If you’ve ever Googled something like “plumber near me” or “best pizza in town,” you’ve probably noticed a list of businesses that pop up with a map, reviews, and clickable info. That’s powered by Google Business Profile – what many people refer to as “Google My Business.”
For small service-based businesses, it’s one of the most important and underrated tools you can use to get found online. But it doesn’t just help people discover you – it directly impacts how your website performs, too.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Google My Business?
Google Business Profile is your business’s official listing on Google. It shows up in Google Search and Google Maps, and it gives potential customers a quick snapshot of who you are and what you offer.
It can include:
- Your business name, phone number, and address
- Website link
- Business hours
- Photos
- Reviews
- Services and descriptions
- Posts or updates
This is often the first thing people see when they search for your services. Sometimes, they’ll call or visit your location directly from this profile – without ever visiting your website. And that’s exactly why it’s so important!
How It Affects Your Website
While your Google Business Profile and your website are two separate things – you ideally want them to work hand in hand, to your benefit. Here’s how your listing can influence your site’s performance:
1. It Drives Traffic
Your listing includes a link to your site, and if your profile is strong and informative, users are more likely to click. We’ve seen clients get a surprising amount of site traffic from their Google profile alone—especially when it’s kept up to date.
2. It Supports Local SEO
Google looks for consistency. When the info on your Google profile matches your website—things like services, location details, and business hours – it boosts your credibility. That can lead to higher rankings in local search results, which means more visibility for your website.
3. It Builds Trust Before They Click
Customer reviews, photos, and business info on your profile help people decide whether to even visit your site. When someone sees consistent 5-star reviews, before-and-after photos, and clear descriptions of what you do, it builds immediate credibility.
Think of it like a digital first impression – one that either invites someone in or sends them looking elsewhere. We’ve seen this same principle work wonders on websites too. If you’re not already showcasing social proof, here’s how we recommend highlighting testimonials in a way that connects.
4. It Keeps Your Website From Doing All the Work
Your website site is important, but it’s not always the first stop when people are looking for solutions. A strong Google profile takes some pressure off your homepage by answering basic questions up front, like your hours, location, or services. That leaves your site room to do what it does best – convert visitors into leads.
Best Practices to Strengthen the Connection
Want your website and Google Business Profile to work together? Here’s what the True Mtn team recommends:
- Keep your business info consistent across both platforms
- Add high-quality photos to both your profile and your site
- Use similar keywords in your service descriptions and web copy
- Respond to reviews to show you’re active and engaged
- Share updates or blog content on your profile to drive more clicks
If you’re already publishing blogs or creating updates for your site, repurpose that content on your Google profile too. We talk about how to make the most of your content in Unleashing the Power of Blogging.
Do You Need Both?
Yes. A strong Google Business Profile supports your website, but it doesn’t replace it. Your site is where you tell your full story, showcase your work, and give customers room to explore.
Your Google profile’s job is to show up when people are searching – and send them in the right direction.
If you’re not sure your website is doing its part once people get there, check out Why First Impressions Matter: Making Your Website’s Homepage Work for You.
Make Your Google Profile Work with Your Website – Not Against It
Your Google Business Profile is more than just a listing. It helps people find you faster, trust you sooner, and get to your site when it counts.
And when your website and profile are working together, you’re more likely to show up in the right searches and bring in customers who are ready to act.
If you’re already investing in your website, your Google profile is the next piece of the puzzle. Keep it updated, stay consistent, and let it pull its weight. If staying on top of updates feels like one more thing on your already full plate, our Content Booster package makes it easy to keep both your website and Google listing aligned with fresh, relevant content. Want to talk it through? Book a discovery call and let’s find what makes sense for your business.
