Google Business Profile: 9 Quick Ways WA Businesses Win

Q: How do I tell if I already have a profile?

Search your business in Google Maps. If a listing exists with your name and address, you likely have a profile. If it is unclaimed, click “Own this business?” to claim it.

Q: Why does Google keep asking me to verify?

Re-verification can happen after info changes, unusual activity, or routine quality checks. Keep details accurate and follow the guidelines.

Q: What is the difference between Google My Business and Google Business Profile?

Google My Business was the old name. It is now Google Business Profile, managed directly in Google Search and Maps.

The missed opportunity I keep seeing

This week, two or the three marketing audits that landed on my desk, didn’t have a Google Business Profile. This is more common than you would think.

If your profile is not set up and verified, you are missing one of the easiest wins in local search. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) helps you appear in local results and on Google Maps. It makes it simple for customers to find you, call you, and choose you over a competitor.

Why your Google Business Profile matters

A complete, active profile boosts visibility, builds trust, and drives action. Customers can call, message, book, or request a quote in seconds. Google also rewards effort. Consistent details, fresh posts, photos, and reviews all help you rank.

9 quick ways WA businesses win with GBP

Get verified fast
Finish verification as soon as you claim your listing. No verification means no visibility.
Pick the right categories
Choose the most accurate primary category. Add secondary categories that match your services. This improves relevance.
Fix NAP everywhere
Keep your Name, Address, and Phone the same on your website, social profiles, and directories. Consistency builds trust with Google.
Write a clear description
Explain who you help, what you do, and where you serve in WA. Use natural location terms like Bunbury, Busselton, and Perth.
Upload strong photos
Show your shopfront, team, work, and products. Add at least 10–15 quality images, then new photos each month.
Post weekly updates
Share offers, events, tips, and new work. Short, helpful posts with a call to action keep your profile active.
Ask for reviews the easy way
Use your review link. Ask after each job. Thank happy clients. Reply to every review in a calm, helpful voice.
Add services, products, and booking links
Make it simple to choose you. Add service menus, product highlights, pricing ranges, and a booking or quote link.
Check Insights and refine
Review searches, views, calls, and direction requests. Use these insights to adjust content, categories, and service areas.

How it helps your business

A well optimised profile can:

Increase foot traffic to your location
Drive more online enquiries
Strengthen your online reputation through reviews
Provide insights on how customers find you

When customers can find you on Google, they are more likely to reach out or walk through your doors.

Learn how to optimise yours

If you want a clear path, my online course shows you each step. It covers setup, categories, services, reviews, posts, and insights.

You will learn to:

Create and verify your profile
Optimise it for local SEO
Manage reviews with confidence
Use insights to attract more customers

Want help now? Book a marketing audit and get a simple action plan for your business. Prefer to DIY? Enrol in the course and follow the steps today.

Marketing Audit: Request a Marketing Audit for your Business here

Google Business Profile course: Google Business Profile Quick-Start Kit: Learn how to boost your Local SEO

Course

Google Business Profile Blueprint

Follow a simple, step by step system to set up, verify, and grow your Google Business Profile. Built for WA businesses. Already have a profile? Learn how to optimise it for best results.

Create your profile and get verified
Write a clear business description
Optimise images and collect reviews
Post “Google Updates” that convert

Enrol in the course

Take the first step today

Do not wait for a competitor to take your spot. Check if your business already has a profile. Google may have created one that needs to be claimed. If you are unsure where to start, request a marketing audit. I will show you what is missing and how to fix it.

Let us make sure your business shows up where customers are looking.

FAQ’s about Google Business Profile

What is a Google Business Profile?

It is a free listing that helps your business appear in Google Search and Maps. It shows your details, photos, reviews, and updates.

How do I access my Google Business Profile?

Go to google.com/business and sign in, or search your business name in Google and select “Manage this business”.

How do I tell if I already have a profile?

Search your business in Google Maps. If a listing exists, you likely have a profile. If it’s unclaimed, click “Own this business?” to claim it.

Is Google Business Profile free?

Yes. Creating and managing your profile is free. Google Ads are optional and separate.

Do I need Gmail to create a profile?

No. You need a Google account, which can use any email address.

How do I set up my Google Business Profile?

Create or claim your listing, choose an accurate primary category, add services, hours, phone, website and a clear description. Upload your logo and photos, then verify.

How does Google verify my business?

Verification may be by postcard, phone, email, video, or Search Console. Availability depends on your business type and trust signals.

Why does Google keep asking me to verify?

Re-verification can trigger after info changes, unusual activity, or routine quality checks. Keep details accurate and follow Google’s guidelines.

Why can’t I see my profile in search?

You may be unverified, suspended, outside the searcher’s area, or missing key info. Complete and verify your profile, add posts/photos, and ensure NAP is consistent.

What is the difference between Google My Business and Google Business Profile?

Google My Business was the old name. It’s now Google Business Profile, managed directly in Search and Maps.

How do I get my business to show up in the local pack?

Improve relevance (accurate categories/services), distance (set service areas) and prominence (reviews, photos, posts, citations). Stay active and consistent.

How do I find my review link and ask for reviews?

In your GBP dashboard, open “Ask for reviews” to copy your link. Share it with happy customers and make leaving feedback easy.

How should I handle negative reviews?

Reply calmly, apologise if appropriate, and offer to resolve the issue offline. After resolution, add a brief follow-up reply.

What should I post on my profile?

Share offers, events, tips, recent work and FAQs. Use clear photos. Post weekly for best results.

Can you help me optimise my profile?

Yes. Book a Marketing Audit for a clear action plan, or enrol in the course if you prefer to DIY.

Author Bio

Ellie Clare is a digital marketer, content strategist, and the founder of CLP Advertising & Photography Services. Specialising in SEO, social media strategy, content marketing, and visual storytelling. Ellie helps businesses grow with authentic, data-driven marketing that actually connects.

After a life-changing accident led her to start CLP, Ellie turned a personal challenge into a purpose-led career. Her mission is to make the internet a better, more human place; one piece of content at a time. She’s passionate about helping others find their voice online, and her efforts have earned her multiple local business awards.

When she’s not working with clients or behind the lens, you’ll find her hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking with her loyal sidekick, Monty, the retired working dog who still has plenty of energy to spare.