The Secret to Ranking #1 on Google: It’s Not Just Setting Up a Profile

Almost half of all searches on Google are local. That means your potential customers are already looking for businesses like yours in your city – right now. But here’s the challenge: if your profile isn’t among the top results, they’ll choose your competitors instead.

Creating a Google Business Profile and filling in basic details with a few photos is not enough anymore. To rank at the top and be visible in Google Search and Maps, your profile needs to be consistently active. In the past, it was enough to pay for Google Ads or invest in visibility boosts. Today, Google rewards businesses that show real activity: regular updates, fresh photos, responding to customer reviews, adding events, posting news, and keeping all information accurate and up to date.

Your Google Business Profile is often the very first impression people get of your company. It’s where they decide whether to call you, visit your website, or walk through your door. An incomplete or poorly optimized profile costs you visibility, clicks, and customers.

At Fiboptima, our expertise is built on years of experience with Google Local Guides – reaching over 81 million views on photos, videos, reviews, and edits. Some of our published photos have gained more than 2 million views each, placing us among the top 0.001% of Google Local Guides worldwide.

Through this work, we’ve learned exactly how Google’s algorithm functions and what makes businesses rank higher. By testing these strategies across multiple companies in different European markets, we’ve proven that the right approach consistently delivers results.

Now we use this proven knowledge to help your business stay active, stay visible, and stay ahead. With Fiboptima’s methods, your profile works 24/7 – bringing in more calls, more visitors, and more sales.

Here’s how we can help – through three tailored packages designed for businesses of every size and ambition:

Basic – Starter Package

A quick but powerful start: profile analysis, clear recommendations, and an SEO-optimized description to set the foundation for better visibility.

Standard – Growth & Optimization

Comprehensive optimization with updated visuals, SEO content, optimized photos, and monthly posts – built for consistent growth and stronger local presence.

Premium – Market Domination

Advanced strategy and full-scale management: weekly posts, daily uploads, review responses, product and event updates – everything you need to lead your market.

Mastering Google Business Profiles for 2025: A Complete Guide

Does it frustrate you when your competitors appear above you on Google? You’re not alone. In today’s world, being invisible online is the same as not existing at all. That’s exactly why Fiboptima exists – to help businesses like yours transform their Google Business Profile into a powerful growth tool. With more than 81 million views on our own contributions as Google Local Guides, we’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to rank higher.

Guide Overview

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Google Business Profiles and how to make them work for your business. You’ll learn:

What a Google Business Profile is and why it’s essential for local visibility

Why optimization matters in attracting more customers

How Google’s ranking algorithm works, focusing on proximity, relevance, and prominence

10 proven steps to fully optimize your profile for maximum impact

Tips for multi-location businesses to ensure consistency and reach

How to save time with professional management so your profile stays active without the hassle

A complete GBP includes:

1. Business name, address, and phone number (NAP)

2. Website and business hours

3. High-quality images and videos

4. Services and products

5. Defined service areas

6. Questions and answers (Q&A)

7. Customer reviews

8. Regular posts and updates

9. Booking options (for selected industries)

10. Menus (restaurants only)

11. Messaging features

Each of these elements plays a role in how visible your business becomes in Google’s local search results. Some factors carry more weight than others in Google’s algorithm, but together they determine whether your profile ranks high enough to attract new customers – or stays hidden behind competitors.

At Fiboptima, we specialize in optimizing and managing every part of your Google Business Profile so that it works 24/7 to bring you more visibility, more calls, and more sales.

The Power of an Optimized Google Business Profile

Every day, millions of people use Google Search and Maps to find businesses nearby. If your profile isn’t optimized, you’re invisible to those potential customers – and your competitors get the calls instead.

An optimized Google Business Profile ensures your company shows up in the right searches, stands out with accurate and engaging information, and builds trust at the very first click.

For businesses in competitive industries or locations, optimization is no longer optional – it’s the difference between being chosen or overlooked. This is especially critical if your success depends on local customers within a 16–32 km radius.

For companies with multiple locations, the impact is even greater. When every branch is properly optimized, the results multiply: stronger visibility, more customers, and powerful network effects across regions.

But optimization isn’t just for large corporations. Even small businesses can gain a massive advantage by making Google Business Profile management a core part of their SEO strategy.

At Fiboptima, we make sure your profile doesn’t just exist – it thrives, attracts, and converts.

The Formula Behind Google Business Profile Rankings

When someone types a local search into Google, the results aren’t random. Google displays a map and highlights 3–4 businesses it considers the best match. That means you’re not only competing with other businesses – you’re competing with Google’s algorithm, and it only showcases the strongest profiles.

Your position is determined by the Google Business Profile Ranking System, which evaluates multiple factors. By optimizing each element of your profile, you can dramatically improve visibility, generate more calls, and attract more local customers.

Here are the three key factors that decide your rank:

Proximity

Google checks how close your business is to the searcher’s location. You can’t control where a customer is searching from, but by setting up accurate service areas, you can extend your reach beyond just your physical address.

Relevance

This is about how well your profile matches the search intent. Categories, descriptions, services, products, and even Q&A all play a role. The better aligned your profile is, the more likely Google will see you as the right choice.

Prominence

Google favors businesses that stand out. That means review volume, star ratings, and even the authority of your linked website. A profile that’s active, trusted, and consistently updated gains far more visibility.

At Fiboptima, we know how to balance all three factors. With professional optimization and ongoing activity, we ensure Google recognizes your profile as the top option – and ranks you ahead of your competitors in local search.

Step-by-Step: How to Fully Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Optimizing your Google Business Profile isn’t guesswork – it’s a structured process. At Fiboptima, we’ve refined a proven 10-step method that transforms any profile from incomplete to fully optimized and ready to rank. Here’s what it takes:

Secure Your Profile Access

Make sure your business profile is properly claimed and managed under the right account.

Add a Professional Profile Picture and Cover Image

Your visuals are your digital storefront. High-quality, correctly sized images build trust and brand recognition.

Upload Geotagged Photos and Videos

Content tagged with your location signals relevance to Google and helps boost visibility in Maps.

Complete and Optimize Your Business Information

From categories to contact details – accuracy and keyword alignment are key.

*Bonus Step: Unlock Special Features

Enable advanced features such as messaging, booking, or menus where available to strengthen your profile.

List All Services

Detailed service entries ensure your profile appears in more specific searches.

Showcase Products

Highlight products or even key services in the products section to capture buyer interest.

Build a Q&A Section

Answer common customer questions directly on your profile to improve engagement.

Post Regular Updates

Events, offers, and news keep your profile fresh – and Google rewards activity.

Generate and Manage Reviews

Encourage positive reviews, respond to feedback, and let your reputation work for you.

Track Performance with Analytics

Add tracking codes and use data insights to measure what’s driving calls, clicks, and visits.

At Fiboptima, we don’t just tell you what to do – we handle every step for you. With our process, your Google Business Profile becomes an active growth engine that brings in more calls, more customers, and more revenue.

Save Time with Fiboptima

Optimization takes time, consistency, and expertise. Weekly posts, regular uploads, Q&A, and review management – these are exactly the activities Google rewards. That’s why Fiboptima is here: to keep your account alive, active, and optimized. With our proven methods, your profile works 24/7 – bringing in more calls, more visitors, and more sales, while you focus on running your business.

Step 4.1: Business Name – The Foundation of Your Profile

Your business name is one of the most influential elements of your Google Business Profile. It directly affects how Google interprets your company and where you appear in search results.

However, this field comes with strict rules. Adding extra keywords or geographic terms (like “Best Dentist Helsinki”) might seem like a shortcut to better rankings, but it goes against Google’s guidelines and can lead to suspension of your profile.

At Fiboptima, we recommend always using your exact, official business name—the one you use in legal documents, signage, and branding. This ensures compliance with Google’s policies and builds long-term trust with both Google and your customers.

If SEO-driven keywords are a priority, the right way is to adjust your branding through an official name change—not by trying to “game” the system. With a clean and accurate business name, your profile gains authority, stability, and a solid foundation for all further optimization steps.

Step 4.2: Business Category – Defining Where You Belong

Choosing the right Business Category is one of the most critical decisions when optimizing your Google Business Profile. It determines which searches your company will appear in and directly shapes your visibility in the Local Pack and Google Maps.

Your Primary Category should always reflect your core business – the service or product that defines you best. This is the anchor that tells Google (and your customers) exactly what you do.

In addition, you can select Secondary Categories to highlight supporting services or complementary offerings. Used strategically, these extra categories help you appear in a wider range of relevant searches without diluting your main focus.

At Fiboptima, we advise keeping a balance: typically 3–5 carefully selected categories are enough. Choosing too many can confuse the algorithm and weaken your positioning. The key is precision – aligning your profile categories with what your customers are actually searching for.

The result? A profile that not only shows up more often but also matches the intent of potential customers more accurately, making it easier for them to choose you over the competition.

Step 4.3: Business Description – Your First Impression Matters

The Business Description is often the first real introduction potential customers have to your company on Google. This short section works as both an informative snapshot and a persuasive pitch, guiding searchers toward a call, click, or visit.

While its direct impact on ranking is limited, it plays a crucial role in conversions. Google may also display parts of your description in the Local Pack, which makes clear, relevant wording even more important.

At Fiboptima, we recommend writing descriptions that highlight what makes your business unique – your strengths, your story, and the value you bring to customers. Use relevant keywords naturally, but avoid overloading with SEO phrases. The goal is to be clear, authentic, and engaging.

Done right, your Business Description doesn’t just explain who you are – it convinces searchers that you are the right choice.

Step 4.4: Opening Date – Showcasing Your Business Journey

The Opening Date field gives customers a quick insight into the history of your business. Longevity often signals stability, trust, and proven quality – qualities that make potential clients more likely to choose you over newer competitors.

If your company has been around for years, make this visible. It’s a subtle but effective way to highlight your experience and credibility.

And if you’re a younger business? No problem. Google doesn’t display this field prominently, but keeping it accurate still supports transparency and helps build trust from the start.

At Fiboptima, we recommend always entering the true date of incorporation or launch of your location. Authenticity matters, and there’s no benefit in pretending your business started centuries ago.

Step 4.5: Contact Information – Make It Easy to Reach You

Your Contact Information is one of the most important parts of your Google Business Profile. It’s the direct bridge between you and potential customers. This section includes your phone number, website link, and social media channels. Depending on your industry, you can also add booking links, menus, or virtual service options.

Accurate and up-to-date contact details not only help customers connect with you faster but also signal to Google that your profile is trustworthy. Consistency across all platforms (Google, website, and social media) is crucial – mismatched details can hurt both your visibility and credibility.

At Fiboptima, we emphasize precision: clear numbers, correct links, and easy pathways for customers to take the next step. Because when contacting you is simple, conversions follow.

Step 4.6: Phone Number – More Than Just Digits

The Phone Number field may seem simple, but it carries more weight than most businesses realize. Many customers won’t click the “call” button – they’ll manually dial the number they see on your profile. This means your Google Business Profile is likely generating far more calls than Google’s own reports suggest.

At Fiboptima, we recommend going beyond a standard phone entry. By using a tracking number, you can measure exactly how many calls your profile generates and even evaluate call quality to see if inquiries turn into real sales.

In short: your phone number isn’t just contact info – it’s a powerful data point that can help you understand and grow your customer base.

Step 4.7: Website URL – Strengthen Your Profile With Authority

Your Website URL is more than just a link – it’s a ranking signal. Google’s algorithm looks at the authority of the connected page, weighing factors like backlinks, relevance, and overall credibility. The stronger the authority, the higher your Google Business Profile can rank in local searches.

For most businesses, the homepage is the best choice, as it represents the core of your brand. However, if you manage multiple locations or services, it’s often smarter to link directly to the most relevant landing page. This ensures searchers land exactly where they’ll find the information they need.

At Fiboptima, we stress one rule: always keep building authority. Consistent link-building and relevant content don’t just boost your website – they directly improve your profile’s visibility on Google.

Step 4.8: Business Hours – Keep Your Customers Informed

Your Business Hours are one of the simplest yet most critical details on your Google Business Profile. They tell customers exactly when they can reach you by phone, visit your location, or expect a response.

Beyond standard working times, Google also allows you to add special hours for holidays, events, or temporary changes. Keeping this section accurate builds trust and prevents frustration when customers try to reach you.

At Fiboptima, we recommend not only keeping your hours updated but also testing whether extended or flexible availability increases engagement. If competitors show longer hours and you don’t, chances are they’ll capture calls and visits that could have been yours.

Your profile should always reflect reliability and accuracy – two qualities Google values highly when ranking businesses.

Step 4.9: Service Areas – Define Where You Want to Be Found

The Service Areas field tells Google exactly which markets your business serves. Instead of limiting visibility to your physical address, you can set specific cities, neighborhoods, or postal codes where you want your profile to appear in searches.

This feature is especially valuable for service-based businesses that operate across a wider region rather than from a single storefront. Without defined service areas, your profile may not show up when people search beyond your immediate location.

At Fiboptima, we recommend focusing on 3–5 strategic areas that bring the most potential customers. Adding too many dilutes the relevance and doesn’t guarantee wider reach. Precision beats quantity – it’s about being visible where it matters most.

By setting clear service areas, you help Google understand your target market and increase your chances of showing up in the right searches at the right time.

Step 4.10: More Details – Showcase What Makes You Different

The More Details section of your Google Business Profile is an often-overlooked opportunity to highlight what sets your business apart. These fields allow you to communicate unique features or services that may directly influence a customer’s decision.

Here, you can specify details such as:

Accessibility options for people with disabilities

Available amenities (e.g., restrooms, parking)

Family-friendly services like a child nursery

Special offerings such as drive-through options

Appointment availability and new customer policies

Language support or other service options

At Fiboptima, we recommend carefully filling out every relevant field. Many customers search with specific needs in mind, and Google actively uses this information to match them with the most suitable businesses.

By adding these details, your profile not only becomes more complete and transparent, but also increases the chances of standing out against competitors who left theirs blank.

Bonus Step: Unlock Specialty Features – Messaging, Bookings, and Menus

Beyond the core elements of your Google Business Profile, specialty features can make the difference between visibility and conversions. These tools allow you to create a more interactive, customer-friendly profile that encourages direct action.

Messaging
The messaging function turns your profile into a direct communication channel. Customers can send messages straight from Google Search or Maps, much like texting or emailing. At Fiboptima, we recommend enabling messaging only if you can reply quickly – speed builds trust and improves conversion rates.

Online Bookings & Reservations
For industries like hospitality, healthcare, or restaurants, Google allows seamless integration with booking and reservation platforms. This feature reduces friction, letting customers secure appointments without leaving your profile – a convenience that often leads to higher engagement.

Menu Integration
Restaurants and service-based businesses can showcase their full menu directly on their profile. This not only saves customers clicks but also boosts visibility for searches related to specific menu items. Embedding your offerings gives Google more content to work with, which can improve your ranking.

At Fiboptima, we encourage businesses to activate every relevant feature. The more complete and interactive your profile, the more reasons customers – and Google – have to choose you over your competitors.

Optimize Every Location Individually

Every single profile matters. Each location must be fully optimized – from business name, address, and contact details to hours, services, and visuals. A single weak profile can pull down your brand’s overall visibility.

Eliminate Duplicate Profiles

Duplicate listings confuse both Google and customers, and can even risk suspension. Regular audits ensure that only one verified and optimized profile exists per location.

Consistency Builds Trust

Your brand name, details, and formatting should be consistent across all locations. Small differences create confusion for both algorithms and users. Consistency reinforces brand authority and trust.

Strategic Category Selection

Categories directly determine which searches your profiles appear in. For multi-location businesses, using a mix of primary and secondary categories across profiles allows you to capture a wider range of searches – while respecting Google’s diversity rules.

Localized Content for Every Location

Linking each profile to a localized landing page on your website helps Google connect profiles with relevant searches. Unique descriptions and content for every branch give you an edge in both ranking and customer trust.

Local Phone Numbers and Addresses

Always use local phone numbers and exact street addresses. This strengthens local relevance, improves ROI tracking, and ensures customers recognize your locations.

Tailored Descriptions and Posts

Avoid copy-paste descriptions. Each profile should reflect its unique strengths, offerings, or community role. Adding location-specific Google Posts (offers, updates, events) keeps each profile active and engaging for local searchers.