Why Google Business Profiles Are One of the Most Underrated Ways to Get Customers
How to show up when people are already looking for what you offer
Hey! Hope you had an amazing week :)
You can finally sit down, relax and read this newsletter.
Sorry, I had to use that GIF above LOL. Now…Let’s get to learning!
If you run a local business or you’re even thinking about starting one, this might be the most important thing you set up this year.
You need a Google Business Profile.
Not after your website is perfect.
Not once you “feel ready.”
Not when you finally have more time.
Now.
Because when people need a local service, they don’t wander the internet hoping to be inspired.
They Google.
They’re stressed.
They’re dealing with a problem they didn’t plan for.
They want it solved and they want it solved soon.
“Lawn care near me”
“Life insurance agent near me”
“Pressure washing in ___”
“Electrician open now”
That person isn’t browsing.
They’re not researching for fun.
They’re not price-shopping for weeks.
They’re raising their hand.
There is intent behind that search.
And intent is everything.
Demand Already Exists (You Don’t Have to Create It)
Most online marketing is about creating demand.
Posting content.
Building an audience.
Trying to convince people they need something.
Explaining why you’re different.
Google Business Profiles work in the opposite direction.
They meet people at the exact moment they already know they need help.
You’re not interrupting them.
You’re not persuading them.
You’re not chasing attention.
You’re showing up when the problem already exists.
That’s why this works so well, especially for local businesses.
You’re stepping into an active moment, not hoping someone remembers you later.
This Isn’t About Being the “Best” Brand
A Google Business Profile doesn’t care how polished your logo is.
It doesn’t care how clever your brand voice sounds.
It doesn’t care how many followers you have on Instagram.
It cares about a few simple things:
Are you nearby?
Are you clear about what you do?
Do other people trust you?
That’s it.
A basic profile with:
Accurate information
Real photos
A clear description
A handful of honest reviews
will often beat a “better-looking” business that never shows up consistently.
It’s not flashy.
It’s not exciting.
It’s effective.
Why This Is Perfect for Side Hustles
If you’re building something on nights and weekends, your time is limited.
You don’t have hours every day to post.
You don’t want another platform to manage.
You don’t want to feel like you’re always behind.
A Google Business Profile quietly works in the background.
While you’re at your day job.
While you’re eating dinner.
While you’re asleep.
It brings you people who are already looking for exactly what you offer.
That’s leverage.
Instead of trading time for attention, you’re letting intent do the work.
Most People Set It and Forget It (And That’s the Mistake)
This is where most people go wrong.
They:
Create the profile
Fill it out once
Upload a logo
Walk away
Weeks pass.
Months pass.
Nothing happens.
Google doesn’t reward perfection.
It rewards clarity and activity.
Small signals over time:
Posting updates
Adding photos
Responding to reviews
Keeping information accurate
You don’t need to obsess.
You don’t need to post daily.
You just need to show signs of life.
Local Trust Compounds
Every review builds trust.
Every photo builds familiarity.
Every response builds credibility.
Over time, your profile becomes a quiet sales asset.
People don’t always choose the cheapest option.
They choose the business that feels real.
Present.
Local.
This is especially powerful if you’re just starting out.
You don’t need hundreds of reviews.
You don’t need years of history.
You just need a few real signals that say:
“Yes, this is a legitimate business.”
Tactical Steps You Can Take Today
If you do nothing else this week, do these.
1. Fill out every single field
This matters more than most people realize.
Add:
Business name
Primary category
Secondary categories
Service area
Hours
Description
A complete profile is easier for Google to understand and trust.
2. Add your website (even a simple one)
If you don’t have a website, that’s okay.
A one-page site works.
A Carrd page works.
A basic Wix site works.
Google wants somewhere to send people.
Make it clear, fast, and focused on contact.
3. Add a phone number you actually answer
This sounds obvious, but it’s huge.
Use a number that:
Goes directly to you
Has voicemail set up
Sounds professional
Many people will call without ever visiting your website.
4. Write a human business description
Skip the buzzwords.
Explain:
Who you help
What you do
Where you operate
Write it like you’re explaining it to a neighbor.
5. Choose the correct primary category
This is one of the biggest ranking factors.
Be specific.
Not aspirational.
If you mow lawns, choose lawn care.
If you do pressure washing, choose pressure washing.
You can always add secondary categories later.
6. Upload real photos from your phone
Google loves real-world proof.
Add:
Your truck or equipment
You doing the work
Before-and-after shots
Your workspace
Real beats perfect every time.
7. Ask for reviews intentionally
Don’t wait and hope.
Ask directly.
Send the link.
Say thank you.
Even a few honest reviews go a long way.
8. Post simple updates
This isn’t content marketing.
Just show activity.
A short update
A new photo
Availability info
Once a week is plenty.
The Bigger Picture
Here’s what I really want you to take away from this:
You don’t need to do everything.
You don’t need to be everywhere.
You don’t need to shout.
You need to be visible at the right moment.
Google Business Profiles do exactly that.
If you’re serious about building a local business or even just testing a side hustle then start here.
Set it up.
Keep it active.
Let intent do the heavy lifting.
Quiet systems build loud results.
And those are the kinds of systems worth building.
See you next week,
Nick
Be there when they're searching, not when you're shouting.
Intent beats interruption every single time.