Google Business Profile Mistakes That Are Killing Your Visibility

Learn what’s hurting your Google Maps ranking and how to fix it fast.

If you’re a small business owner, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is your most powerful tool for local SEO.
Showing up in the Google 3-Pack can drive calls, clicks, and customers but small mistakes can sabotage your visibility without you even realizing it.

Let’s break down the top Google Business Profile mistakes that are holding your business back and how to fix them to boost your local presence.

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Business Information

Your Name, Address, Phone Number (NAP), hours, and categories must be accurate and consistent. A single mismatch across listings can confuse both users and Google, dropping your local ranking.

How to fix

Double-check your NAP across your GBP, website, and directories.
Choose the most specific primary category for your business.
Update hours for holidays or special events.

2. Ignoring Reviews (or Not Getting Any)

Reviews are a ranking factor and also shape how customers perceive you. Ignoring Google Reviews or not get any Reviews or having too few can hurt trust and visibility.

How to fix

Actively request reviews from happy customers.
Respond to every review positive or negative.
Use keywords naturally when responding (e.g., “Thanks for choosing our dental office in Miami!”).

3. Low-Quality or Missing Photos

Listings with zero or poor-quality images look unprofessional. Google prioritizes profiles that engage users and visuals help do that.

How to fix

Upload high-quality images regularly: storefront, products, team, services, and interior.
Use geotagged images if possible.
Keep your branding consistent.

4. Keyword Stuffing Your Business Name

Adding keywords or locations into your business name on GBP (unless they’re part of your real name) violates Google’s guidelines. This can get your profile suspended.

How to fix?

Use your legal business name only. Add keywords in your description and posts not in your name field.

5. Not Posting Regular Updates

Google Posts are underused but powerful. Regular posting tells Google your business is active and provides fresh content for users.

How to fix

Post weekly with offers, tips, updates, or events.
Include keywords, CTAs, and links to your website.
Use images in every post to improve engagement.

6. Using the Wrong Categories or Services

Selecting irrelevant categories or skipping local service listings can limit how you appear in search results.

How to fix

Use your core service as the primary category.
Add relevant secondary categories and fill out all available local services.
Avoid selecting too many unrelated categories.

7. Neglecting Your Business Description

Your business description is valuable SEO real estate. Many business owners either leave it blank or write something too vague.

How to fix

Include top keywords naturally in your business description.
Clearly explain what you do, who you serve, and why you’re the best choice.
Stick to Google’s 750-character limit.

8. Forgetting to Enable Messaging

Many customers prefer texting over calling. If you don’t enable messaging, you’re missing leads.

How to fix

Enable the messaging feature in your GBP dashboard.
Set up an auto-response.
Check messages regularly to avoid delays.

Final Thoughts: Clean Up, Show Up, Win Local

Avoiding these common Google Business Profile mistakes is the first step to dominating local search results. Your visibility depends on staying consistent, active, and engaged. Fix the errors above, and watch your ranking and customer calls start to rise.

Contact Map Kings

At Map Kings, we take a revolutionized approach to local SEO, using data-driven strategies and advanced optimization techniques.