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Quick Answer: Google Business Profile is a free tool that displays your business information when people search for services like yours on Google. To use it effectively, claim your profile at business.google.com, fill out every field completely (hours, services, photos, contact info), add real photos of your business, and keep it updated regularly. This simple process can increase your visibility to local Austin customers searching for businesses like yours.
Need help setting up or optimizing your Google Business Profile? We can help you with that.
What You’ll Learn in This Article:
In the next 6 minutes, you’ll discover why your Google Business Profile matters more than you think, how to claim and optimize it step-by-step, and the specific features most Austin businesses miss that could bring customers straight to your door.
Why This Matters
Think about how you find businesses. You pull out your phone and type “coffee shop near me” or “AC repair Austin.” Those businesses that pop up with their hours, reviews, and that handy “Call” button? They’re using Google Business Profile correctly.
Here’s what the numbers tell us about local search behavior:
- 97% of people search online for local businesses (that’s basically everyone except your grandma who still uses the Yellow Pages)
- 88% of mobile searches for local businesses result in a call or visit within 24 hours
- Austin has over 50,000 small businesses competing for attention – you need every advantage you can get
The Basics: Getting Started (We Promise It’s Not Scary)
Let’s walk through setting up your Google Business Profile like you’re explaining it to a friend over coffee. No tech degree required.
Step 1: Claim Your Profile
First, you need to tell Google “Hey, this is MY business.” Here’s how:
- Navigate to business.google.com
- Search for your business name and address
- Click “Claim this business” (it’s like calling dibs on the best taco at a party)
- Google will verify you own it by mailing you a postcard with a code (old school, but it works)
Step 2: Fill Out EVERYTHING (Yes, Everything)
Think of your profile like your business’s dating profile – incomplete information is a red flag. Here’s what to include:
- Your hours – Include regular hours AND holiday schedules. Nobody likes showing up to find a “Closed” sign
- Real photos – Not those generic stock photos of people in suits shaking hands
- Services you offer – Be specific. “AC Repair” is good. “24/7 Emergency AC Repair” is better
- Your service area – This is crucial for Austin businesses. Do you serve just 78704 or venture all the way to Cedar Park?
Step 3: Add Photos That Don’t Suck
Your photos are often the first impression customers get. Make them count:
- Your storefront – So people know they’re in the right place when they arrive
- Your team in action – Humans trust humans, not logos
- Your actual work – Before/after photos are pure gold for service businesses
- Behind the scenes – Show that Austin personality! Maybe your team’s Friday breakfast taco tradition?
The Secret Sauce Most Austin Businesses Miss
Here’s where things get interesting. Google Business Profile has features that most businesses ignore, giving you a competitive edge if you use them.
Google Posts: Your Mini-Blog
Yes, you can post directly on Google! These posts show up when people find your business. Use them for:
- Weekly specials or offers
- Event announcements
- New service launches
- Holiday hour changes
Q&A Section: Answer Before They Ask
See that Q&A section on your profile? You can populate it yourself with common questions:
- “Do you offer free estimates?”
- “What areas of Austin do you serve?”
- “Do you work on weekends?”
Answer these proactively and save everyone time.
Attributes: The Details That Matter
Google lets you add specific attributes that help customers decide quickly:
- Offers military discount
- Women-owned business
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wi-Fi available
- LGBTQ+ friendly
These little checkboxes can be the difference between someone choosing you or scrolling past.
Red Flags to Fix RIGHT NOW
Take a moment to Google your business. If you see any of these issues, fix them immediately:
- Wrong address listed – We’ve seen businesses accidentally listed at their home address instead of their shop. Awkward when customers show up at your house!
- Old phone number – Nothing destroys trust faster than a disconnected number
- Hours from 2019 – If you’re still showing pandemic hours, it’s time for an update
- Zero photos – An empty profile makes people wonder if you’re a real business or just a front for something sketchy
If this sounds like your business, don’t stress — Ainspire specializes in fixing and optimizing Google Business Profiles.
Pro Tips from the Austin Business Trenches
After helping hundreds of Austin businesses with their profiles, here are the insider tips that make a real difference:
- Update your holiday hours in advance – Austin businesses lose customers every Thanksgiving because Google says they’re open when they’re actually closed
- Use Austin-specific keywords naturally – Write “AC repair in South Austin” not just “AC repair” in your business description
- Respond to questions quickly – Google tracks response time and rewards businesses that engage
- Post at least once a month – Keep your profile active to show Google (and customers) you’re still in business
Your Homework: 30 Minutes to More Customers
This week, block out just 30 minutes – less time than you spend scrolling Instagram – and tackle your Google Business Profile. Here’s your action plan:
- First 10 minutes: Claim your profile and verify ownership
- Next 10 minutes: Upload 5 photos (storefront, team, your work)
- Final 10 minutes: Fill in your hours, services, and service area
That’s it. These 30 minutes could be the difference between customers finding you or your competitor down the street.
Don’t have the time? Our team at Ainspire can handle your Google Business Profile for you — so you can focus on running your business while we help more customers find you.
The Bottom Line
Your customers are looking for businesses like yours on Google RIGHT NOW. While you’re reading this, someone in Austin is searching for exactly what you offer. The question is: will they find you?
Your Google Business Profile isn’t just another online chore – it’s your hardest-working, never-sleeping salesperson. And unlike your actual sales team, it never calls in sick, never takes a coffee break, and works for free.
Time to put it to work for your business
