The 8 mistakes on your Google Business Profile costing you customers

1. The profile isn’t yours (unclaimed)

It’s the most serious. If you’ve never claimed your profile, anyone can suggest changes to your hours or your address, or even close it, and you won’t find out. You also can’t reply to reviews or post. Claiming it is free and you do it from the profile itself.

2. The main category is wrong

Google shows you largely based on your main category. If you’re a “restaurant” when people are actually searching for “pizzeria” or “brunch”, you’re out of those searches. Pick the most specific one that describes you, and add secondary ones.

3. Out-of-date hours

A customer who turns up to a locked door doesn’t come back, and often leaves a one-star review. Update public holidays and time off well in advance.

4. Four photos from three years ago

Photos are the first thing people look at. Upload recent, real photos (no stock images): your premises, your product, your team. And keep uploading every month: Google rewards active profiles.

5. Empty services and products

This is text Google reads to decide which searches you appear in. Fill it in with the words your customers use, not your trade’s jargon.

6. Unanswered reviews

It’s a sign of a neglected business, to Google and to anyone reading. Answer them all, even if it’s just two lines.

7. No link for bookings, orders or WhatsApp

Every extra step loses people. If customers can book or order, let them do it from the profile in one click.

8. A generic description

“A company dedicated to offering the best service” says nothing. Say what you do, who for and in what area, in normal sentences.

Questions

How do I know if my Google Business Profile is claimed?

Search for your business on Google. If you see “Own this business?” or “Claim this business”, it isn’t claimed. If you’re the verified owner, you’ll see the editing options and statistics.

How many photos should my Google Business Profile have?

There’s no official minimum, but with fewer than 10-15 photos your profile looks abandoned next to your competitors’. What matters is that they’re real and recent, and that you keep adding more every month.

Can changing my profile’s category hurt me?

Changing to the right category usually improves your visibility, although there can be a small readjustment in the first few days. What does hurt is piling up categories that don’t apply to you.