Avoid These 5 Google Business Profile Mistakes That Hurt Your Visibility

Hey there, small business superstar! If you’re a service-based business in Montgomery County, Texas—whether you’re in Conroe, Willis, Magnolia, or any of our other cozy corners—you’ve definitely heard about Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). It’s a free tool that can make your business easier to find online, and let’s face it, we ALL want to be found, right?

But hold up—before you pat yourself on the back for claiming your profile, let’s make sure you’re not making any rookie mistakes that could hurt your local SEO. These mistakes are common, but the good news is that they’re easy to fix! 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through five of the most common Google Business Profile mistakes and how to fix them to help your business thrive right here in Montgomery County.

Google Business Profile Mistake #1 – Missing or Outdated Information

So, you set up your Google Business Profile, but then… you left it half-done. Oops! Incomplete or outdated info is a big no-no. When potential customers search for your services by typing something like “affordable landscaper near me” or “best plumber in Conroe” into Google, If they scroll past the well-optimized profiles and happen to land on yours, an incomplete or outdated listing could make them move on to a competitor with more accurate, up-to-date information.

What to do:

• Double-check that your business name, address, phone number (NAP), and website are spot-on and consistent across all platforms.
• Update your hours—if you’re closing early on a Friday for happy hour, make sure Google knows.

Keeping your profile complete and current is more than just an update; it’s an optimization strategy. Google uses the information you provide to better understand your business and match it with the right searches. An optimized profile builds trust with Google and with your potential customers. The more accurate and detailed your profile is, the more likely it is that Google will rank you higher in local search results.

And here’s the kicker: Google loves accuracy. When Google trusts that your profile is fully optimized with up-to-date information, you’ll increase your chances of ranking higher in search results and appearing in the local pack (those three businesses that show up at the top of the Google Search Results Page). This helps you get noticed by people actively looking for your services.

So, take a few minutes to optimize your profile—your future customers (and Google) will thank you!

Google Business Profile Mistake #2 – Ignoring Reviews

You probably check reviews when you’re about to buy something, right? Well, so do your future customers. Reviews can make or break you. Ignoring them, or worse, firing back with snarky comments, is a fast way to kill your credibility.

What to do:

• Respond to reviews, even the negative ones. Acknowledge the issue, offer a solution, and keep it classy.
• Encourage your satisfied customers to leave glowing reviews. Just make sure it’s a genuine ask (no buying reviews, please).
• If you get a bad review, take a deep breath. Respond with grace, resolve the problem, and show future customers that you care.

Google really likes businesses with good reviews, and so do customers! If your profile is filled with positive, well-handled feedback, you’ll climb higher in search results. Plus, when you reply thoughtfully, it shows you’re not just a business owner—you’re a person who genuinely cares about your customers. 

Google Business Profile Mistake #3 – Not Adding Photos or Videos 

Picture this: You’re scrolling through Google searching for a reliable home remodeling service, and you come across a business profile with zero photos. Yawn. I mean, how are we supposed to know if you’re the real deal without seeing some before-and-after shots of your remodeling projects that can showcase your expertise and build trust.Or better yet, a picture of you and your team smiling like you actually enjoy what you do?

What to do:

• Upload photos of your business in action! Whether it’s your crew working hard or your store looking all shiny and welcoming, add those images.
• Get personal: customers want to see you—not just your services. Photos of your staff or happy customers (with permission!) can help make your profile more engaging.
• Don’t forget about video! If you’ve got something cool to show off, like a product demo or a time-lapse of a project, add it!

Photos are a major ranking factor in Google’s algorithm. Plus, humans are visual creatures—pictures build trust and make your profile more likely to get clicked. A Google Business Profile with photos gets 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites than profiles without them. It’s kind of like adding extra sprinkles to your donut. It just looks better.

Google Business Profile Mistake #4 – Forgetting to Utilize Google Posts

Did you know you can post updates, offers, and events directly to your Google Business Profile? Yup, Google gives you the chance to add posts just like on social media. If you’re not taking advantage of this feature, you’re missing out on a major opportunity to engage with your customers.

What to do:

• Post about promotions, upcoming events, or anything special going on in your business. If you’ll be at a holiday market in Magnolia, Google should know! 
• Use local keywords—like “Looking for a plumber in Willis? We’ve got you covered!”—to boost your SEO.
• Keep it fresh! Google loves when your profile is updated regularly, so aim to post at least once a month. 

Google loves fresh content, and so do your customers! By posting regularly, you’ll show up more in local search results and keep your audience in the loop. Think of Google Posts as your mini billboard that only costs you time (and maybe a little creativity!). 

Google Business Profile Mistake #5 – Choosing the Wrong Categories 

Google Business Profile lets you choose a primary category for your business, and it’s super important for local SEO. It helps Google understand what you do and match you with the right searches. If you pick a category that’s too broad or unrelated to your business, Google might not know how to rank you properly.

What to do:

• Pick the most specific category you can. For example, if you’re a mobile pet groomer, choose “Mobile Pet Grooming” rather than something vague like “Pet Services.”
• You can add additional categories to cover more ground (e.g., “Lawn Care” + “Landscaping Design” if that’s your jam).
• Don’t forget to review your categories from time to time to make sure they’re still spot-on.

Choosing the right category is like picking the perfect playlist for your road trip—it sets the tone. The more relevant your category, the better the chances of showing up in local searches for the services you actually offer. It helps your business get discovered by the people who need you most. So, take a little time to pick the right categories and watch your visibility soar!

In Conclusion: Make Your Business Unmissable in Montgomery County

There you go! Five key mistakes to avoid to keep your Google Business Profile in tip-top shape and your local visibility shining bright in Montgomery County. It’s all about making sure your profile is complete, engaging, and easy for Google to understand. By following these tips, you’ll be climbing the search rankings in no time and attracting more local customers.

Need help optimizing your Google Business Profile or getting started with local SEO? We’ve got your back! At Trulove Webworks, we’re all about helping small businesses like yours stand out in the digital world. Plus, all optimizations and ongoing updates are part of our SEO package to keep your online presence fresh and effective. Reach out to us today, and let’s make sure your business is shining bright in search results. 

Happy optimizing, and we’ll see you in the search rankings!