10 Google My Business Mistakes That Are Killing Your Local Leads

In the competitive world of local SEO, having a Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business (GMB), is essential. A properly optimized GBP helps businesses stand out in local searches and can be a powerful tool to generate leads. However, many businesses unintentionally sabotage their success by making avoidable mistakes. In this article, we will explore ten critical GBP mistakes and provide real-world examples to help you understand how to avoid them.

Don’t Let These GMB Blunders Hurt Your Business Local Leads

1. Not Claiming or Verifying Your Google Business Profile

Example: A bakery named "Sweet Treats" opened in a busy neighborhood, but their GBP remained unverified. Competitors claimed their own profiles and began dominating search results.

Why it hurts: Unclaimed listings can be edited by the public, leading to inaccurate information. Also, unverified profiles don’t appear in local 3-pack search results, missing out on significant traffic.

Solution: Always claim and verify your profile. Google allows verification via phone, email, or postcard. Once verified, you have control over your business data.

2. Inconsistent or Incomplete Business Information (NAP Errors)

Example: A hair salon had their phone number listed incorrectly on GBP. Customers called, couldn’t get through, and went to competitors.

Why it hurts: Inconsistent Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) details confuse Google and customers. It affects trust and local ranking.

Solution: Ensure your business information is identical across all platforms: website, social media, GBP, and online directories. Use tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal to track inconsistencies.

3. Selecting the Wrong Business Categories

Example: An HVAC service provider chose "Home Improvement" instead of "HVAC Contractor." As a result, their listing didn’t appear in relevant searches.

Why it hurts: Categories help Google understand your business. Wrong categories lead to poor visibility in local searches.

Solution: Choose the most specific categories that match your core offerings. Add secondary categories for related services.

4. Ignoring Customer Reviews

Example: A local dental clinic ignored negative reviews. Potential patients reading those reviews opted for better-reviewed clinics.

Why it hurts: Reviews influence search ranking and customer trust. Unresponded reviews, especially negative ones, show poor customer service.

Solution: Encourage happy clients to leave reviews. Always respond to both positive and negative reviews professionally and promptly.

5. Not Using Google Posts to Share Updates

Example: A restaurant had a special discount week but didn’t promote it through GBP posts. Regular customers missed the update.

Why it hurts: Google Posts are a great way to share news, offers, and events. Not using this feature means missed engagement opportunities.

Solution: Treat Google Posts like mini-ads. Post weekly updates on promotions, events, blogs, or product launches.

6. Low-Quality or No Photos

Example: A gym uploaded blurry, poorly lit photos. Users doubted the cleanliness and quality of the facility.

Why it hurts: Photos make a powerful first impression. Low-quality or missing images lead to lower engagement and clicks.

Solution: Upload high-resolution images that showcase your space, staff, products, or services. Include images of your storefront, team, and happy customers.

7. Ignoring the Q&A Section

Example: A car repair shop had unanswered questions like “Do you service electric vehicles?” Potential customers assumed they didn’t and went elsewhere.

Why it hurts: Ignored Q&A sections reduce trust and leave potential customers with unanswered concerns.

Solution: Monitor your Q&A regularly. Preemptively add FAQs and respond promptly to customer questions.

8. Outdated Business Hours and Info

Example: A bookstore closed early during the holidays but didn’t update their GBP. Customers arrived to find the store closed and left poor reviews.

Why it hurts: Outdated info frustrates customers and leads to poor reviews and lost leads.

Solution: Always keep your business hours updated, especially during holidays or special events. Google lets you schedule special hours in advance.

9. Not Listing Products or Services

Example: A spa didn’t list services like "Hot Stone Massage" or "Facials" on their GBP. Competitors who did attracted more specific searches.

Why it hurts: Not listing services makes your business less relevant in specific search queries.

Solution: Use the "Services" and "Products" features to detail your offerings. Include descriptions, prices, and images if possible.

10. Not Monitoring Insights and Performance Data

*Example: A law firm never checked which keywords were bringing visitors to their profile. They missed out on optimizing content for "divorce attorney near me."

Why it hurts: GBP insights offer valuable data on customer behavior. Ignoring it means missed opportunities for optimization.

Solution: Use Google Business Insights to monitor how customers find you, what actions they take, and which posts perform best. Adjust your strategy based on these insights.

Final Thoughts

Local SEO is all about visibility, relevance, and trust. Your Google Business Profile is a key asset in this equation. Making these common mistakes can sabotage your local lead generation efforts. But with awareness and consistent action, you can transform your GBP into a powerful local marketing tool.

Want to dominate your local search results?

Start by correcting these ten mistakes today. Even small improvements can significantly impact your local lead volume and brand reputation.

Don’t leave your GBP on autopilot. Optimize it, monitor it, and engage with your audience consistently. The rewards will follow.