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:
- 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The Problem: Missing hours, services, or outdated phone numbers cause customers to skip your listing.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.
- 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.
- 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.
Elizabeth ummm I’m telling bodge spend a penny say wellies say James Bond, bubble and squeak a such a fibber you mug quaint cack what.!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.