What is Google My Business?
It is a free tool by Google. It lets you manage how your name appears in search results and on Google Maps. When someone types “hair salon near me” or “best pizza in Montreal,” Google often shows a map with a list of businesses. If you have a GMB profile, your business can appear on that list. You can add your address, phone number, hours, website, photos, reviews, and more. This helps people learn about you before they visit or call.
Why It Matters for Canadian Businesses?
Canada is a big country. But people still search locally. Whether you’re in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, or a small town, people want services near them. Here’s why GMB matters so much:
- Most people search on Google: Google is the #1 search engine in Canada. Over 90% of people use it. If your business is not on there, you’re missing a lot of traffic.
- People trust what they see on Google: When they see your business listed with good reviews and clear info, they’re more likely to call or visit.
- It’s free and easy to use: You don’t need to pay anything to set it up. And once it’s live, it works for you 24/7.
Real-World Impact in Canada
Let’s say you run a coffee shop in Winnipeg. You set up a Google Business Profile, add your hours, post some nice photos, and ask a few happy customers to leave reviews. Now, when someone nearby searches “coffee shop near me,” your place pops up on the map. They see your name, your photo, your hours—and they stop by. Simple as that. And this doesn’t just help cafes. Here’s how different businesses across Canada are using GMB:
- Auto repair shops in Edmonton are getting more calls because they are showing up in local searches.
- Dentists in Mississauga are getting more bookings by having a complete profile with reviews.
- Home-based bakers in Ottawa are attracting more customers by adding beautiful photos of their cakes.
- Barbers and hair salons in Vancouver are posting updates and offers to bring in more foot traffic.
How to Set Up Google My Business (Step-by-Step)
Setting up your profile is easy. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to google.com/business. Click “Manage Now” to get started.
- Add your business name and category. Choose a category that fits what you do. Like “plumber,” “restaurant,” or “photographer.”
- Add your address or service area. If you have a store or office, enter your address. If you travel to customers, list the areas you serve.
- Add your phone number and website. Make sure your contact info is correct. People will call or click, so keep it updated.
- Verify your business. Google will mail a code to your official address. Enter the code to verify your business.
- Fill out your profile. Add photos, business hours, services, and anything else that helps people learn about you.
Tips to Make Your Profile Stand Out
Once your profile is live, keep it active. Here are some tips to help you shine:
- Add Good Photos: Photos catch attention. Add clear pictures of your storefront, inside your space, your team, and your products.
- Keep Your Hours Updated: If you change your hours, update them right away. Also, add special hours for holidays.
- Get Reviews: Ask your happy customers to please leave reviews. Don’t be afraid to ask—it makes a big difference.
- Respond to Reviews: Say thank you to the good reviews. Be polite and calm when replying to bad ones. This shows you care.
- Use Posts: You can post updates, offers, and events—just like social media. Use this to share news or promote sales.
- Add Services or Menu: If you’re a restaurant or service provider, add your menu or list of services. This helps customers know what you offer before they call.
Why Reviews Are So Important?
Reviews play a monumental role in establishing trust. In Canada, people read reviews before choosing a business. Here’s how reviews help:
- More reviews = more trust
- Good ratings attract clicks
- They show up in search results
- Google ranks your business higher with quality reviews.
Don’t try to cheat the system, though. Don’t write fake reviews. Don’t buy them. Just ask real customers and keep it real.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few things that can hurt your local visibility:
- Leaving your profile half-empty
- Not verifying your business
- Wrong or old phone numbers
- Forgetting to update your hours
- Ignoring reviews
- Using blurry or low-quality photos
Fixing these things is simple and can give you a quick boost.
How Google My Business Helps with Local SEO?
Google uses your GMB profile to help decide who shows up first in search results. When your info is clear and complete, your chances of showing up are better. Also, when you post updates, respond to reviews, and add photos, Google sees your business as active. That helps a lot.
GMB also helps your business show up in:
- The Google Map pack (the top 3 listings shown with a map)
- Local search results
- “Near me” searches
This is great for small businesses that want more local attention without spending a lot of money.
Easy Ways to Keep It Active
Don’t set it and forget it. GMB works best when you use it often. Here are some quick ideas:
- Post a weekly update
- Add new photos once a month
- Reply to every review
- Share a special deal
- Update your hours if needed
- Change your business description if you add new services.
These small actions help keep your listing fresh and high in search.
Conclusion
If you run a business in Canada, Google My Business is one of the best tools you can use. It helps people nearby find you fast. It builds trust. It brings more visits, more calls, and more bookings. And the best part? It’s free and easy to manage.
Don’t wait to set it up. If your profile is already live, update it and keep it fresh. If you’re just starting out, take 15 minutes today and claim your listing. Local search is only getting more important. You don’t need a big budget or a fancy website. You just need a complete, helpful, and honest business profile. If you ever need help, contact us at Rankingeek Marketing Agency. We can set up, manage, and grow your Google Business Profile—so you can focus on running your Canadian business while we handle your online visibility.
