If you run a business in North Brisbane, there is a good chance you are missing out on free leads every single day. Not from expensive ads or complicated marketing funnels, but from something sitting right under your nose: Google Maps.
When someone in North Lakes searches for a plumber, or a Brendale business owner looks for a local accountant, or a family in Kallangur needs a hairdresser, most of them head straight to Google. And what shows up first? That map with the three business listings underneath it.
That prime real estate is controlled by your Google Business Profile. And here is the thing: setting it up properly costs you nothing.
Step 1: Claim Your Google Business Profile
First things first. If you have not claimed your business on Google yet, that needs to happen today. Head to business.google.com and search for your business name. If it already exists, you will need to verify that you are the actual owner.
We have seen businesses around Strathpine, Petrie, and Murrumba Downs that have unclaimed profiles with wrong phone numbers or old addresses. That is potential customers calling the wrong number or driving to the wrong location.
Step 2: Fill In Every Single Field
Once you are in, Google gives you a bunch of fields to complete. Here is where most people go wrong: they fill in the basics and call it done. But Google rewards profiles that are thorough.
- Your exact business name (no keyword stuffing, just your real name)
- Primary and secondary business categories
- Your full service area if you travel to customers
- Opening hours, including special hours for public holidays
- Phone number that goes to a real person
- Your website URL
- A detailed business description
- Services or products you offer with descriptions
Step 3: Add Photos That Actually Show Your Business
Businesses with photos get significantly more clicks and direction requests. Add photos of your shopfront, your team at work, your products or examples of your work, and the inside of your premises.
Do not use stock photos. People can tell, and it looks impersonal. A quick photo from your phone of your actual team is worth more than a polished stock image.
Step 4: Respond to Every Review
Reviews build trust with potential customers and send positive signals to Google. But here is what separates good profiles from great ones: responding to reviews. Thank positive reviewers by name and address concerns professionally in negative reviews.
The businesses across North Brisbane who respond to every review consistently outperform those who ignore them.
Step 5: Post Updates Like It Is Social Media
Google Posts let you publish updates that show up when people find your business. Share special offers, new services, recent projects, or tips related to your industry. Posts expire after seven days, so make it a habit to post something fresh each week.
The Bottom Line
Your Google Business Profile is free. It takes a few hours to set up properly, and maybe 30 minutes a week to maintain. In return, you get visibility in front of people actively searching for what you offer.
If you are a business in Dakabin, North Lakes, Brendale, Kallangur, or anywhere in the region, there is no reason not to have a fully optimised profile. Need help getting started? We specialise in local SEO for North Brisbane businesses. Give us a call or book a free discovery call to chat about your business.