Google My Business: How to become visible as a local company
A Google company profile is more than just a nice extra. It's your digital showcase for everyone who's looking for you. Especially as a local company, you can gratuitous Make sure that you are at the top of Google. In this post, you'll learn how to create your profile professionally, what really matters and how to not only be visible but also convincing.
A free Company entry on Google Can it be exactly tipping the scales today whether someone calls you or not. Especially for small and medium-sized companies in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, a Google company profile not just “nice to have.” It is often the first point of contact with a potential customer.
If you look at how many local searches are carried out on Google every day, it quickly becomes clear that anyone who is not clearly listed there remains invisible, no matter how good the service or the product is.
What is Google My Business and why is it worthwhile?
When we talk about Google My Business, we mean today Google company profile. This allows you to make your business visible directly on Google with all relevant information: name, address, opening hours, telephone number, website, photos, services, reviews... and the best thing about it: It's free.
Think of it like your digital display, except that it's not on the main square, but in the middle of a Google search. And dropping by there is everyday life for your target group.
What you can maintain in your profile:
- Name, address, telephone number (uniformly across all channels)
- Opening hours also special periods or holidays
- Services, offers, products
- Pictures, videos, news and promotions
- Links to websites, social media and booking systems
A well-maintained entry means:
- You will Better found locally
- You build trust about reviews and pictures on
- You can communicate directly, answer questions and manage reviews
- You bring your website in the game and thus strengthen your overall online visibility
More about this: Google Help company profile
Create your company profile: This is how it works step by step
Creating a Google company profile isn't rocket science, but you shouldn't do it half-heartedly. Here is a short guide on how to get started professionally:
- Create or use a Google account
If not yet available, you can go to accounts.google.com Create a Google account, preferably with a business email. - Start profile
Go to google.com/business and click “Start Now.” - Add or claim a company
If your business is already listed, you can “claim” it. Otherwise, you can simply re-add it. - Select a category
Be as specific as possible, i.e. “tax advisor” rather than just “service provider.” - Enter address or area of operation
Fixed location or mobile offer? Both are possible. - Save contact details & website
Everything customers need to reach you or find out more. - verification
Usually by postcard, sometimes by phone or email. - Fill out the profile completely
With photos, opening hours, description, services, attributes, etc.
This information makes the difference
An incomplete profile looks unprofessional — and is rated correspondingly lower by Google. Therefore, pay particular attention to the following points:
Basic data:
- Unique name on Google, website and social media
- Exact address or clearly defined catchment area
- Phone number and website URL
Description and categories:
- Who are you, what do you do and for whom?
- Select a main category and up to nine additional ones
Pictures & media:
- Logo, cover photo, interior and exterior photos, team photos
- Even short videos look authentic
Offers & services:
- Products or services with a description and, if possible, the price
Additional features:
- Reply to reviews
- Clarify customer questions publicly (Q&A)
- Activate chat feature
- Attributes such as “barrier-free”, “WiFi available”, “online appointment possible”
Reviews: The underrated SEO gold
Many companies hope for good reviews — but do little about it. But it is very simple:
- Please actively submit a review, e.g. via link or QR code
- Respond to every review, especially critical
- Report unfair or inappropriate reviews (goes directly to your profile)
Example of a good response to praise:
“Thanks for the great feedback! It's great that everything worked out. ”
In case of negative criticism:
“We're sorry that you were dissatisfied. Let's sort this out right away, we can be reached at...”
“Anyone who takes reviews seriously not only shows quality, but also improves their visibility at the same time. ”
Visible in local search: How to get into the Local Pack
What determines whether you appear in the top 3 entries on the Google map?
Google rates, among other things:
- How relevant Your search query entry is
- How proximal You are at the location of the searchers
- How prominently your company appears (activity, reviews, etc.)
What you can do specifically:
- Fill out the profile completely (without placeholders or empty fields)
Add local keywords to the description - Upload new photos regularly
- Use Google posts (e.g. offers, events, promotions)
- Actively manage reviews
- Maintain questions and answers
- Add attribute information
- Ensure consistency of NAP data across websites and platforms
Read in detail at next-kmu.de
Use insights: What really works?
Google shows you directly in your company profile how many people have found you using specific search terms, how often they clicked on your website, your phone number, or the route planner.
This data is worth its weight in gold. You see:
- What works and what doesn't
- Which offers arouse the most interest
- Where you can resharpen specifically
Typical pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Company names with keywords stuffing (“Friseur Wien günstig schnell”)
- Don't keep opening hours up to date
- Leave the description careless or empty
- No response to reviews
- Website, social media and Google profile show different data
My vision of things
If you own a local business and don't have a Google business profile, then it's time. It's easy, free, and has tremendous leverage when it comes to visibility, trust, and customer access.
I see it again and again in projects: If you maintain your Google listing well, you will not only be found more often, but you will also be contacted more often. And that is exactly what you want.
If you already have your profile, take a look at it from a distance: Would you contact yourself? If you start thinking about it, then you know what to do.
