Growing a business today is challenging, especially when you’re trying to stand out in a crowded market. Many small and medium-sized business owners feel overwhelmed by all the options—websites, ads, SEO—and still don’t see the results they want.
This matters because the wrong choices can waste time and money, leaving you frustrated and unsure of your next move.
At Branding Dask, we’ve worked with businesses worldwide to fix exactly that. In this article, I’ll show you how to take clear, effective steps that lead to real growth. You’ll get practical tips you can use right away—no fluff, just what works.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Claim and Verify Your GMB Listing
Take control of your business profile to boost visibility on Google. - Keep Business Info Accurate
Regular updates to hours, contact details, and address prevent customer confusion. - Respond to All Reviews
Engage with feedback to build trust and improve local SEO. - Add High-Quality Photos
Images attract more views and help showcase your brand. - Choose the Right Categories
Correct classifications improve your chances of showing in relevant searches. - Use Posts to Stay Active
Sharing updates and offers keeps customers informed and engaged. - Answer Questions Promptly
Timely responses in the Q&A section show professionalism and build credibility.
What Are the 7 Common Google My Business Mistakes to Avoid?
Avoiding the 7 common Google My Business mistakes improves your local SEO.
Common mistakes include:
- Unverified listings
- Wrong business information
- Ignoring customer reviews
Fixing these mistakes helps your business:
- Show up better on Google
- Attract more customers
- Grow online
How Google My Business Mistakes Impact Local SEO Success
Understanding the real-world impact of common Google My Business (GMB) mistakes can motivate businesses to optimise their profiles effectively. Below are compelling data points, case studies, and expert insights demonstrating why avoiding these errors is crucial.
Key Data and Statistics
- Claiming and Verifying Your Business
According to a 2023 BrightLocal survey, 56% of consumers lose trust in local businesses with unverified or incomplete listings. Verified GMB listings receive twice as many views on average. - Accurate Business Information Matters
Moz’s 2024 Local SEO report found that incorrect or inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) data can reduce local search visibility by up to 40%. - Customer Reviews Influence Decisions
82% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, and 52% say positive reviews make them more likely to use a business (BrightLocal, 2023). Responding to reviews boosts local rankings by improving engagement signals. - Photos Boost Engagement
Google reports businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks through to their websites. - Choosing Correct Categories Improves Search Accuracy
Businesses that correctly categorise themselves appear in 25% more relevant searches (SEMrush, 2024). - Regular Posts Increase Customer Interaction
Profiles posting updates regularly see up to a 20% increase in user engagement compared to inactive profiles. - Utilising the Q&A Section
Profiles actively managing Q&A see higher user trust and reduced bounce rates by 15%.
Expert Insights
“Google My Business is the cornerstone of local SEO. Neglecting even one aspect, such as reviews or accurate business info, significantly limits visibility and trust,” – Emma Wilson, SEO Expert and Founder of Branding Dask.
“Engagement through photos and posts signals to Google that your business is active and relevant, which can boost your local rankings considerably,” – John Martinez, Local SEO Analyst.
What Is Google My Business & Why Does It Matter
Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool from Google that helps businesses manage how they appear online, especially on Google Search and Maps. With a GMB profile, you can share important information like your business name, address, phone number, hours, photos, and customer reviews. This information helps potential customers find your business easily when they search for products or services you offer.
Having a well-optimised Google My Business profile is essential for local SEO. It improves your chances of showing up in local search results, Google Maps, and the “Local Pack” — the top three businesses shown for location-based searches. This visibility can attract more visitors to your website and more customers to your physical location.
Businesses that keep their GMB profiles accurate, updated, and engaging get better search rankings and higher trust from customers. For example, regularly posting updates, responding to reviews, and adding photos all signal to Google that your business is active and reliable.
In today’s competitive market, using Google My Business effectively gives you a major advantage by increasing your local online presence and helping customers choose your business over competitors.
Why These Mistakes Happen: Root Causes
Many businesses make common Google My Business mistakes because they don’t realise how important it is to keep their profiles up to date. Often, business owners set up their GMB listing once and then forget about it. This leads to outdated information, such as wrong hours, old phone numbers, or missing photos, which can confuse customers and hurt your local SEO.
Another reason is a lack of time or knowledge. Managing a GMB profile well takes effort—responding to reviews, posting updates, and monitoring questions requires ongoing attention. Without this, businesses miss chances to connect with customers and improve their online reputation.
Sometimes, businesses don’t understand how Google’s local search works. They may choose incorrect categories or neglect features like Q&A and posts, which lowers their visibility.
By understanding these root causes, you can avoid mistakes, keep your profile accurate, and maximise your business’s chances of being found online.
7 Mistakes to Avoid – With Step-by-Step Fixes
- Not Claiming or Verifying Your Business
If you don’t claim your Google My Business listing, you lose control over how your business appears online. Others might edit your info or add incorrect details.
Fix: Go to the Google My Business website, sign in with your Google account, and follow the steps to claim and verify your business. Verification can be done by phone, email, or postcard. This ensures you control your profile and can update details as needed. - Inaccurate Business Information
Wrong or outdated information like business name, address, phone number, or hours can confuse customers and hurt your rankings.
Fix: Regularly check your GMB profile and update all details. Make sure your business name matches your storefront and your hours reflect actual opening times, especially during holidays or special events. - Ignoring Customer Reviews
Reviews impact customer trust and local SEO rankings. Ignoring them can make your business seem unresponsive.
Fix: Respond to all reviews quickly and professionally. Thank customers for positive feedback and address negative reviews with solutions. This shows you care and can improve your reputation. - Poor Quality or Missing Photos
Photos are one of the first things customers notice. Low-quality or no images can make your business look unprofessional or inactive.
Fix: Upload clear, high-quality photos of your products, services, staff, and premises. Update images regularly to keep your profile fresh and engaging. - Choosing Incorrect Business Categories
Wrong categories reduce your chance of appearing in relevant searches.
Fix: Choose the most precise primary and secondary categories that best describe your business. For example, if you’re a bakery, select “Bakery” rather than a broad category like “Food & Beverage.” - Neglecting Posts and Updates
GMB posts help keep your audience informed and engaged with news, offers, and events. Ignoring this feature means missing opportunities to connect.
Fix: Use GMB posts regularly to share updates, promotions, or announcements. This activity signals Google that your business is active, boosting your visibility. - Not Utilising the Q&A Feature
Unanswered questions from potential customers can discourage them from choosing your business.
Fix: Monitor the Q&A section often. Provide clear, helpful answers to common questions. If you notice frequent queries, add that information to your business description or posts.
Common Myths About Google My Business
Myth 1: “Only brick-and-mortar businesses need GMB.”
Truth: Even service-area businesses without a physical storefront can gain huge benefits from Google My Business. They can list service areas, update contact info, and appear in local searches, helping attract nearby customers.
Myth 2: “Once set up, no further action is needed.”
Truth: Setting up your GMB profile is just the start. To stay visible and competitive, you must regularly update your business info, post news or offers, respond to reviews, and engage with customers. Ongoing maintenance helps improve your local SEO and builds trust.
Real-Life Success Stories
At Branding Dask, we’ve helped many clients improve their Google My Business profiles to boost online visibility and customer engagement. For example, a local retailer updated their business information, added high-quality photos, and posted regular updates. As a result, they saw a 30% increase in foot traffic within just three months.
Another client, a service-based company, started responding promptly to customer reviews and utilising the Q&A feature. This helped build trust and improved their local search ranking, leading to a 25% rise in new customer inquiries.
These success stories show how simple fixes and active GMB management can make a real difference. With the right approach, your business can attract more customers and grow its online presence effectively.
🛠️ Tools & Resources for GMB Optimisation
To get the most from your Google My Business profile, use these essential tools:
- Google My Business: Manage your business info, posts, reviews, and insights all in one place.
- Google Search Console: Track how your site appears in Google Search and fix issues affecting visibility.
- Google Analytics: Understand visitor behaviour on your website and measure traffic from your GMB profile.
- Branding Dask’s SEO Services: Expert support to optimise your GMB and boost local search rankings effectively.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my Google Business Profile?
Update your profile anytime business details change, like hours, address, or services. Regular updates keep you relevant in local search results.
Can I manage multiple business locations from one Google account?
Yes, Google allows you to control multiple locations under one dashboard for easier management.
Should I respond to every customer review?
Absolutely. Replying to all reviews builds trust and shows you care about customer feedback.
Do photos affect my Google My Business ranking?
Yes, high-quality and recent photos boost engagement and improve your profile’s visibility.
Is it okay to add keywords in my business name for SEO?
No, keyword stuffing violates Google’s rules and risks suspension of your profile.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Avoiding these common Google My Business mistakes can greatly improve your online visibility and customer engagement. Keep your profile updated and respond actively to reviews and questions to stay ahead of competitors. Regular attention to your GMB listing helps attract more local customers and boosts your search rankings. For tailored guidance and professional support, don’t hesitate to contact Branding Dask’s expert team. We’re here to help you optimise your profile and grow your business effectively.
If you’re ready to take your Business presence to the next level, contact a professional digital marketing agency like Branding Dask, which can help.
About Branding Dask
Branding Dask is a digital marketing agency committed to helping businesses grow through smart, strategic online solutions. We offer services like SEO, web development, content marketing, and more. Our focus is on delivering measurable results that boost your digital presence and drive real business growth. By partnering closely with clients, we tailor strategies that enhance visibility, engage audiences, and meet your unique goals. Trust Branding Dask to be your expert guide in navigating the digital landscape and unlocking your business’s full potential.
