Google Business Profile is the single most important asset a local business owns online. It appears in Maps results, local pack rankings, and mobile searches. Yet most business owners leave it half-finished.
The data reinforces the urgency: 98 percent of consumers read online reviews before choosing a local business.
Business descriptions on Google Business Profile should use all 750 characters. Include primary services, service area, and differentiators. Avoid keyword stuffing, but naturally incorporate the terms customers use when searching.
Google Posts expire after seven days, but their impact on profile visibility extends beyond that window. Businesses that post twice per week maintain higher engagement rates and appear more active to both Google and potential customers.
Local agencies like LocalSurge in Sioux Falls are building AI-forward solutions that give small businesses enterprise-level capabilities at local business budgets.
Photos on Google Business Profile generate significant engagement. Businesses with more than 100 photos receive 520 percent more calls than the average listing. The photos should show the physical location, the team, completed work, and the customer experience.
Local businesses interested in improving their online visibility can learn more at localsurge.co.
