether you want to find a restaurant nearby, read hotel reviews, or look for a plumber, there’s a good chance you’ll Google it. With more than 80% of individuals seeking local data through search engines, your Google Business Profile (GBP), previously Google My Business, is among the most influential tools to highlight that which is special about your business – especially in the hospitality and food & drink industry where local discovery is everything.

GBP enables you to control your presence on Google Search and Maps so that your customers can find, learn about, and interact with you from a single location.

Here‘s why you need to focus on Google Business Profile in 2025:

• It‘s free and robust: Google will not charge you to list your business—yet the exposure it brings is priceless.
• Increases Local SEO: Choosing appropriate categories, keywords, and services enhances your local search visibility.
• Show up in the Local Pack: The “Map Pack“ or 3-pack local spot highlights best nearby businesses—it‘s the best search result real estate.
• Customer reviews and interaction: Engage with reviews publicly, become trusted, and demonstrate to potential customers that you care.
• Publish updates directly: Post events, offers, or updates as Google Posts to refresh your profile and make it interesting.
• Direct messaging: Turn on the chat functionality so customers can message you from your listing directly.
• Bookings and orders: Include direct reservation, appointment, or food ordering links, respectively, based on your business industry.

Although GBP is loaded with features, here are a couple of limitations you should note:

• Physical address requirement: Verification usually mandates a physical mailing address. Service businesses, however, can mask the address and show only their area of service.
• Reservation/ordering links: For hotels and restaurants, Google occasionally auto-fills booking links through third-party sources (e.g. OpenTable, Resy), which may cost money. These can’t be changed on your dashboard—get in touch with Google Support.
• Intense competition: How to stand out- stay busy. Regularly keeping your profile current, gathering reviews, and optimizing on a regular basis is the way to outrank your competition.

Optimize your profile‘s performance using these must-do strategies:

• Keep your information fresh: Hours, phone numbers, services, and imagery must be up-to-date—particularly around holidays or special occasions.
• Allow multiple users: Designate reliable team members to assist with updates, posts, and customer messages.
• Make NAP consistent: Your Name, Address, and Phone number must be the same on your website, directories, and GBP listing.
• Utilize high-quality images: Add clear photos that represent your brand and products—these are usually a customer‘s first impression.
• Optimize for mobile: Local searches take place mostly on mobile—have your website fast, responsive, and user-friendly.
• Keep an eye on your insights: GBP provides insights such as search queries, profile views, and call clicks—keep a regular check and tweak your strategy accordingly.
• Stay in the know about updates: Google constantly fine-tunes its features and algorithms. Sign up for GBP updates or get your digital agency to keep you up-to-date.
  

Here are the steps you can use to add or claim your business on Google:

1. Go to Google Business Profile and hit Manage now.
2. Sign in with a Google account.
3. Type in your business name and search for listed businesses.
4. Include your business category (e.g., Café, Hotel, Marketing Agency).
5. Include a physical location or choose a service area if you’re location-independent.
6. Provide contact information such as phone number and website.
   
7. Complete your listing and confirm through postcard, phone call, or email (depending upon business type and location).
   

Tip: Once confirmed, complete each section of your profile to increase your visibility in the local 3-pack.

Google Business Profile is an at-no-cost, high-impact solution to boost your local visibility. From gathering reviews to showing up in top map results, it gives you the power to control your online presence where it counts.

Looking for assistance optimising your profile or dealing with local SEO?
Talk to Propeller—we assist hospitality and lifestyle brands to thrive through strategic digital planning and optimisation.