If you’re a local business, your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is often the first impression customers get—before your website, your storefront, or even a phone call. Whether someone searches “glass shower doors near me” or “local electrician in West Palm,” your GMB listing plays a huge role in whether you get chosen… or skipped.
Let’s break down how to make your GMB profile shine—and why treating it like your digital storefront is one of the best things you can do for your business.
📍 What Is Your Google Business Profile, Really?
Think of your GMB as a living billboard. It shows your hours, services, reviews, photos, and even lets people message or call you directly. But here’s the kicker: if it’s not fully optimized, you’re likely missing out on serious business.
Imagine walking up to two storefronts:
- One has a clean sign, open lights, inviting displays, and clear business hours.
- The other is dim, missing a name, and has no one to greet you.
Online? It’s the same.
🔧 6 Steps to Make Your GMB Profile Shine
1. Claim and Verify Your Profile
If you haven’t already claimed your profile, that’s step one. Just head to Google Business and follow the steps. If your profile is suspended or has issues, resolving them quickly is key (we’ve helped many clients through this).
2. Use High-Quality Photos
Real photos. Not stock. Show your team, your work, your space. Before/afters go a long way—especially in visual industries like glass, construction, or beauty.
✅ Use Case: One of our clients in the glass industry went from 2 to 15 calls a week after we uploaded consistent project photos and labeled them by type (“frameless shower,” “storefront,” etc.).
3. Write a Keyword-Friendly Business Description
Keep it conversational but intentional. Mention what you do and where you do it. Example:
“Signature Glass Solution specializes in custom shower enclosures and glass railings throughout South Florida. We’re known for clean installs and prompt service.”
4. Post Weekly (Yes, Like Social Media)
Most businesses don’t realize GMB allows you to post updates. These posts boost engagement and tell Google you’re active. Share promos, recent jobs, FAQs—even repurpose your Instagram captions.
5. Ask for Reviews (and Reply!)
Reviews help you rank higher and build trust. But here’s the trick: don’t just ask for 5 stars. Ask clients to mention what service they got and where.
“Yoel was professional and installed our Delray Beach wine cellar glass with perfection.”
Google eats that up.
And when people leave a review? Reply—even if it’s just a “Thank you!” Engagement = trust.
6. Keep Info Updated
Make sure your hours, services, and service areas are accurate. This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many businesses have old info that turns customers away.
💡 Bonus Tip: Use Insights to Track What’s Working
Your GMB dashboard has a section called Insights, showing how people find you and what actions they take (calls, website visits, direction requests). Use this data to see what content drives results—and what might need tweaking.
⚡ TL;DR: Treat It Like a Storefront
Your GMB isn’t a “set it and forget it” listing. It’s a dynamic, high-impact tool for local visibility.
If you show up strong here, you’ll win attention before people even hit your site.
👀 P.S. At Deft Digital, we help clients clean up and optimize their profiles—sometimes as part of our Pro and Premium plans. But everything above? You can start today. Want help reviewing your profile? We’re happy to peek at it.