What every small business should put on their Google Business Profile
Claiming your Google Business Profile is imperative for small business success.
If you run a small business in Windsor, Ahoskie, Murfreesboro, or anywhere in our corner of eastern North Carolina, you know how important it is to get the word out. Signs, flyers, and word-of-mouth are still powerful. But in today’s world, there’s one tool that is absolutely non-negotiable if you want to be found: your Google Business Profile (GBP).
This free tool from Google is what makes your business show up when someone nearby searches for things like “pizza near me,” “auto repair Windsor NC,” or “hair salon Ahoskie.” If you’re not showing up, chances are customers are finding and calling your competitors instead.
The good news? Setting up and maintaining your profile is completely free. All it takes is knowing what to put on it — and keeping it up to date.
Why Your Google Business Profile is Imperative for Success
Think about how people find businesses today. Even in our rural communities, folks pick up their phones before they pick up the phone book. They type in what they need, and Google serves up options — usually showing a map with three businesses at the top. This “map pack” gets the majority of clicks.
If your business isn’t listed there, you’re invisible. You could have the best BBQ in Bertie County, but if someone driving through types “BBQ near me” and you’re not on GBP, they’ll never know you exist.
Your profile is like a digital front porch. It’s often the first impression people get of your business. A half-empty, outdated profile looks like you don’t care. A complete, well-maintained profile tells customers, “We’re open, ready, and professional.”
The Essentials Every Small Business Should Add to Google Business Profile
First, be sure to grab your listing by visiting the GBP registration page. So what exactly belongs on your Google Business Profile? Here’s a checklist of the most important items:
1. Business Name and Category
This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many businesses have inconsistent names online. Always use your official business name — the one on your signs and business cards. Then, pick the closest category Google offers (such as “auto repair shop” or “nail salon”). Categories help Google show you for the right searches.
2. Address and Service Area
If you have a storefront (like a shop in Ahoskie or Murfreesboro), list your full street address. If you serve people at their location (like landscapers or plumbers), you can hide your home address and instead set a service area (e.g., Windsor, Powellsville, Colerain, Ahoskie).
3. Phone Number and Website
Make sure your phone number is correct and working. Nothing frustrates a customer more than dialing a dead line. If you don’t have a website, link to your Facebook page instead. Something is better than nothing.
4. Hours of Operation
List the hours you are actually open. Keep them updated for holidays or unexpected closures. Few things hurt a business faster than customers showing up to a locked door when Google said you were open.
5. Photos
Add real photos of your business, not just stock images. Post shots of your storefront, products, or happy customers (with permission). People trust photos because they show you’re real and active. Businesses with photos get more clicks and calls.
6. Products or Services
Fill in the services you provide or the products you sell. Even if it’s simple — “haircuts, beard trims, hair coloring” — these keywords help Google connect you with the right customers.
7. Updates and Posts
Think of your profile like a mini social media page. You can add posts about sales, events, or new offerings. For example: “Now booking fall lawn clean-ups in Windsor!” or “Try our new lunch special this week!”
8. Customer Reviews
Encourage your happy customers to leave a review. A handful of positive reviews can do more for your business than any paid ad. Always respond politely to reviews, even the tough ones. It shows you care.
Keeping Your Google Business Profile Fresh
Your Google Business Profile isn’t a “set it and forget it” project. It works best when you treat it like part of your business routine. Take five minutes once a week to:
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Post a new photo.
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Share a quick update.
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Reply to reviews.
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Check that hours and phone numbers are correct.
That little bit of effort tells both Google and your customers that your business is alive and well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a small business owner in our community, your Google Business Profile is just as important as your storefront sign. In some cases, it’s even more important — because it’s the sign people see first.
Don’t let potential customers pass you by simply because they couldn’t find you online. Take the time to fill out your profile completely, keep it fresh, and let it do the heavy lifting of marketing for you.
Your neighbors are searching. Make sure they find you. Are you a local business and need help setting up your Google Business Profile? Reach out and we’ll connect you with local resources. Bertie Hertford Hub is here to help small businesses in Windsor, Ahoskie, Murfreesboro, and beyond thrive.
