Google Business Profile: why it matters more than you think
Google Business Profile is the key to local searches. Map presence, reviews, photos, opening hours — all in one place, for free.
Many business owners focus on the website and forget that most potential customers don't find them there first — but on the Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). It's a free Google service that surfaces your business in local searches. And it's often worth more than a mediocre website.
What exactly is a Google Business Profile?
A free Google page about your business that appears: 1) on Google Maps, 2) in Google search on the right in the 'Knowledge Panel', 3) in the local 'top 3' results (below the map).
It contains: opening hours, address, phone, website, photos, reviews, posts (a mini-blog), a Q&A section, service descriptions.
Why does the 'local 3-pack' matter?
When someone types something into search like 'dentist Szeged' or 'beauty salon Budapest district 13', Google first shows 3 businesses on the map — before the website results. Their click-through rate far exceeds that of the other results.
The 'top 3' goes to whoever has a well-filled profile, received many positive reviews, uploads fresh content, and is relevant to the search. The good news: this isn't paid — it's an organic ranking.
Reviews: the strongest building blocks of trust
A 4.7-star profile with 200 reviews brings far more than a 5-star one with 5 reviews. The quantity + relevance + freshness of reviews all matter.
How to ask for a review? After a service, send a thank-you email with a direct link to the review page. Asking within 24 hours works best. Don't ask for 5 stars — just honest feedback. 3–5 new reviews a month can come in — which over time is a serious competitive advantage.
What to use Business Profile posts for?
1–2 posts a week on the Business Profile: a new product, a promotion, an event, a link to a blog post. Google shows these in search results too.
Plus: a fresh-content signal to Google that your business is active. Inactivity pushes you into a silent disadvantage. A 5-minute weekly routine can bring more than a month's worth of marketing money.
How to get started if you're beginning now?
1. Search for your business on Google. If there's no profile yet — create one (business.google.com). If there is one but you don't manage it — take it over with verification.
2. Fill it in completely: every field, every service, photos (at least 10–15), opening hours (including separate ones for holidays).
3. Regularly ask for reviews, respond to them (both positive and negative — politely).
4. Post weekly. These four steps are the most effective local SEO a business can do.
Local SEO strategy planning
In an expert consultation we review your Google Business Profile and give concrete, prioritised recommendations on how to move up in local searches.