A plumber in Cherry Hill told us he was on page one of Google. He was getting two calls a week. His competitor across town was getting twenty. Google Business Profile optimization makes your business visible and appealing to local customers searching for your services, driving more calls and visits.
The Real Problem
Many South Jersey business owners don’t get enough calls from Google. They’ve claimed their Google Business Profile, but it’s not working hard for them. This means potential customers in places like Marlton or Deptford are searching for your services but aren’t finding you. It’s a common issue we see with local businesses trying to improve their digital marketing in New Jersey. They’re missing out on easy leads.
What Most Businesses Try
Most businesses try to set up their profile once and then forget it. They add basic information, a few photos, and wait for customers. Some might ask for a few reviews, but they don’t respond to them. This approach doesn’t work because Google wants to show active, helpful businesses to its users. A static profile sends the wrong signals. It tells Google you’re not engaged, even if you offer great service.
The Right Approach
The right approach is to treat your Google Business Profile as a dynamic, always-on marketing tool. We have seen this pattern repeatedly with local businesses across Camden and Gloucester County. You need to constantly update it, engage with customers, and keep it fresh. When you do this, Google sees you as a relevant and trustworthy local business.
Here is what most people miss. Many businesses think a Google Business Profile is just an online phone book entry. They add their hours and address and then ignore it. This is wrong. Google sees your profile as a living, breathing mini-website. If it’s static, Google assumes you’re not active or not relevant. We’ve seen dentists in Voorhees who only updated their profile once a year get fewer new patient calls than competitors who posted weekly updates, even with similar star ratings. Engagement isn’t just for social media. It’s how Google decides if you’re worth showing to local customers. An active profile is a key part of effective SEO services in New Jersey.
WANT MORE CALLS FROM GOOGLE?
Our Local SEO Program Gets South Jersey Businesses More Calls From Google
We handle your Google Business Profile, local citations, and on-page SEO so you show up when customers in your area search for what you offer. South Jersey businesses we work with typically see measurable improvement in calls and profile views within 90 days.
Step by Step
Here’s how to improve your Google Business Profile to get more customers:
1. Complete Every Section of Your Profile.
Your Google Business Profile has many fields for information. Fill out every single one. This includes your business hours, services, products, accessibility options, and payment methods. The more complete your profile is, the more information Google has to show potential customers. A landscaping business in Mullica Hill added detailed descriptions of their seasonal services and saw a 25% increase in specific service inquiries within two months. Don’t leave any blanks.
2. Upload High-Quality Photos and Videos Regularly.
Visual content makes your profile stand out. Post photos of your storefront, team, and completed work. Add videos showing your services in action. Google loves fresh content. A roofing contractor in Washington Township added 12 photos of completed jobs and saw a 40 percent increase in profile views within 30 days. Make sure these images are professional and reflect your brand well. New photos keep your profile looking current.
3. Actively Get and Respond to All Reviews.
Reviews build trust and show Google you’re a reputable business. Ask every happy customer to leave a review. More importantly, respond to every review, both good and bad. This shows you care about customer feedback. A local auto repair shop in Turnersville started responding to 100% of their reviews and improved their average rating from 3.9 to 4.5 stars in six months. A quick, polite response can turn a negative experience into a positive impression for others.
4. Post Updates and Offers Consistently.
Your Google Business Profile isn’t just for static information. Use the “Posts” feature to share updates, special offers, news, or upcoming events. Think of these like mini-blog posts directly on your profile. A bakery in Haddonfield posts daily specials and holiday promotions, which drives more foot traffic and online orders. Regular posts signal to Google that your business is active and relevant. Aim for at least one post a week to keep your profile fresh.
5. Choose the Right Categories and Services.
Google uses your chosen categories to understand what your business does. Be specific and accurate. If you’re a plumber, don’t just pick “Contractor.” Choose “Plumber” and add specific services like “drain cleaning” or “water heater repair.” This helps Google match your business to very specific searches. A physical therapist in Mount Laurel refined their service list to include “sports injury rehab” and saw a jump in targeted client inquiries. You can also get a free consultation from us to review your categories.
Quick Comparison
| Google Business Profile: Basic vs. Optimized | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Basic Profile | Optimized Profile |
| Information Completeness | Only essential fields filled | All fields fully completed |
| Photos & Videos | Few, outdated, or low quality | Many, high-quality, updated regularly |
| Customer Reviews | Some reviews, no responses | Actively requests, responds to all |
| Google Posts | Never used or rarely updated | Consistent updates, offers, news |
| Business Categories | General or too few categories | Specific, accurate, and comprehensive |
| Local Search Ranking | Low visibility, missed opportunities | Higher ranking, more customer exposure |
| Customer Inquiries | Few calls, website visits | Significantly more calls and traffic |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my Google Business Profile?
You should update your Google Business Profile regularly to signal activity to Google and potential customers. Aim to post new photos or business updates at least once a week. Respond to new reviews within 24-48 hours. Update your hours or services immediately if they change. Consistent activity makes your profile more likely to show up in local searches, as Google favors fresh and relevant information for users looking for local businesses like yours.
Do reviews really impact my ranking?
Yes, reviews significantly impact your local search ranking. Google uses the quantity, quality, and recency of your reviews, plus your response rate, as factors in how it ranks your business. More positive reviews and frequent responses show Google that your business is trusted and actively engaged with customers. This can lead to a higher position in local search results, making it easier for people in South Jersey to find you when they’re looking for your services.
What’s the most important part of my Google Business Profile?
The most important part of your Google Business Profile is its completeness and ongoing activity. While good reviews and accurate information are crucial, a profile that is fully filled out and consistently updated with new posts, photos, and review responses tells Google you’re an active, relevant business. This dynamic engagement is what Google truly rewards. It’s not a static listing; it’s a living marketing tool that needs regular attention to perform its best and attract local customers.
Ready to See Real Results?
Let DMG Handle the Work While You Run Your Business
South Jersey businesses work with us because we deliver measurable results, not just reports. Whether you need more calls from Google or better visibility in local search, we build the plan and do the work.
Optimizing your Google Business Profile isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing process that helps your business get found by local customers who are ready to buy. When you treat your profile as a key marketing asset, you’ll see more calls, more visits, and more business. Want to improve how your business shows up in Google? Our SEO services in New Jersey are built for South Jersey businesses that want more calls, not just more clicks. Get a free consultation.‘
