7 Google profile mistakes that stop customers finding you

Google says local results depend on three things: how well a profile matches what someone is looking for, how close you are to them, and how well-known your business is. You can’t change the distance, but you can work on the other two. First of all: your profile has to be verified, or you can’t edit it.

1. The wrong or a too-general category

Your primary category tells Google what you do. Pick the most specific one available, for example “Hair salon” rather than “Beauty salon” if you only do hair. Add your other services as additional categories.

2. The profile doesn’t link to your site, or links to the wrong page

Without a website link, people who want more information have nowhere to go. If the link lands on a home page without even a phone number, you’ve lost them. Link to a page with a clear way to get in touch.

3. Wrong opening hours

Nothing breaks trust faster than a locked door when Google says you’re open. Add special hours for public holidays and time off too.

4. Name, address and phone don’t match

If your profile shows one number, your website another and Facebook a third, both people and Google get confused. Write your business name, address and phone exactly the same way everywhere.

5. No photos, or old ones

Google recommends photos and videos because they show customers what you offer. Add real photos of your space, your team and your work, and refresh them now and then.

6. Reviews without replies

Google recommends replying to reviews. Reply to every one, good and bad, briefly and politely. Customers read your replies, not just the reviews.

7. An empty description and services

The description and services are where you say, in your own words, what you do and where. Write them the way a customer would search for you: “haircuts and colouring, Trešnjevka, Zagreb”, not “premium tailored service”.

Quick check

• The profile is verified.
• The primary category is as specific as possible.
• The link goes to a page with a phone number or a form.
• Opening hours are correct, including holidays.
• Name, address and phone are the same everywhere.
• There are real photos from the last few months.
• Every review has a reply.
• The description and services use the words customers search with.