Does an Active Google Profile Get You More Calls?

Keeping your Google profile active won’t trick Google into ranking you first, and Google doesn’t say it will. What it does do is keep your hours, photos, posts and replies current for the customer who is comparing you to the shop next door. A few small habits are enough, and none of them need to take more than a few minutes.

By Barry Scheurweghs, Sureway Marketing, Peoria, AZ

Does an active profile rank higher?

Google doesn’t say so. Its local ranking page says results are mainly based on relevance, distance and prominence. Its tips for improving your ranking include keeping your info complete and current, replying to reviews, and adding photos and videos. That same page doesn’t mention posts, and it doesn’t give a number for how often to update anything. So when someone promises that posting daily will boost your rank, they’re guessing.

Then why bother staying active?

Because customers see it. A profile with current hours, recent photos and replied-to reviews looks like a business that is open and paying attention. Google’s own page on posts says that when customers find your latest updates, it helps them decide to visit. That’s a customer benefit, not a ranking claim, and it’s the reason I’d do it.

What should I post?

Google’s post help page lists three types: updates (a description, photo, video and a button), offers (with a title and dates) and events (with a title and dates). It also says posts older than six months are archived unless you set a date range, and it doesn’t recommend a posting schedule. Post when you have something real to say, like a new service, a seasonal tune-up, or a holiday schedule. Our post on Google posts and local events has ideas.

Which photos should I add?

Real ones. Google’s photo tips suggest at least three good photos in each type that applies to you, such as exterior, interior, product, team and photos of you at work. Google doesn’t say how often to refresh them, so I suggest adding new photos when you finish a job you’re proud of or change something about your shop. See what to post and how often.

How should I handle reviews?

Reply to them. Google’s review help page says replies are public, that customers value brief, honest responses, and that you should avoid identical generic replies. For a negative review it suggests apologizing when appropriate, personalizing the reply, and responding in a timely way. It doesn’t give a deadline. Here’s how to respond to a negative review.

What should I do this week?

1. Open your profile on your phone and read it like a customer would.
2. Correct your hours, and add special hours for the next holiday.
3. Upload three real photos from recent jobs or your location.
4. Write one update about something true this month, such as a service, a schedule change or an event.
5. Reply to every review you haven’t answered, with one specific detail from each.
6. Put a 10-minute reminder on your calendar for the same day each month.

We built a short DIY routine in the 5-minute Google Business Profile checkup.

Quick answers

How often should I post?

Google doesn’t give a number. Post when you have something useful to say, and keep what you post accurate.

Do old posts hurt me?

Google says posts older than six months are archived unless a date range is set. It doesn’t say that archived posts affect your ranking.

Is it worth hiring someone to do this?

If you don’t have time, yes, it can be. If you do, these habits are simple to do yourself.

Want help keeping your profile current? Get your free marketing report, or see how our Peoria marketing agency works with owners.