Top 10 Features of Google Business Profile Manager You Should Be Using

Are you fully leveraging the power of your Google Business Profile Manager (previously known as Google My Business) to grow your local visibility? If your local business isn’t seeing enough traffic or leads, you may not be tapping into its full potential.

In today’s local-first digital world, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most powerful free tools to increase visibility, build trust, and convert searchers into paying customers. Yet, many businesses are still unaware of the platform's best features.

So, which features should you focus on to stay ahead in local search? Here are the top 10 features you should follow to stand out differently.

1. Complete Business Information

Did you know incomplete profiles are less likely to show up in the top local results?

Make sure your Name, Address, Phone number (NAP), business hours, website URL, and business description are fully filled in and consistent across all platforms. Google prioritizes complete and accurate listings.
Tip: Use specific keywords in your description to improve your profile’s visibility in local search.

2. Primary and Secondary Categories

Choosing the right category is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to improve your ranking.

Your primary category should reflect your core business offering (e.g., “Plumber” or “Bakery”), while secondary categories can help you rank for related services.

Are you targeting the right categories that your ideal customers are searching for? Review and refine them regularly.

3. Google Posts

Think of Google Posts as mini-social updates directly on your listing.

You can share promotions, events, blog links, and product launches. Posts appear directly in search results, giving you a chance to engage searchers even before they click through.

Why let your profile sit idle when you can use Posts to actively attract attention?

4. Photos and Videos

Visual content is a trust builder. According to Google, business profiles that include photos receive 42% more direction requests and 35% more website visits compared to those without images.

Upload high-resolution photos of your storefront, team, products, or work-in-progress shots. Include videos for deeper engagement.

Wouldn’t you trust a business more if you could see what it actually looks like?

5. Reviews and Review Responses

Customer reviews play a crucial role in shaping your local search visibility and business reputation. Responding to them demonstrates that you appreciate and acknowledge your customers' opinions.

Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and always respond—especially to negative ones—with professionalism.

How do you want your business to appear to someone reading your reviews for the first time?

6. Messaging (Chat Feature)

GBP provides a new feature that lets customers message you directly from your profile. This feature helps you connect with searchers in real time, answer questions, and convert leads quickly.

Are you letting potential customers reach you instantly, or are they bouncing to a competitor who responds faster?

Turn on the messaging feature from your GBP dashboard and set up a quick welcome message.

7. Insights & Analytics

Google Business Profile’s built-in insights tell you how customers find your business—search terms, device types, actions taken (like calls or clicks), and more.

Leverage this information to refine your content strategy, enhance keyword targeting, and strengthen your business profile.

What if you could learn exactly what your local audience is searching for? You can—with Insights.

8. Product and Service Listings

If you’re not showcasing your products or services directly on your profile, you’re missing a big opportunity.

You can add titles, prices, images, and descriptions, helping potential customers quickly understand what you offer.

Wouldn’t you prefer to browse a list of services before calling a business? Your customers feel the same way.

9. Questions & Answers (Q&A)

The Q&A section lets users ask public questions about your business. What many don’t realize is—you can (and should) seed and answer your own FAQs here.

Doing so not only helps with customer service but also enhances your profile's search relevance.

Are you proactively answering the questions your customers are already wondering about?

10. Bookings and Appointments Integration

If your business offers appointments—think salons, clinics, or consultants—you can integrate booking functionality directly into your listing.

This removes friction and makes it easier for customers to take action on the spot.

Why make people click through multiple pages when they can book straight from your Google profile?

Final Thoughts

Think of your Google Business Profile as your virtual storefront—it’s often the first impression potential customers get when they search for your business. By using these ten features strategically, you can boost your visibility, improve customer engagement, and drive more local leads.

Whether you’re a small café or a multi-location service provider, optimizing your GBP can make a measurable difference in how customers discover and interact with your brand.

So ask yourself—are you using Google Business Profile Manager to its full potential? If not, today’s the best day to start.