Optimise Your Google Business Profile: How Local Businesses Get Found
The Google Business Profile is for many local businesses in Austria the most direct route to visibility in searches like 'tax advisor Vienna' or 'dentist Graz'. A fully maintained profile significantly improves visibility in Google Maps and local search results — and it's free. Yet the Google Business Profile is underestimated or only half-heartedly maintained by many SMEs.
Why Google Business matters for local visibility
When someone searches for a local service provider, Google often shows the Local Pack first — a map with three recommended businesses. Appearing there gives a significant competitive advantage.
Google Business data also plays an important role in AI-powered searches and voice assistants. Businesses that aren't fully set up here are leaving visibility on the table.
Which details need to be maintained
A complete Google Business Profile contains several essential details that need to be current and correct.
- Correct and complete address
- Current opening hours including public holidays
- Phone number and website
- Clear primary category and relevant secondary categories
- Short, clear business description
- Regular posts and updates
Photos, services, reviews, categories
Photos: Profiles with professional photos get significantly more clicks. Ideally there are exterior shots, glimpses inside the business and team photos.
Services: The services section is often underfilled. All key offerings should be listed with short descriptions.
Reviews: Google reviews are a strong trust and ranking signal. Actively — but tactfully — asking satisfied customers for reviews is one of the most effective local SEO measures.
Categories: The primary category determines which searches the business appears in. A wrong choice can cost significant visibility.
Common mistakes
- Address or opening hours outdated
- Few or no photos
- Wrong primary category chosen
- No services listed
- No responses to reviews
- Profile never updated after initial setup
- Different details on website and Google Profile
Connection to the website
The Google Business Profile and the website should function as a system. Name, address and phone number must be identical everywhere — known as NAP consistency.
Businesses that use structured data (Schema markup) on their website reinforce these local signals further.
How Loom supports this
We help businesses fully set up their Google Business Profile, connect it with their website and use it as an active part of their local visibility strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Business really free?
Yes. The Google Business Profile is free for businesses. The time invested in maintaining it well is almost always worth it.
How often should the profile be updated?
At minimum whenever opening hours, services or contact details change. Regular posts every few weeks are a positive signal.
What if reviews are mixed?
Respond professionally to all reviews — including critical ones. This demonstrates customer focus and often makes a very good impression.
Would you like to check how well your Google Business Profile is set up and improve it in a targeted way? We're happy to help.
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