The truth of the matter is that even if you have a website, you're going to have a hard time getting local leads without a Google Business Profile. If you want to attract more visitors to your Google Business Profile, you need to make sure that you have one set up, that it's verified, and that it's fully filled out. Let's take a look at how you can get more visitors to your Google Business Profile.
Setting Up Your Google Business Profile - The Best Hack
If you try setting up a Google Business Profile with a regular @gmail.com account, you may be asked for extra verification. This may include:
- Uploading a video of your business with signage and actual footage of the location and people in your location.
- Getting a phone call or a text message with a code.
- Getting an email.
The postcard is not as commonplace as it used to be, but Google still uses it in certain verification situations.
What's the best way you can get your Google Business Profile verified? Work with someone who has a strong track record of managing Google Business Profiles, and make sure your business details, website, and signage all match.
Our #1 tip for a smoother verification: In our experience, setting up the profile with a Google Workspace email address on your own domain, with a website that clearly shows the same business name, address, and phone number, makes verification go more smoothly.
Start Attracting Visitors To Your Google Business Profile
The first step to attracting visitors to your Google Business Profile is making sure that you have your profile filled out all the way:
- Have a business description filled out.
- Don't include the keyword or any other "SEO stuffing" in the business name. Use only your real business name, which is also what Google's guidelines require.
- Select an accurate primary category and relevant secondary categories.
- Make sure to add services to your categories and structure them appropriately.
- Fill out every piece of information possible that is TRUE to your business, and add real photos.
What Are the Factors That Will Attract the Most Visitors to Your Google Business Profile?
Your Google Business Profile's visibility depends on several factors. Google says local results are based mainly on relevance, distance, and prominence. Here are some key things to consider:
1. Consistency Between Your Website and GBP Information
Google looks for consistent business information across platforms. This means your Business Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) should match on:
- Your website
- Your Google Business Profile
- Any other directories (e.g., Yelp, Yellow Pages, BBB, etc.)
Pro Tip: Small formatting differences like “Street” vs. “St.” are usually fine, but different phone numbers, old addresses, or different business names across listings can confuse Google and customers.
2. Website Relevance & Title Tags
The page you link to from your GBP (typically your homepage or a location-specific landing page) should include:
- The business name
- A keyword related to your main category
- The city or service area if applicable
For example, if your business is a plumbing company in Denver, your homepage title tag could be something like:
Reliable Plumbing Services in Denver | [Business Name]
3. The Importance of Local Citations
A citation is a listing of your business on third-party directories like Yelp, Angi, or the Better Business Bureau. These citations:
- Support local search rankings by reinforcing trust in your business.
- Help establish your NAP consistency across multiple sources.
- Improve your chances of showing up in Google’s Local Pack (Map results).
Pro Tip: Use tools like BrightLocal, Moz Local, or Whitespark to audit your business listings and ensure all citations are correct.
Why Reviews Matter (But Aren’t Everything)
Many business owners focus on reviews, thinking 5-star ratings will automatically get them to the top of Google. While reviews help, they are not the only ranking factor.
1. Quantity vs. Quality
- In our experience, a business with 65 reviews and a 4.5-star rating can outperform a business with 50 perfect 5-star reviews.
- A steady flow of genuine reviews and a natural mix of ratings also looks more trustworthy to customers than forced perfection.
2. Content of Reviews
- Google can highlight keywords related to your services that appear in reviews.
- Ask happy customers to describe their experience honestly; many will naturally mention specific services (e.g., “Their drain cleaning service was quick and effective!”). Never offer incentives for reviews, which is against Google's policies.
3. Responding to Reviews
- Replying to all reviews (positive and negative) shows Google (and potential customers) that you are actively engaged.
- Responses should be professional, polite, and personalized.
Final Thoughts: The Winning Formula for Google Business Success
If you want to attract more visitors to your Google Business Profile and increase lead generation, here’s your action plan:
- ✅ Set up and verify your GBP, ideally using a Google Workspace email on your domain.
- ✅ Fully optimize your profile – fill out every detail and avoid keyword stuffing.
- ✅ Ensure NAP consistency across your website, citations, and GBP listing.
- ✅ Optimize your website’s title tags with location + primary service keywords.
- ✅ List your business on reputable directories to strengthen your local presence.
- ✅ Ask every happy customer for a review.
- ✅ Respond to all reviews in a professional and timely manner.
By following these steps, you’ll improve your visibility, rank higher in local search results, and convert more potential customers into paying clients.