This is rarely stated clearly.
Many agencies sell Google Ads first. Yet many companies are not even aware that Google has already created a free Google Business Profile for virtually every business.
This Google Business Profile belongs to the business owner. Not the agency.
You can manage and publish the following yourself:
- Opening hours
- Website
- Services
- Photos
- Posts
- Location
- Contact information
All of this appears directly in Google Search. Free of charge.
Facts from practice:
A well-maintained Google Business Profile measurably improves local visibility. Studies show up to 70% more clicks for fully completed profiles. Businesses with regular posts achieve approximately 2x more interactions on average than profiles without updates.
Additionally, an active profile has a positive impact on local ranking. Google evaluates currency, completeness, and user interactions.
In short:
Before investing money in ads, first set up and maintain your own Google Business Profile properly.
- Once maintained, it works permanently.
- Without media budget.
- Directly in search.
How to find and maintain your Google Business Profile:
1. Enter your company in Google Search
Company name + location is sufficient. In most cases, the business profile already appears on the right or above the results.
2. Claim your profile
If not yet claimed: Click on “Claim this business listing” and complete the verification (usually via email, SMS, or postcard).
3. Edit directly in search after logging in
After successfully logging in to Google, you can maintain your profile directly via the normal Google Search. Simply search for your own company again, and the management functions will appear.
Maintenance points with impact:
- Keep opening hours current
- Link website correctly
- Record services accurately
- Upload your own photos (interior, exterior, team, products)
- Publish posts regularly
- Formulate description clearly with relevant search terms
- Keep contact details consistent
- Respond to reviews
Practical value:
Profiles with complete information, current images, and regular posts demonstrably receive significantly more clicks. Interactions often double compared to inactive profiles. At the same time, local visibility improves because Google directly incorporates currency and activity into ranking.
Summary:
Search for company. Claim profile. Maintain data. Update content.
