Now that you understand what Google Business Profile (formerly GMB) is and why it matters from Part 1, it’s time to take the next step. This article explains where your profile appears, why visibility matters, and how to maximize its impact—so your business stands out right when locals need it most.
1. WHERE: Where Does Your Google Business Profile Show Up?
Your Google Business Profile is front and center in the places customers search most:
- Google Search: Your profile often appears at the very top when someone searches your business by name or searches for services nearby.
- Google Maps: Your business is shown as a pin, guiding foot traffic and helping with directions.
- Mobile “Local 3‑Pack”: One of the most visible locations on search results. This “3‑Pack” appears above traditional results, showing the top three relevant businesses—and landing here dramatically boosts visibility.
buildingbrandsmarketing.comGoogle HelpCube Creative+4Semrush+4White Peak Marketing+4
Key takeaway: Optimizing your profile gets you seen exactly where customers are ready to act.
2. WHY: Why Google Business Profile Matters
The numbers tell a compelling story:
- 92 % of searchers pick businesses from the first page of local search results.
https://js-interactive.com/local-seo-latest-statistics - Businesses featured in Google’s Local Pack drive 126 % more traffic and 93 % more actions—like calls, clicks, and direction requests—than those ranking just below (positions 4–10).
https://searchengineland.com/guide/google-local-pack - By fully optimizing your Business Profile—completing all fields and keeping information accurate—you can nearly double your Local Pack visibility (up to 65.7 % for multi-location brands).
https://www.soci.ai/blog/local-seo-statistics/ - Complete and accurate profiles generate 7× more clicks and are 70 % more likely to attract store visits than incomplete ones.
https://js-interactive.com/local-seo-latest-statistics/
- Reviews remain powerful: 87 % of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, and many expect responses.
https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey-2020/
Key takeaway: A strong Google Business Profile doesn’t just make your business visible—it makes it the most trusted and clicked choice.
3. HOW: How to Make the Most of Google Business Profile
Here’s your step-by-step action plan to maximize visibility and trust:
- Claim and verify your listing. It’s the only way you can control the information Google displays.
Google Help - Complete every section: business description, categories, services, areas served, and business attributes.
- Upload high-quality photos frequently—of your location, team, and real-life results.
- Collect and respond to reviews: Thank people for positive reviews and address concerns in negative ones.
- Use Google Posts to share updates, events, or promotions regularly.
- Keep hours updated, especially for holidays or unexpected changes.
Key takeaway: Consistency is your secret weapon—an active and accurate profile signals reliability to both Google and prospective customers.
Summary: Your Local SEO Game Plan (Part 2)
Focus Area - What to Do
Where - Appear in Search Results, Maps, and Local 3-Pack
Why - Visibility, trust, actions, and SEO advantage
How - Claim, complete, post, review, and keep current
In essence: Your Google Business Profile is not just something to check off. It’s your ticket to being seen, trusted, and visited—often before your website even gets a click.
Ready to Act?
Begin with a GMB self-audit. Is your profile verified? Are all fields filled out? Do you post updates and reply to reviews?
If you notice gaps, The Idea Farm is here to help. We specialize in turning underperforming profiles into local lead generators. Let’s make your business unmissable.