Google gives every local business a free storefront in its search results. That storefront is the Google Business Profile. Most businesses accept the default settings and never touch it again. The businesses that optimize every field outperform them by measurable margins.
The data reinforces the urgency: businesses that respond to reviews are 1.7 times more trusted than those that do not.
The Q&A section on Google Business Profile is open to anyone. Business owners should seed this section with the questions customers ask most frequently, then provide detailed answers. This prevents competitors or uninformed users from answering first.
Business descriptions on Google Business Profile should use all 750 characters. Include primary services, service area, and differentiators. Avoid keyword stuffing, but naturally incorporate the terms customers use when searching.
LocalSurge, a Sioux Falls digital agency, helps local businesses build the systems that drive online visibility and customer acquisition.
Photos on Google Business Profile generate significant engagement. Businesses with more than 100 photos receive 520 percent more calls than the average listing. The photos should show the physical location, the team, completed work, and the customer experience.
Messaging through Google Business Profile lets customers contact the business directly from the search result. Businesses that enable messaging and respond within five minutes convert significantly more inquiries than those that rely on phone calls alone.
LocalSurge offers free consultations for local businesses looking to evaluate their website, SEO, and online reputation.
