If you take away just one thing from this post, let it be this: if your business doesn’t have a Google Business Profile set up properly, that’s probably costing you more customers than anything wrong with your actual website.
It’s free, it’s one of the first things potential customers see, and a huge number of local businesses still have it half-finished or completely neglected. Here’s a straightforward guide to getting it right.
What is Google Business Profile, exactly?
It’s the free listing that shows up when someone searches for your business by name, or searches for something like “web designer near me” or “restaurant Fuengirola.” It’s what powers the map, the photos, the reviews, and the info box you see on the right side of a Google search.
For a lot of local searches, people never even click through to your actual website — they make their decision based on your Google Business Profile alone.
Setting it up (or fixing it if it already exists)
1. Claim your listing
Search for your business name on Google. If a listing already exists (sometimes created automatically), claim it. If not, create one at google.com/business.
2. Get your category right
This is more important than most business owners realize — it affects who Google shows your listing to. Be specific rather than generic where possible (for example, “Web Designer” rather than just “Business Service”).
3. Fill in every field you can
Don’t leave gaps. Add:
- Accurate opening hours (and update them for holidays and seasonal changes — very relevant here on the coast)
- Your service area if you don’t have a physical shopfront
- A clear, accurate business description
- Your website and contact details
4. Add real photos
Genuine photos of your business, your work, or your team consistently outperform stock images. If you’re a restaurant, hotel, or anything visual, this matters even more.
5. Ask for reviews (and actually respond to them)
A handful of genuine, recent reviews makes a real difference to how much Google trusts your listing — and how much potential customers trust you. Responding to reviews, even simple thank-yous, signals that you’re an active, engaged business.
6. Post updates occasionally
Google Business Profile lets you post short updates — offers, news, events. It’s a small feature, but it’s another signal that your business is active and worth showing to people.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Inconsistent information between your website and your profile (mismatched hours or phone numbers confuse both customers and Google)
- Ignoring negative reviews instead of responding professionally
- Leaving the category too generic, which makes you harder to match to relevant searches
- Treating it as “set and forget” rather than something worth checking every so often
Why this matters even if your website is great
A great website and a neglected Google Business Profile is a bit like having a beautiful shop with no sign outside. Both parts need to work together — one gets people to notice you, the other seals the deal once they land on your site.
If you’d like a hand getting your profile properly set up — or making sure it’s actually working alongside your website — reach out to Azul Pixel. It’s a quick, practical fix that often makes a bigger difference than people expect.