5 Google Business Profile Tips That Actually Work in 2026

Forget Everything You Knew About GBP

Most Google Business Profile advice online is outdated garbage from 2019. The algorithm has changed dramatically, and what worked then can actually hurt you now. Here's what's actually working for our clients in 2026.

1. Post Weekly (But Make It Count)

Google rewards consistency, not volume. One quality post per week beats daily spam. Focus on:

• Real photos from your business that week
• Specific offers with actual value (not "10% off!")
• Local events you're participating in or sponsoring

Pro tip: Posts with photos of your actual team get 3x more engagement than stock images.

2. Reviews: Respond Within 24 Hours

Google tracks response time. Businesses that respond to reviews within 24 hours rank higher than those that take a week. Period.

Your response doesn't need to be long. A simple "Thanks for the kind words, [Name]! We loved working with you on [specific project]." shows you're engaged and personal.

For negative reviews: Respond professionally, take it offline, and never get defensive. Future customers read your responses more than the original complaint.

3. Services: Be Specific, Not Generic

Don't just list "Web Design" as a service. Break it down:

• Small Business Website Design
• E-commerce Website Development
• Website Redesign Services
• Landing Page Design

Each specific service is a ranking opportunity. Google matches user queries to your services list, so more specific = more matches.

4. Photos: Quality Over Quantity (Finally)

Google's image recognition is scary good now. They can tell the difference between:

• Stock photos (bad)
• AI-generated images (very bad)
• Real photos of your business (good)
• Professional photos with proper lighting (great)

Upload 5-10 high-quality photos per month. Include your team, your work, your location, and happy customers (with permission).

5. Q&A: Seed Your Own Questions

The Q&A section is prime real estate that most businesses ignore. Here's the play:

1. Have a friend or family member ask common questions about your business
2. Answer them thoroughly with keywords naturally included
3. Upvote the questions and answers from different accounts

Questions like "What areas do you serve?" or "Do you offer free estimates?" let you showcase your value while hitting local keywords.

The Bottom Line

GBP optimization isn't complicated—it's just consistent. Do these 5 things every week for 3 months, and you'll outrank competitors who are still following advice from 2019.

Need Help With Your GBP?

We offer free Google Business Profile audits for Ohio businesses. We'll show you exactly what's holding you back and give you a prioritized action plan. No pitch, just value. Get your free audit here.