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7 GBP Mistakes That Are Costing You Customers (And How to Fix Them)

oogle Business Profile mistakes

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first thing potential customers see about your business. But if it’s not managed correctly, it could be quietly costing you leads, reviews — and revenue.

Here are 7 common GBP mistakes local businesses make — and what to do instead:

  1. Incomplete Business Information

The Problem: Missing hours, services, or outdated phone numbers cause customers to skip your listing.

The Fix: Fill out every field accurately and keep it updated regularly — including holiday hours.

  1. Wrong Business Categories

The Problem: Choosing the wrong category hurts your chances of ranking for the right searches.

The Fix: Use the most specific category that matches your primary service. Secondary categories help too.

  1.  Ignoring Reviews

The Problem: No responses to customer reviews (good or bad) = missed trust signals.

The Fix: Respond to every review professionally. Thank happy clients and calmly address concerns.

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first thing potential customers see about your business. But if it’s not managed correctly, it could be quietly costing you leads, reviews — and revenue.
  1. Poor or No Photos

The Problem: Low-quality or missing images make your business look less credible.

The Fix: Upload high-quality, geo-tagged photos of your location, team, and services.

  1.  No Posts or Updates

The Problem: An inactive profile looks neglected — and Google notices.

The Fix: Post updates weekly. Share offers, events, tips, and news.

  1. Ignoring Q&A Section

The Problem: Unanswered questions may lead to confusion or lost business.

The Fix: Proactively ask and answer common questions in your profile.

  1. Not Monitoring Changes or Suspensions

The Problem: Google (or others) may edit your listing or suspend it without notice.

The Fix: Use a monitoring tool or agency to track edits and resolve issues fast.

Final Tip:

Fixing these mistakes can dramatically boost your profile’s visibility and credibility — and that means more calls, visits, and sales.

Want help avoiding these pitfalls? Sproudt’s GBP Management Service is built to handle everything for you.

👉 See Our Management Plans