Google My Business, now officially called Google Business Profile, is a free business listing tool provided by Google. It allows businesses to control how their brand appears across Google Search and Google Maps.
When someone searches for your business name, services, or location-based keywords, your Google Business Profile is what shows up in the local pack, knowledge panel, and Maps results.
A fully optimized Google Business Profile helps you:
- Appear in local searches
- Attract nearby customers
- Build trust with reviews
- Share updates, offers, and photos
- Drive calls, visits, and website traffic
How to Use Google My Business for Local Marketing
Using Google Business Profile effectively can significantly improve your local marketing performance. Below are the most impactful ways businesses use it.
1. Engage With Consumers
Google Business Profile enables direct customer interaction.
You can:
- Reply to customer reviews
- Answer Q&A posted by users
- Enable messaging (in supported regions)
- Share updates via Google Posts
This two-way engagement builds trust and signals activity to Google, which helps visibility.
2. Highlight Your Business
With Google Business Profile Manager, you can showcase:
- Business hours
- Services and products
- Photos and videos
- Special offers
- Events and announcements
An updated profile increases click-through rates and makes your business look credible and active.
3. Gain Insights
One of the most valuable features is Insights.
Google Business Profile insights show:
- How customers find your business
- Search queries used
- Calls, direction requests, and website clicks
- Photo views compared to competitors
These insights help refine your marketing strategy and customer targeting.
4. Perform Local SEO
Google Business Profile plays a major role in local SEO.
Optimized profiles help businesses rank for:
- “near me” searches
- Location-based service queries
- Branded and non-branded keywords
Consistency, reviews, relevance, and proximity are key ranking factors—and Google Business Profile supports all of them.
How to Use Google My Business for SEO
Google Business Profile directly influences how your business ranks in local search results.
Here’s how to optimize it for SEO:
- Use accurate business name, category, and address
- Add keywords naturally in descriptions and posts
- Upload high-quality, geo-tagged photos
- Encourage and respond to reviews
- Keep hours and contact details updated
- Publish regular Google Posts
Managing these through Google Business Profile Manager ensures your listing stays optimized and competitive.
How to Sign Up for Google My Business
Creating a Google Business Profile is simple and free.
Step-by-step setup:
- Go to Google Business Profile login page
- Sign in with your Google account
- Enter your business name
- Choose your business category
- Add location or service area
- Enter contact details
- Verify your business (postcard, phone, or email)
Once verified, you can access all features via Google Business Profile Manager.
Google Business Profile Manager: What It Does
Google Business Profile Manager is the dashboard where you control everything related to your listing.
You can:
- Edit business information
- Manage reviews
- Add photos and posts
- Track performance insights
- Manage multiple locations
For agencies and large brands, the manager allows bulk location handling and user access control.
Google Business Profile Login Explained
To access your listing:
- Visit the Google Business Profile login page
- Sign in with the Google account used during setup
- Search your business name in Google
- Click “Edit profile” or “Manage profile”
There is no separate app anymore—everything is managed directly through Google Search or Maps.
Google Business Profile Support & Help Center
If you face issues like:
- Verification problems
- Suspended listings
- Duplicate profiles
- Incorrect information
You can use:
- Google Business Profile Help Center
- Community forums
- Support contact forms (case-based)
The Google Business Profile support section provides step-by-step documentation for most issues.
Why Google Business Profile Is Essential in 2025
With mobile-first searches and local intent growing, Google Business Profile is no longer optional.
Key benefits:
- Increased local visibility
- Higher trust and credibility
- Better conversion rates
- Improved customer engagement
- Stronger local SEO performance
Businesses without a profile lose visibility to competitors who actively manage theirs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Keyword stuffing in business name
- Ignoring reviews
- Inconsistent NAP details
- Not updating hours or services
- Leaving profile incomplete
Avoiding these ensures your Google Business Profile stays compliant and competitive.
FAQs About Google Business Profile
1. Is Google Business Profile free?
Yes, Google Business Profile is completely free to create and manage.
2. Is Google My Business the same as Google Business Profile?
Yes. Google My Business was renamed to Google Business Profile, but the core functionality remains the same.
3. How do I contact Google Business Profile support?
You can reach support through the Google Business Profile Help Center and submit a support request if needed.
4. Can I manage multiple locations with Google Business Profile Manager?
Yes, the manager allows businesses and agencies to manage multiple locations from one dashboard.