When you're running a local business, visibility on Google can make or break your day. If customers can’t find you when they search, they’re going somewhere else. And with more people searching for services on their phones before ever stepping out the door, showing up online isn’t optional anymore.
But the good news? You don’t need a massive marketing budget to stand out. You just need to focus on the right things.
Big national chains might have name recognition, but they don’t have your connection to the community. Google knows that too. When someone searches for “best sandwich shop near me” or “hair salon in [your town],” Google wants to show results that feel relevant and nearby.
That’s where your Google Business Profile comes in. It’s not just a listing. It’s one of the biggest ways Google decides whether to show your business to potential customers in local searches.
Make sure your profile is filled out all the way. That means your correct hours, phone number, website, service area, and business category. Don’t leave anything blank. Upload real photos of your space, your products, your staff, or your happy customers. These photos help potential customers know what to expect and make your listing more inviting.
Also, take advantage of the “Services” or “Products” section, if it’s available for your category. The more specific you are about what you offer, the more likely it is that your business will appear when someone nearby is looking for exactly that.
And yes, reviews do matter. Not just the number of reviews, but how recent they are and what people are saying.
You don’t need to overthink it. Asking for a review can be as simple as thanking someone personally and letting them know how much it would help. For example:
“Hey Maria, thank you for trusting us with your holiday party catering. If you wouldn't mind leaving a review to share your experience, we'd really appreciate it. It helps more than you know.”
Make it personal and sincere. Don’t script out what they should say. Just give them a reason to share their experience.
Google pays attention to how active your profile is. If you post regular updates, offers, or events using the “Posts” section on your Google Business Profile, it shows Google (and your customers) that your business is active and trustworthy.
Keep it simple. You can post about a seasonal product, a weekend event, or a change in hours. This doesn't have to be daily. Even a post every couple of weeks can help keep your profile fresh.
Your website plays a direct role in how you rank on Google. Google crawls your site to understand what your business offers, where it’s located, and how helpful your content is to searchers. That means a clear, updated site is one of the most important tools you have.
Make sure your site includes:
When your site reflects what people are already typing into Google, you improve your chances of showing up in the results.
It also helps to maintain a well-rounded online presence. Staying active on platforms like social media can increase brand awareness, help keep you top of mind, and encourage more people to search for your business directly.
You don’t need fancy marketing to win at local search. What matters is that your business info is accurate everywhere, your photos are real, and your business looks active and engaged.
Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are written the same way on your website, your Google profile, and any directories you’re listed on. Inconsistent details can confuse Google and hurt your visibility.
Stay consistent with updates, engage with your customers, and let your personality come through. That’s how your business stands out from the crowd.
Want to know how your business is showing up on Google right now? Use Levitate’s free tool to check your online presence score. You’ll get insight into how your business ranks online based on your reviews, website, and even how you compare to local competitors.
We’ll give you a call to set up time for your team and ours to meet virtually for a personalized demo.
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