If you run a local business — whether it’s a salon, restaurant, gym, or auto detailing shop — your Google My Business (GMB) profile is your digital storefront.
Yet, most businesses treat it like an afterthought.
The truth is: optimizing your GMB can drive 30–50% more local calls and visits — if you do it right.
At 6ixBrand Media, we’ve audited hundreds of local GMB profiles across the U.S. and India.
Here are the 5 most common mistakes we see business owners make — and exactly how you can fix them.
🚫 1. Incomplete Business Information
The mistake:
Many businesses leave key details blank — missing hours, services, or inconsistent contact info.
Why it’s a problem:
Google relies on accurate data to rank you higher in local search and Google Maps.
Incomplete profiles confuse both customers and algorithms.
✅ How to fix it:
- Fill in every single field: address, phone, website, hours, categories, and attributes.
- Use the same NAP (Name, Address, Phone) format across all platforms — including your website and directories.
- Update your hours during holidays or special events.
💡 Pro tip: Use keywords naturally in your business description (e.g., “family-owned auto detailing service in Ottawa” instead of “best service”).
📸 2. Poor or Outdated Photos
The mistake:
Low-quality, blurry, or outdated photos turn people away before they even click your website.
Why it’s a problem:
Google gives priority to listings that frequently upload fresh, relevant images.
Visuals also drive trust — 90% of users look at photos before choosing a business.
✅ How to fix it:
- Upload new images at least once a week — exterior, interior, team, and products.
- Include before/after photos if you’re in a visual niche (like salons, auto services, or cleaning).
- Name your images strategically (e.g.,
car-detailing-kanata.jpgorbest-salon-siliguri.jpg).
💡 Bonus: Use short 10–15 sec videos to showcase your work — Google loves that.
🧩 3. Ignoring Google Reviews
The mistake:
Many owners think reviews “just happen.” They don’t.
Not asking for reviews = slower ranking growth.
Why it’s a problem:
Reviews directly impact your local SEO ranking and conversion rate.
A business with 50 reviews will almost always outrank one with 5.
✅ How to fix it:
- Ask every happy customer for a review using a short link.
- Reply to every review — positive or negative — within 24–48 hours.
- Use polite, keyword-rich responses (e.g., “Thank you for choosing our detailing service in Ottawa!”).
💡 Automation tip: You can automate review requests through WhatsApp, email, or SMS after service completion.
🧱 4. Not Posting Regular Updates
The mistake:
Businesses rarely use the Posts feature on GMB — treating it like a static listing.
Why it’s a problem:
Google prioritizes active businesses. Posts show engagement and freshness, improving visibility in the “Local Pack.”
✅ How to fix it:
- Post updates weekly — new offers, before/after photos, team highlights, or customer testimonials.
- Use call-to-action buttons like “Call Now,” “Book,” or “Learn More.”
- Keep posts short (80–100 words) with 1–2 emojis and a clear visual.
💡 Pro tip: Repurpose your Instagram reels as GMB posts — same content, double reach.
💸 5. Not Tracking Performance
The mistake:
Most owners never check how their GMB is performing — they just “set it and forget it.”
Why it’s a problem:
Without data, you can’t improve. You might be missing dozens of calls or clicks weekly without realizing it.
✅ How to fix it:
- Open your GMB dashboard → Insights tab.
- Track:
- Searches (direct vs discovery)
- Calls and website clicks
- Popular times and locations
- Set monthly goals (e.g., +20% calls or +10 new reviews).
💡 Pro tip: Connect your GMB data with Google Analytics or Google Ads for deeper insights.
Your Google My Business isn’t just a directory listing — it’s your most powerful local marketing asset.
By fixing these 5 mistakes, you can start generating more local visibility, leads, and loyal customers — without spending extra on ads.
At 6ixBrand Media, we specialize in helping businesses dominate local search through GMB optimization, SEO, and paid campaigns.
If you’d like a free GMB audit, reach out today — we’ll show you exactly what’s working and what’s not.