When it comes to building an online presence for your local business, many small business owners make a costly mistake: they invest tens of thousands of dollars in a website without addressing other critical areas first. While a well-designed website is important, it’s not always the first thing potential customers will see. In today’s digital landscape, your Google Business Profile (GBP) often plays a bigger role in attracting local clients.
Why Your Google Business Profile Should Come First
A common scenario we see is businesses spending $10,000, $20,000, or even $30,000 on a website, leaving little budget for anything else. While a good website is an excellent companion to your business, the truth is that most people’s first introduction to your company won’t come from your website. Instead, they’ll likely find you through a Google search or by checking out your Google Business Profile — which you can set up for free.
First Impressions Start with Local Search
When someone searches for a local service like a plumber, roofer, or physical therapist, the first thing they see is the Google Maps section at the top of the results page. They’ll immediately look at your business name, reviews, and star rating.
If your profile is incomplete, outdated, or poorly maintained, you risk losing that potential customer. On the other hand, an optimized profile with accurate information, recent posts, and professional images makes a strong first impression.
The Power of Online Reviews
Online reviews are more influential than ever. According to recent consumer behavior studies, over 90% of people read online reviews before hiring a professional. If your Google Business Profile lacks reviews—or worse, has low ratings—customers are likely to skip over your business and choose a competitor with a stronger reputation.
Is Your Google Business Profile Fully Optimized?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Are your business hours accurate?
- Do you have the correct business category and are all your services listed?
- Do you have professional, engaging images?
- Are you posting updates regularly?
- Are you collecting reviews consistently?
The difference between a profile that’s actively managed and one that hasn’t been updated in years is massive. Customers want to see activity. A business that posted three days ago appears far more engaged than one whose last post was six years ago.
Optimize Your Profile Before Investing in a Website
Before you spend big money on a website, make sure your Google Business Profile is in top shape. Here are a few actionable tips from Honest Oak:
- Keep your business information up to date.
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews.
- Upload high-quality images that showcase your team and services.
- Post regularly to demonstrate that your business is active and thriving.
- If you need help, ask. We offer an a la carte Google Business Profile optimization service as do a handful of other SEO companies.
Once your profile is optimized, you can confidently invest in a professional website that supports and enhances your local presence—without draining your entire marketing budget. A great site should complement your local SEO strategy, not compete with it.
