Already On Google But Not Getting Leads? 3 PROVEN Google Business Profile Fixes

Ok, so hopefully you’re one of the 61% of local businesses that has actually claimed your Google Business Profile (if not you need to check out my helpful blog post A No-Tech Guide To Getting Found On Google)


Assuming you’ve already claimed your free
Google Business Profile, uploaded a few details and filled out all the important info - it is now time to make sure you’re ACTUALLY getting leads and clients..


A lot of local service-based businesses come to me frustrated about their lack of customer inquiries


“Ughhhh I’m literally ON Google, but no one’s reaching out.”

Most of the time it’s a relatively easy fix with a bit of effort. Your profile might be up… but it’s probably not optimized.


You might be asking, well, what does “optimized” even mean?!


Well, in my opinion - it means it is FULLY and STRATEGICALLY set up to appear PROMINENTLY in local Google search results AND Google Maps.


Google isn’t just checking if you exist, it’s checking how trustworth, helpful and relevant you are to potential clients (this involves some algorithm deciphering we don’t need to get into)


I’ve worked with hundreds of local businesses over the year and here are the 3 most common mistakes they make with their Google Business Profile (GBP) — and some easy peasy fixes that will improve your visibility and start gettin’ you clients.


1. Your Business Description Is NOT Doing Its Job

Your precious GBP description is prime Google search engine real estate, so it’s super sad to me that most business owners write something super vague, short or nothing at all.


This section needs to be filled out and it needs to clearly and quicky answer these questions:

What YOU do

Who YOU help

Where YOU ARE located


If this isn’t filled out, Google doesn’t have this information either and you simply won’t show up in search because Google is not a mind reader!


Google is just a data input machine so it requires data in order to feed that data in search. So give it as much correct, relevant and clear data as you possibly can.


K, wow - said data just a few times there. But I can’t say it enough. Google can’t even see pictures, that’s why you need to add descriptions and alt tags (and geo-tagging!) to any media you add to your Google Business Profile


Here’s the first quick fix:

Log onto your GBP and update your precious business description with clear, relevant local keywords and benefit-driven language.


Like so -

“I help women in [which ever city you serve] relieve chronic stress through holistic massage therapy. With over 10 years of experience, I specialize in pain relief, prenatal care and trauma-informed touch.”


Reading this, doesn’t it seem so obvious and clear what this business is about? This is sooooooo important, it helps Google and your potential clients know exactly who you are and if you are exactly what they need. BADABINGBADA BOOM.

And you gotta include this stuff:

Your city or service area

The exact services you provide

Your niche (e.g. women’s health, prenatal, business coaching)


Next up is something less than 80% of small businesses do on their GBP, so if you do this - you will stand out! (and you wanna stand out!)

2. You’re Not Using Posts to Stay Active


There’s something that most people don’t know about when it comes to our good friend Google - it absolutely LOVES new, fresh content.



For real, Google Business Profiles favours fresh activity.



If you haven’t touched your profile since you first claimed it and set it up 5 years ago, holy doodlecats my friends, in Google’s eyes you aren’t relevant and this is defintely causing you to slip down in local rankings.


Here’s the second quick fix:


It’s time to start using your GBP more like a mini-blog or social media.

I like to (and I do this for my clients) post weekly with


Updated tips or educational content

An awesome client success story or testimonial

A special offer, upcoming event or new services

A simple reminder of how to book or contact you


Even just one post per week (with a relevant photo and keywords) helps keep your profile active and tells Google you’re for real and are legit. (but not too legit to quit)


If this sounds overwhelming just start with once a month, it’s better than NEVER.

3. Your Reviews Aren’t Strategic (or You Don’t Have Enough)

Google “reads” reviews like it reads content, so it’s always QUALITY over quantity.


It’s analyzing the language to try to figure out what you do, who you help and where your business is located.

When potential clients search for things like “nutritionist for women in Vancouver” or “trauma therapy near me,” Google checks review content too.


If your reviews are generic or lack keywords, it will rank other similar businesses higher and you'll be missing serious opportunities.

And the last quick fix:

Ask your happy clients to leave a review that includes:

The service they received

Their transformation or result

Your city or business niche

Like so -

“I worked with Michelle for postpartum coaching in Toronto and it was life-changing. She helped me rebuild my confidence, and I’m so grateful I found her through Google!”

My little review hack: Don’t be afraid to guide your clients with your invoice by saying, “It helps if you can share what service you booked and how it helped you.” AND include a link to your Google Reviews.

Want More Fixes Like These?

If this was at all helpful (I really hope it was!) and this blog post already has you opening up your Google profile in a second tab, you're going to love the workshop I’ll be hosting on May 24th and 31th.

Join me for a live workshop made specifically for women with local businesses!


Already On Google But Not Getting Leads?

3 Proven Fixes for Women in Biz

📅 Friday, May 24

🕙 10am PT / 11pm PT

Cost: $47

🎟️
Grab your ticket here


In this workshop we’ll go deeper into:

How to turn your Google presence into a lead generator

What Google actually looks for in your business listing

Real-world examples from wellness providers, coaches and creatives just like you

You’ll also get a replay and a free website audit, so you can take action right away.

Soooo, yeah… if you’ve been relying on referrals, social media or word-of-mouth for a long time - it’s time to build a more sustainable visibility plan.

Believe me, your Google Business Profile is one of the most important local marketing growth tools and if you know how to use it right it will work for you.

Start with these fixes today. And if you’re ready to go deeper, I’ll see you at one of my workshops.


talk soon

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