Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your Google Business Profile
▼ Summary
– Keeping your Google Business listing updated is crucial for local SEO, helping customers find accurate information like hours, address, and contact details.
– Claiming and verifying your Google Business profile ensures control over your listing, which can be done via Google Maps or the “Manage now” button.
– The Listing Management tool simplifies profile creation and distribution to 70+ directories, including Google, Apple, and Bing, while managing reviews and duplicates.
– Regularly updating your Google Business profile prevents customer frustration and improves SEO, with changes taking up to 60 days to reflect on Google.
– Beyond basic details, Google Business Profile Manager allows adding photos, posts, and responding to reviews, but managing multiple listings is time-consuming without tools like Semrush’s Listing Management.
Keeping your Google Business Profile accurate and up-to-date plays a crucial role in local search visibility and customer trust. Outdated information frustrates potential customers and damages your online reputation, making regular updates essential for both SEO and operational efficiency.
To begin, verify and claim your business listing if you haven’t already. Google often generates profiles automatically for public businesses, but unclaimed listings risk displaying incorrect details. Search for your business on Google Maps, if it appears, click the “Claim this business” option and follow the verification steps, which may involve phone, email, or video confirmation.
Once verified, editing your profile is straightforward through Google Business Profile Manager. Log in, select your business, and click the pencil icon next to any section needing updates, whether it’s hours, contact details, or categories. Changes may take up to 60 days to fully propagate across Google’s platforms, so consistency matters.
Beyond basic information, leverage additional features to enhance your profile. Upload high-quality photos, showcase products or services, and use the “Posts” feature to share timely updates like holiday hours or safety protocols. Engaging with customer reviews directly through the platform also builds credibility and improves local search rankings.
Managing multiple directories manually is time-consuming, but tools like Listing Management streamline the process. Instead of updating each directory individually, this solution distributes profile changes across 70+ platforms, including Google, Apple Maps, and Bing. It also helps track reviews, identify duplicate listings, and monitor local rankings, saving hours of manual work.
For businesses with limited resources, automation is key. Centralizing listings ensures accuracy everywhere customers might search, while features like the Map Rank Tracker highlight valuable local keywords. The result? Better visibility, fewer customer complaints, and more time to focus on growing your business.
Staying proactive with your Google Business Profile isn’t just about compliance, it’s a competitive advantage. Regular updates, combined with smart tools, keep your business discoverable and trustworthy in an increasingly digital marketplace.
(Source: SEMRUSH)
