Blog Layout

Common mistakes made by businesses on their Google Business Profiles

September 7, 2023

Common mistakes made by businesses on their Google Business Profiles


In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. And when it comes to showcasing their brand and attracting customers, Google Business Profiles have emerged as an essential tool. However, despite its potential to drive traffic and boost visibility, many businesses unwittingly make some common mistakes that hinder their success on this platform. From incomplete or outdated information to neglecting customer reviews, these errors can have a significant impact on not only how customers perceive the business but also its search engine rankings. In this article, we will explore some of the most frequent missteps made by businesses on their Google Business Profiles and provide valuable insights into how they can be avoided for greater online success.



woman on phone giving business review

The importance of Google Business Profiles


Google Business Profiles have become a crucial tool for businesses in today's digital landscape. Not only do they provide valuable information about your business, such as contact details and opening hours, but they also play an instrumental role in boosting your online visibility. With more and more consumers relying on search engines like Google to find businesses, having an optimised Google Business Profile is essential.


One of the key benefits of having a Google Business Profile is the increased credibility it brings to your business. When potential customers search for products or services related to your industry, having a well-maintained profile signals that you are a legitimate and trustworthy business. This can significantly impact their decision-making process, making it more likely for them to choose you over competitors without a comprehensive presence on Google. Therefore, neglecting or underestimating the importance of optimising your Google Business Profile can result in missed opportunities and potential loss of customers.

Cartoon image of people putting computers together like jigsaws

The benefits of Google Business Profiles


Utilising all the features available on a Google Business Profile can greatly enhance customer engagement with your brand. From posting updates and offers to responding promptly to reviews and questions from users, these interactions not only demonstrate excellent customer service but also build trust and loyalty among current and prospective customers. By actively engaging with customers through this platform, you create an opportunity to showcase your expertise in the field while solidifying relationships with the individuals who drive success for any business – its customers.

  • Incomplete or inaccurate business information

    Incomplete or inaccurate business information can be a major setback for any company. In today's digital age, potential customers rely heavily on online platforms to find businesses and make informed decisions. When a business fails to provide complete and accurate information on their Google Business Profile, they risk losing out on valuable opportunities.


    A common mistake is not updating contact details regularly. If a customer finds an outdated phone number or address, it creates frustration and confusion, leading them to look elsewhere. Inaccurate information can also result in lost business as customers may end up at the wrong location or contact the wrong number.


    Additionally, incomplete profiles can leave potential customers feeling uncertain about a business's offerings. When important details like operating hours or services are missing, it creates doubt in the minds of consumers who crave transparency and convenience.


    Businesses need to prioritise keeping their online profiles up-to-date with accurate information such as contact details, opening hours, addresses, product catalogues, and more. By doing so, they improve their chances of attracting new customers while also fostering trust among existing ones. 

  • Ignoring customer reviews and ratings

    Ignoring customer reviews and ratings can be a grave mistake for businesses on their Google Business Profiles. Reviews and ratings serve as essential sources of feedback and insights about the customers' experiences with the products or services offered by the business. By disregarding these valuable inputs, businesses not only miss out on potential opportunities for improvement but also risk damaging their brand reputation.


    Customer reviews and ratings are crucial for building trust and credibility among potential customers. In today's digital age, consumer opinions hold significant weight, with many individuals relying on online reviews before making a purchasing decision. Ignoring these reviews sends a message to customers that their voices do not matter, which can lead to a decline in customer loyalty and a negative perception of the business.


    Furthermore, customer feedback provides invaluable information about what is working well for the business and what areas need improvement. By ignoring this feedback, businesses could be missing out on valuable insights that could help them enhance their products or services. Businesses should embrace customer reviews as an opportunity for growth rather than viewing them as mere complaints or inconveniences.


    Businesses must not make the mistake of ignoring customer reviews and ratings on their Google Business Profiles. These reviews serve as vital assets in improving brand reputation, building trust with potential customers, and identifying areas for growth within the business. Embracing this feedback can play an integral role in ensuring long-term success in today's highly competitive market. 

  • Lack of photos and visual content

    One common mistake that many businesses make on their Google Business Profiles is the lack of photos and visual content. In today's digital age, where people are increasingly relying on visuals to make decisions, not having enough photos can be a major turnoff for potential customers. Visual content helps to grab attention, showcase products or services, and create a lasting impression. Without this crucial element, businesses risk appearing unprofessional or even non-existent in an online world that heavily relies on imagery.


    Moreover, the absence of visual content can also hinder a business's ability to establish credibility and trust with its audience. Customers want proof of what they are getting before making a purchase or visiting a physical location. By providing high-quality images of products, services, and the company itself, businesses can give potential customers more confidence in their offerings. A picture truly is worth a thousand words - it allows viewers to visualise the experience they could have with the business and creates an emotional connection that goes beyond mere descriptions or reviews.


    To overcome this lack of visual content, businesses should prioritise capturing professional photographs that accurately represent their brand identity and offerings. Investing in professional photography will pay off by enhancing their online presence and attracting more customers. Additionally, encouraging satisfied customers to share their own pictures or videos on social media platforms can also provide valuable user-generated content that further authenticates the business's reputation.

  • Failure to respond to customer inquiries

    Failure to respond to customer inquiries is one of the biggest mistakes businesses can make on their Google Business Profiles. In today's digital age, customers expect prompt and efficient communication, and failing to respond in a timely manner can have a detrimental impact on a business's reputation. Not only does it reflect poorly on the company's customer service, but it also sends a message that the business is uninterested or unresponsive to its customers' needs.


    Furthermore, ignoring customer inquiries can result in missed opportunities for both sales and customer retention. When potential customers reach out with questions or concerns, they are often actively seeking information about the product or service offered. By not responding promptly and effectively, businesses risk losing these potential customers to competitors who prioritise communication. Additionally, existing customers may become frustrated and take their business elsewhere if their inquiries go unanswered. Ultimately, failure to respond can lead to lost revenue and a tarnished brand image.


    To avoid this mistake, businesses should prioritise monitoring their Google Business Profiles regularly and implementing systems for timely responses. Allocating dedicated resources or team members specifically tasked with handling inquiries can help ensure that no messages slip through the cracks. Furthermore, using automation tools like chatbots or email templates for common queries can streamline response time while still providing personalised assistance. By demonstrating responsiveness and attentiveness to customer inquiries on their Google Business Profiles, businesses can foster trust among consumers and improve overall customer satisfaction levels. 

  • Inconsistent branding across online platforms

    Inconsistent branding across online platforms is a common mistake made by businesses that can have a significant impact on their overall image and reputation. With the proliferation of social media channels, review sites, and online directories, it is imperative for businesses to maintain consistent branding across all these platforms. However, many companies fail to do so, leading to confusion among consumers and potential customers.


    When a business has inconsistent branding across various online platforms, it can undermine its credibility and professionalism. Customers may question the legitimacy of the business or feel uncertain about its reliability. Moreover, inconsistent branding can lead to mixed messages being conveyed to different target audiences. For example, if a company's website boasts sleek design and modern aesthetics while its social media profiles are outdated and lackluster in comparison, this inconsistency can leave customers feeling confused about what the business truly represents.


    Not only does inconsistent branding impact customer perception but it also hinders brand recognition and awareness. A strong brand relies on consistency in visual elements such as logo design, color scheme, typography style, and tone of voice used in marketing materials. When these elements don't align across online platforms, it becomes difficult for customers to connect with the brand on an emotional level. Building trust requires consistency both in messaging as well as aesthetics - ensuring that consumers see familiar visual cues at every touchpoint reinforces brand identity which ultimately helps drive engagement and loyalty.

person writing on laptop

Conclusion: Key takeaways for optimising Google Business Profiles


In conclusion, optimising your Google Business Profile is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. By avoiding the common mistakes discussed earlier, you can ensure that your profile is fully optimised to increase visibility and engagement. One key takeaway is the importance of regularly updating information such as business hours, contact details, and photos. This not only helps potential customers find accurate information but also demonstrates that your business is active and reliable.


Another key takeaway is the value of customer reviews. Positive reviews can significantly impact a consumer's decision-making process, so actively encouraging satisfied customers to leave feedback on your Google Business Profile can greatly benefit your reputation. Additionally, promptly responding to both positive and negative reviews shows that you value customer feedback and are proactive in resolving any issues.


By taking these steps to optimise your Google Business Profile, you can enhance your online presence and boost customer trust in your business. Regularly monitoring analytics provided by Google My Business allows you to evaluate performance metrics such as clicks, views, and call actions. This data provides valuable insights into how users interact with your profile so that you can continually refine and improve it for maximum effectiveness.


Want help? Contact a member of the H10 team today.

a close up of an orange background with triangles on it .
  1. FREE GUIDE

    Download our free 40 page guide to getting more business
  2. ASK A QUESTION

    Ask us anything, we'd love to help. Just get in touch with us
  3. OUR WORK

    A selection of work we have completed for various clients
A person is typing on a laptop computer with graphs on the screen.
By H10 Marketing SEO February 10, 2025
More traffic doesn’t guarantee more sales. Learn why improving conversion first increases leads, revenue, and engagement—without extra marketing costs.
By Rosie Hawkins January 21, 2025
The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Strategic Marketing: Unleash Your Business's Full Potential!
A group of people are sitting around a wooden table.
January 20, 2025
How Can You Ensure Your Business Activities Deliver Results?
By Jack Hair January 14, 2025
Mastering the Art of Social Media: Unlock Your Potential through Expert Training
By H10 Marketing SEO January 7, 2025
Unlocking the Future: Mastering Instagram Metrics in 2025 for Explosive Growth
There is a lot of christmas decorations on a blue background.
By Rosie Hawkins December 10, 2024
Unwrap Success: Effective Christmas Marketing Strategies to Boost Your Sales
By Jack Challis November 19, 2024
The Ultimate Guide to Enhancing Your E-commerce Experience: Unleashing the Secrets to Boost Sales and Delight Customers
By Jack Hair November 12, 2024
The Art of Crafting Captivating Website Content: A Guide to Engaging Your Audience Online
By Mike Hawkins November 5, 2024
10 Proven Strategies to Skyrocket Your Website Traffic
By Rosie Hawkins October 29, 2024
The Power of Social Media Marketing: How to Boost Your Digital Presence
More Posts
Share by: