Common Mistakes That Make Your Google Business Profile Lose Visibility
Having a well-optimised Google Business Profile is essential for any company that wants to be easily found by potential customers. Yet many business owners unknowingly lose visibility because of simple mistakes that affect their ranking in Google Search and Google Maps. Your profile on Google is one of the most powerful tools to boost local reach, build credibility and attract new clients. However, like any other digital channel, it requires regular updates and attention. Below are the most common mistakes that can make your business lose visibility in Google results.
Felipe Vasconcelos | Marketing Manager
11/4/20252 min read
1. Outdated or Incorrect Information
One of the most damaging mistakes is keeping inaccurate or outdated information. If your business hours, address or phone number are wrong, Google’s algorithm considers the profile unreliable and may lower its visibility.
Inconsistencies between your website, social media and Google listing can also harm your local SEO performance. Always make sure that your business information is accurate and consistent across all platforms.
2. Lack of Reviews or Ignoring Customer Feedback
Customer reviews are one of the strongest ranking factors in Google’s local search. A profile with few reviews, or one that doesn’t respond to feedback, appears inactive and untrustworthy.
Replying thoughtfully — even to negative reviews — shows that the business values its clients and improves its online reputation, which directly impacts visibility on Google Maps and in local results.
3. Not Using Photos and Videos
Profiles without photos or with poor-quality images tend to receive less engagement and fewer clicks. Google prioritises listings that include regular visual updates.
Adding professional photos of your location, team or products helps create trust and attracts more attention. Short videos that show your business in action can also boost your credibility and ranking.
4. Ignoring Posts and Updates
Your Google Business Profile allows you to publish posts, news, offers and updates. Many businesses neglect this feature, missing a valuable opportunity to demonstrate activity and relevance.
Posting regularly signals to Google that your business is active and engaged, which improves your local search ranking. It also strengthens brand awareness and increases user interaction.
5. Not Verifying Your Business Profile
Creating the profile is not enough. Many owners forget to verify their listing, which means Google may not display it properly or may limit its visibility.
Verification confirms that your business is legitimate and trustworthy. Verified profiles rank higher and are more likely to appear in the top positions of local search results.
6. Poor Use of Keywords in the Description
A generic or vague description is another common issue. The description field is a valuable space for keyword optimisation.
Include relevant terms that potential customers are likely to search for, such as your city name, type of service, and unique selling points. Strategic keyword use helps your profile appear when people search for nearby businesses.
Keeping your Google Business Profile updated and optimised is key to maintaining visibility and credibility. Small mistakes can cause a big drop in performance, while simple improvements can make your business stand out.
Review your information regularly, encourage customer reviews, respond to feedback and post updates frequently.
In the end, the goal is not to trick the algorithm, but to show Google that your business is relevant, trustworthy and active.