Google Business Profile: Why South African Businesses Should Optimise It
- What is a Google Business Profile?
- The Importance of Local Search Visibility
- Building Trust Through Customer Reviews
- How an Optimised Profile Increases Click-Throughs and Leads
- Tips for Businesses and Agencies
A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that allows South African businesses to manage how they appear in Google Search and Google Maps. Proper optimisation ensures that potential customers find your business easily, view accurate information, and engage with your products or services.
The Importance of Local Search Visibility
When customers search for services in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, or elsewhere in South Africa, Google prioritises verified and optimised business profiles. Research from the Moz Local SEO Report 2024 shows that businesses with fully optimised profiles rank up to 70% higher in local search results.
- Optimising your profile helps Google understand:
- Your business legitimacy
- Accurate location and contact details
- Relevance to local search queries
- Customer engagement through reviews and interactions
- Without an optimised profile, your business risks being invisible to local search traffic.
Building Trust Through Customer Reviews
Online reviews are a major factor in consumer decisions. The South African Digital Consumer Report 2024 found that 92% of South Africans read online reviews before choosing a service provider.
- A strong review profile helps businesses:
- Improve search rankings
- Increase click-through rates
- Enhance credibility and customer trust
For example, a search like “Best electrician in Durban” often highlights businesses with verified reviews over competitors.
Increasing Click-Throughs and Leads
An optimised Google Business Profile allows customers to:
- Call your business directly from search results
- Visit your website to book services
- Get directions to your physical location
Data from Google 2024 shows businesses with optimised profiles receive up to 35% more clicks and 50% more website visits than incomplete listings.
Tips for Businesses and Agencies
- Keep business information accurate and updated
- Respond to reviews professionally
- Add photos and regular posts to engage customers
Agencies can offer white label optimisation services to clients as a premium service
Conclusion
Optimising your Google Business Profile is one of the most effective ways for South African businesses to increase local visibility, credibility, and customer engagement without relying on paid ads.
Bubble Bekkie Advertising provides guidance and white label solutions for agencies to help clients optimise their profiles, improve rankings, and attract more leads through Google Search and Maps.
