Google Business Profile, which used to be known as Google My Business, is a tool that allows you to have access to your business listing. This listing is the panel that appears on the right-hand side of Google when you Google a business. Once you claim your listing, you are able to edit this panel as you see fit. Businesses can promote their goods and services, list their operating hours, and share photos and customer testimonials by setting up a Google Business Profile. Having an online presence is more crucial than ever in 2026, and a Google Business Profile is an essential part of that presence—especially with the rise of AI-powered search.
Here are some justifications as to why your company needs a Google Business Profile:
AI-Powered Search Visibility
In 2026, AI has transformed how customers discover local businesses. AI relies on complete Google Business Profiles to answer conversational questions, pulling details from reviews, attributes, posts, and business information while favoring verified businesses with accurate hours, services, and active updates. When potential customers ask voice assistants or AI chatbots for recommendations, your optimized Google Business Profile is what helps you appear in those results.
Can Offer You Insights
You can gather and examine a variety of data types after creating a GBP. A company can view the number of GBP views, the actions users took, such as calling the company or looking up directions, and the locations from which users are accessing the profile. A company can use this feature to better understand its target market and target certain campaigns or posts to particular demographics.
With AI-enhanced analytics in 2026, you can now also leverage tools that identify 4-5 missing business categories and 30+ additional services to add to your profile, significantly improving your local ranking potential.
Local SEO
A GBP can be edited and customized, just like many other elements of a company’s online presence, to highlight the unique elements that a business provides through targeted keywords. Another place a business can raise its SERP (search engine results page) ranking is in GBP, where a company can do so by emphasizing particular words, valuing the accuracy of the data, and gaining the audience’s trust.
You can boost your local SEO and make it more likely that customers will find your company when they are looking for goods or services in your area by verifying your business information. In 2026, appearing in the coveted Map Pack—those top three local results where buying decisions happen—depends heavily on your Google Business Profile optimization.
Customer Engagement
You can see exactly how your audience is interacting with your posts by using Google Business Profile. Thanks to this, you can see the posts they share and the kinds of comments they leave. By doing so, you’ll get a sense of the kinds of content that are effective for your company. GBP also enables businesses to engage with their customers through reviews, images, and Q&A. Businesses can establish a relationship with their customers and show that they care about their needs by responding to reviews and customer inquiries. As a result of this engagement, businesses can also improve their reputation and build brand loyalty.
Did you know that 93% of shoppers use online resources before making a purchase decision? Even more striking, 88% of consumers trust online reviews almost as much as personal recommendations. Reviews have become the new currency of trust, making your Google Business Profile one of your most valuable marketing assets.
Search Queries
GBP provides a report that enables you to learn and understand how customers find your business. It demonstrates the search patterns people use to find your listing, in particular the keywords they use.
You can significantly increase traffic by being aware of the keywords that are pertinent to your online presence. For instance, you can effectively increase clicks to your web pages by dominating relevant long-tail keywords.
AI-Enhanced Content Creation
In 2026, AI tools have made optimizing your Google Business Profile easier than ever. These tools can generate compelling business descriptions, posts, and AI-powered photos for product listings. Google’s Product Studio now allows for video generation from single photos, helping businesses create engaging visual content without expensive production costs.
AI can also help streamline ad campaigns through Google Ads’ conversational AI, which creates complete campaigns including headlines and images based on your Business Profile information.
Cost-Free Setup
No matter how useful a product is, its potential won’t be realized if it’s overly expensive, unusable, or challenging to use. Thankfully, that isn’t the case with Google Business Profile. As a free service, GBP has neither up-front nor ongoing costs. Because of this, businesses of all different sizes can afford it and use it, regardless of their budget.
Best Practices for AI & Google Business Profile in 2026
To maximize your Google Business Profile’s effectiveness in the age of AI search, follow these best practices:
Actionable Content: Ensure AI-generated descriptions and answers directly address common customer questions using what, why, where, and how formats. Structure your website with FAQs that can be integrated into your Google Business Profile’s Q&A section to improve visibility in AI-driven search results.
Avoid Spam: While Google does not penalize AI content, it penalizes content created solely to manipulate rankings. Ensure all AI-generated material is high-quality, relevant, and genuinely helpful to customers.
Regular Updates: Keep profiles updated with new, AI-enhanced photos and posts to maintain visibility. Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites.
Review Management: AI helps monitor and respond to reviews, allowing for faster engagement and reputation management. Always respond to reviews—both positive and negative—to show you value customer feedback.
Complete Every Section: Don’t just claim your account—use all the tools Google provides. Add photos, select accurate categories, write a compelling business description using your top keywords, enable messaging, and post your first update. Each completed section strengthens your visibility.
The Costly Mistake Most Businesses Make
Here’s the problem: Most companies claim their Google Business Profile, add the bare minimum details, and abandon it. They’re leaving money on the table.
Your Google Business Profile isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool—it’s a dynamic platform that, when properly optimized, can lead to increased sales and improved customer loyalty. When potential customers search for services in your area, your listing determines whether you appear in the coveted Map Pack—those top three local results where buying decisions happen.
How to Get Started
If you haven’t claimed your business yet, it’s simple:
Method 1: Through Google Business Profile Manager
- Search for “Google Business Profile” and click “Manage now”
- Follow the prompts to add your business name, category, and location
- Complete the verification process
Method 2: Through Google Maps
- Search for your business address in Google Maps
- Click “Claim this business” if it appears, or add it if it doesn’t
- Follow the verification steps
Two Actions You Can Implement Today
- Complete Every Section of Your Profile
Go beyond the basics. Add photos, select accurate categories, write a compelling business description using keywords customers actually search for, enable messaging, and post your first update. Each completed section strengthens your visibility. Consider using AI tools to help identify missing categories and services that could improve your profile. - Ask for Reviews Consistently
Develop a simple system—whether through follow-up emails, text messages, or in-person requests—to make gathering reviews part of your regular business practice. Always respond to reviews, both positive and negative, to show you value customer feedback. AI-powered review management tools can help you monitor reviews across platforms and respond more quickly.
The Complete Customer Journey
Successful digital marketing isn’t just about one tactic—it’s about creating a seamless experience across every touchpoint. From social media and SEO to email marketing and review management, each element works together to build the know-like-trust factor with potential customers.
Your Google Business Profile serves as the central hub where these elements converge, especially now that AI-powered search relies heavily on the information in your profile to answer customer questions and provide recommendations.
If you’re looking for help with your Google Business Profile, look no further! IMS Digital is here to help. With our years of experience, we can help you create a tailored plan for success and reach the right audience.
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Annette Blaylock – Founder/Strategist
IMS Digital
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annette@insightsmediasolutions.com
972-779-5429