If you’ve ever searched “coffee shop near me” or “best yoga studio in [your city],” you’ve seen a Google Business Profile in action. It’s the listing that shows up on Google Maps and in search results with photos, reviews, hours, and quick links to websites.
The best part? Setting up your own Google Business Profile costs nothing — and it can quickly become one of the most powerful marketing tools you use.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating your profile from scratch, optimizing it for visibility, and keeping it updated so you can turn Google searches into real customers.
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a free tool that helps you control how your business appears across Google — in Maps, Search, and those high-intent “near me” searches.
Think of it as your digital storefront. It’s often the very first impression a customer has of you, which makes it one of the most important pieces of your online presence.
When optimized, your profile can:
- Put your business on Google Maps so nearby customers can easily find you.
- Help you appear in “near me” searches when people are ready to buy.
- Showcase reviews that build trust and influence decisions.
- Generate leads without ads or endless posting on other platforms.
And here’s the thing: you don’t need a physical storefront to benefit. Consultants, coaches, service-based businesses, and online shops can all use Google Business Profile to increase visibility and credibility.
Why your Google Business Profile matters
Most businesses don’t miss opportunities because they aren’t capable. They miss them because their marketing feels scattered -too many platforms, too many decisions, and not enough time.
Your Google Business Profile helps you:
- Be visible when customers are actively searching.
- Build trust by showing consistent information and collecting reviews.
- Save money by creating a presence that works for you without ad spend.
- Stay connected by sharing updates, offers, or events directly on your profile.
It’s one of the simplest, highest-impact moves you can make in your marketing.
How to keep your profile working for you
Once you’ve created your profile, don’t just set it and forget it. A living, active profile will always perform better than one that looks abandoned.
Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Upload recent photos of your work, products, or space.
- Post updates — treat it like a mini social feed where you can share events or offers.
- Ask happy customers for reviews, and respond to them.
- Double-check your business hours and links regularly to avoid out-of-date info.
Small updates signal to both Google and your customers that your business is active and trustworthy.
The bigger picture: where Navia comes in
A Google Business Profile is one piece of your marketing puzzle. The harder part is knowing what to do next — which moves matter most, how to stay consistent, and how to market your business without burning out.
That’s where Navia comes in.
Navia is your marketing teammate. It shows you the daily moves that matter, gives you content written in your brand’s voice, and helps you build consistency without second-guessing.
So if creating your Google Business Profile feels like one win today, imagine stacking wins like this every week. That’s what Navia helps you do.
For reference, you can create your profile here: Create My Google Business Profile
