5 Common Google Business Profile Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
- Peach & Avo SEO Guru
- Jul 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Is your business not showing up on Google Maps or local search results?
You're not alone. Many UK small businesses set up their Google Business Profile (GBP)— but then make critical mistakes that limit their visibility and stop local customers from finding them.
Whether you run a café in Manchester, a hair salon in Birmingham, or a florist shop in London, your Google Business Profile can be your strongest free marketing tool—if it’s set up and managed correctly.
Let’s explore the five most common mistakes UK businesses make with their Google listing—and how to fix them.
Mistake 1. Google Business Profile Not Claimed
The Problem:You haven’t claimed your Google Business Profile—or someone else claimed it, and you don’t have access.
Why It’s a Big Deal: If your GBP isn’t claimed, you can’t update vital business info, respond to reviews, or control what shows up when people Google your business name. That’s a missed opportunity—and could lead to lost customers.
How to Fix It:
Search your business name on Google Maps.
Click “Claim this business” if the option is available.
If no profile exists, visit google.com/business and create a new one.
Complete the verification process.
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure whether your profile is claimed, we can check for you as part of our Free Local SEO Audit.
Mistake 2. Incomplete or Inaccurate Business Information
The Problem: Your business name, address, phone number (NAP), categories, or opening hours are incorrect or outdated.
Why It Matters: Google prioritises businesses with accurate and complete profiles in local search results. Inconsistent information confuses Google — hurting your rankings and reputation. Moreover, customers may leave negative reviews if they are being misled by the information. (e.g. visiting your shop at closed hours)
How to Fix It:
Check that your business name, address, and phone number are correct and match your website and social media.
Choose the right business category (e.g. “Indian Restaurant” vs. just “Restaurant”).
Add opening hours, including special hours for bank holidays.
Pro Tip: Our Starter Plan includes a full Google Business Profile health check and correction suggestions.
Mistake 3. Ignoring Customer Reviews (Especially Bad Ones)
The Problem: You don’t respond to reviews—or only reply to the good ones.
Why It Hurts: Reviews are one of the top local ranking factors. Customers read them, and Google does too. Not replying looks unprofessional, and ignoring bad reviews damages trust.
How to Fix It:
Respond to every review—positive or negative—politely and promptly.
Apologise if needed and offer to resolve issues offline.
Ask happy customers to leave a review (especially after a good experience).
Pro Tip: We provide Customised Review Collection Toolkit in our Starter Plan plan.
Mistake 4. Poor or Outdated Photos
The Problem: You have no photos—or worse, blurry, old, or irrelevant ones.
Why It Hurts: People often judge your business by its visuals. Google also ranks listings with more high-quality images higher. A neglected photo section suggests you're not active—or even open.
How to Fix It:
Add recent, high-resolution photos of your:
Shopfront
Interior
Team
Products or services
Update regularly—Google likes fresh content.
Pro Tip: Our free audit includes a photo quality and relevance check—and recommendations to improve.
Mistake 5. No Website or Broken Website Link
The Problem: Your Google listing has no website link, or it leads to a broken or outdated page.
Why It Matters: Even if people find you on Google Maps, many want to click through to learn more, book, or buy. A website, even a very simple one, boosts your authenticity and online presence.
How to Fix It:
Make sure your GBP links to an active, mobile-friendly website.
Check for typos or broken links.
If you don’t have a site, even a simple 1-page landing page can help massively, and it won't cost you much.
Pro Tip: Our Essential and Growth Plan includes building a starter website that integrates directly with your GBP.
Final Thoughts
Your Google Business Profile is your digital shopfront—especially for local customers searching on Google or Google Maps.
Fixing these common mistakes can:
Improve your local search visibility
Increase phone calls and foot traffic
Build trust and reputation
Best of all, these fixes are completely doable, even if you're not tech-savvy.
Still unsure about it and want to know more? Why not book a Free Local SEO audit with us to start with?
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