Why Your Google Business Profile Matters
Imagine someone searching for a business like yours. They pull out their phone, type a quick search, and see a list of companies. Will yours be one of them? If your Google Business Profile (GBP) isn’t well-optimized, you might not even show up. Worse, your competitors might get the customer instead.
I’ll show you how to boost organic visits to your Google Business Profile so more people find you without spending a dime on ads.
What’s Organic Traffic, and Why Should You Care?
Organic traffic means people find your business naturally, not through paid ads. When someone searches for your business or something related, your profile pops up. More organic visits mean higher rankings, more customers, and better credibility.
Think of it as word-of-mouth marketing, but online. The more people see and interact with your profile, the stronger your business will appear to Google.
Why Organic Traffic is Better Than Paid Traffic
- It’s free—no need to spend on ads.
- It lasts longer. A well-optimized profile keeps getting visits.
- It attracts real customers. People searching for your services are already interested.
Let’s dive into the steps you can take to bring in more visitors.
10 Ways to Get More Organic Visits
1. Complete Every Section of Your Google Business Profile
Google rewards complete profiles with higher rankings. Fill out every detail:
- Business name, address, and phone number (NAP) – Keep it accurate and consistent.
- Categories – Pick the most relevant ones.
- Business description – Write a clear, keyword-rich summary.
- Hours of operation – Include holiday hours.
- Website link – Make sure it works and loads fast.
2. Upload High-Quality Photos & Videos
Businesses with photos receive 42% more direct requests and 35% more clicks on their websites. Post clear pictures of your storefront, team, and products.
- Use bright, well-lit photos.
- Show your business in action.
- Update images regularly.
- Add short videos showcasing services or customer testimonials.
3. Get More Customer Reviews (and Respond to Them)
Google favours businesses with positive, recent reviews. Ask happy customers to leave feedback.
How to get more reviews:
- Ask in person after a sale.
- Send a follow-up email with a link.
- Offer a small incentive (discount, freebie, etc.).
- Share your review link on social media.
Then, respond to every review, whether good or bad. A simple “Thanks for your feedback!” shows engagement and builds trust.
4. Post Regularly to Keep Your Profile Active
Google lets businesses post updates. Use this to stay visible.
What to post:
- Promotions or discounts
- New products or services
- Business updates
- Customer success stories
- Local events or community involvement
Keep posts short and useful. Add a call to action like “Visit us today!”
5. Use Keywords to Improve Search Rankings
Google uses keywords to decide when to show your profile. Add relevant keywords naturally in:
- Your business description
- Customer reviews (encourage reviewers to mention keywords)
- Google Posts
- Q&A section
For example, if you run a coffee shop in Austin, phrases like “best coffee in Austin” or “freshly roasted coffee near me” help Google connect you with the right searches.
6. Get Listed on Other Local Directories
Google checks other websites to verify your business details. Make sure your information is consistent across platforms like:
- Yelp
- Better Business Bureau
- Industry-specific directories
These listings, called citations, help Google trust your business, boosting rankings. Learn more about how citations impact local SEO.
7. Use Google Q&A to Answer Common Questions
Most businesses ignore the Q&A section on their GBP—, which is a big mistake. Customers often have questions, and answering them builds trust.
- Encourage customers to ask questions.
- Answer them with detailed, helpful responses.
- Use keywords naturally in your answers.
For example, if you run a bakery, someone might ask, “Do you have gluten-free options?” Answer with, “Yes! We offer fresh gluten-free cakes and pastries daily.”
8. Optimize for Mobile Users
Most people search on their phones. Make sure your profile is mobile-friendly:
- Your website should load fast.
- Your address should link to Google Maps.
- Your phone number should be clickable.
9. Leverage Google Messaging
Google lets customers message businesses directly through GBP. Turn on this feature to answer questions quickly and build relationships.
How to use it effectively:
- Respond fast—within minutes if possible.
- Keep messages friendly and professional.
- Direct customers to your website or location for more details.
10. Track Your Performance and Adjust
Google provides insights into how people find and interact with your profile. Use this data to improve:
- What keywords bring traffic?
- Which photos get the most views?
- What actions do visitors take (calls, direction requests, etc.)?
Check your stats weekly and adjust your strategy accordingly. Google’s official Business Profile Help Center is a great place to find answers and troubleshooting tips.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Even small errors can hurt your visibility. Watch out for these:
- Inconsistent business info across websites.
- Ignoring customer reviews (especially negative ones).
- Not posting updates regularly.
- Skipping photos or using low-quality images.
- Forgetting to update holiday hours.
- Using too many keywords unnaturally.
Fixing these issues can help you get more organic visits.
Final Thoughts: Start Growing Your Google Business Profile Today
Getting organic visits to your Google Business Profile doesn’t have to be hard. Just follow these steps:
- Complete your profile.
- Post regularly.
- Get more reviews.
- Use keywords wisely.
- List your business on other sites.
- Keep your profile updated.