You’ve filled in your business name, slapped on your address, and maybe even added a couple of photos to your Google Business Profile (GBP). That’s it, right? Now you’re just waiting for the customers to flood in.
Not quite.
Sure, the basics are crucial, but if you’re stopping there, you’re missing out on some seriously powerful features. Google Business Profile has a treasure trove of tools that can not only help you rank higher but also convert better—but only if you know where to find them.
Let’s walk through five GBP elements you might not know about but absolutely need to start using, like, yesterday.
1. Services & Products: Sell Without Saying a Word
This one’s a no-brainer, but so many businesses still overlook it. Services and Products let you give Google—and your potential customers—an insider look at what you actually offer. Think of it like your storefront’s mini menu.
This section allows you to list your products or services along with descriptions, pricing, and even photos. Why does this matter? Because customers like details. They want to know exactly what you offer before they even consider picking up the phone or stopping by.
As Claire Carlile put it in her talk at Brighton SEO, “The more detailed your GBP is, the better Google understands your business—and the more likely it is to show you to the right people.”
2. Google Posts: Your Free Ad Space
You’re already putting time and money into social media posts, but did you know that Google Posts work like free advertising right on your profile? Whether it’s promoting an event, a sale, or a blog post, Google Posts give you prime real estate on your business profile to connect with customers.
Google Posts only last for seven days, but the good news? You can keep adding them! Keep your profile fresh by regularly updating your posts. Bonus tip: including keywords that customers are searching for locally in your posts can help boost your SEO.
3. Q&A Section: Your Crowdsourced FAQ
Here’s one for the control freaks: did you know you can ask and answer your own questions on your GBP’s Q&A section? Most business owners let this feature fly under the radar, leaving it up to random customers to fill in the blanks.
But if you’re not jumping in here, you’re missing a golden opportunity. By proactively asking (and answering) key questions, you can direct the narrative. Whether it’s hours of operation, parking details, or return policies, use this space to address FAQs that will help your potential customers choose you over the competition.
4. Bookings: Make It Easy for Customers to Take Action
Did you know Google Business Profile allows you to integrate booking buttons directly into your profile? Yep, you can turn your profile into a direct conversion machine. For industries like salons, gyms, or even consultants, this feature is a game-changer.
“Think about it,” says Claire Carlile, “You’re reducing friction for your customers. The fewer steps they have to take to book or schedule an appointment, the more likely they are to actually do it.”
Setting it up is easy. All you need to do is connect to one of Google’s booking partners, and suddenly your customers can schedule appointments straight from your GBP.
5. Messaging: Get Direct Leads in Real-Time
This one’s a gem. If you haven’t turned on Google Messaging, you’re missing out on direct leads, period. Messaging allows potential customers to send you questions in real-time directly from your profile. It’s like having live chat for your business without needing fancy software.
The best part? It works seamlessly through your Google Maps listing and Search, meaning customers don’t have to hunt for your contact info—they can just tap the message button and get immediate answers.
It’s a fast, simple way to connect with leads, and it’s been shown to increase conversions for businesses that activate it.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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