If you run a small business and you're not on Google Business Profile, you're invisible to a significant number of potential customers. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the free listing that appears when someone searches for your business or for services like yours in their area.
It's one of the most impactful things a small business can do online — and it costs nothing.
What is Google Business Profile?
When you search for a local business on Google — a plumber, a café, an IT support company — you'll often see a panel on the right-hand side or a map with business listings. That's Google Business Profile in action. It shows your business name, address, phone number, opening hours, reviews, photos and a link to your website.
Without a profile, your business simply won't appear in these results.
Why it matters for small businesses
Local searches have high purchase intent. Someone searching "IT support near me" or "website designer in Doncaster" is actively looking to hire someone. If your business appears in those results with good reviews and clear information, you're likely to win that enquiry.
Google Business Profile also increases your visibility in Google Maps, which many people use specifically to find local services.
What a good profile includes
A well-optimised Google Business Profile includes your accurate business name, address and phone number, a clear description of what you do and who you serve, your opening hours, a link to your website, photos of your business or work, and customer reviews with responses.
The more complete and up-to-date your profile, the better Google will rank it in local search results.
Getting reviews matters
Reviews are one of the most powerful factors in local search rankings. Businesses with more positive reviews consistently outrank those with fewer. After completing work for a customer, a simple follow-up asking them to leave a Google review can make a significant difference over time.
How Bytova can help
Setting up and optimising a Google Business Profile is part of the Digital Foundations Package and the Monthly Digital Growth Support service. If you'd like a professional review of your current digital presence before investing further, a Business Digital Audit is a good place to start.