How to Use Google Business Profile to Increase Foot Traffic to Your Store
When I first started helping clients with their local SEO, I was shocked that they underestimated how powerful that little box on the right side of the search results could be.
If you have a physical location, your biggest challenge isn’t just getting clicks online, it’s getting actual people to walk through the door. One of the most effective (and free) tools for doing that is your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).
Think of it as your digital storefront. When optimized correctly, it can drive new customers to your location, increase walk-ins, and even boost in-store sales. I’ve used this with my own store and with multiple client businesses—and the results are a game changer.
What Is Google Business Profile and Why Does It Matter?
Your Google Business Profile is the box that shows up on the right side of search results and on Google Maps when people look up your business. It includes your:
Business name, address, phone number, and hours
Reviews and ratings
Photos and videos of your store or services
Posts, offers, and events
In other words, it’s often the first impression potential customers get before deciding to visit. Optimizing it makes you more visible in local search and builds trust fast.
How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile
1. Claim and Verify Your Business
Search Google to see if your business already has a listing.
Claim it and verify via postcard, phone, or email.
💡Verified businesses rank higher in search and give customers confidence that you’re real and trustworthy.
2. Complete Every Section in Detail
Fill out all the basics: name, address, phone number (NAP), website, hours, and description. Consistency matters—make sure your info matches across your website, Yelp, and social media.
💡Add appointment links, menus, or booking options if relevant.
3. Choose the Right Categories and Attributes
Select one primary category (e.g., “Bakery,” “Barber Shop”) and a few supporting ones. Add attributes like:
“Women-led”
“Black-owned”
“Wheelchair accessible”
“Dog-friendly patio”
💡These details help Google show you to the right audience.
4. Upload Photos and Videos Regularly
Post high-quality images of:
The outside of your store (so customers can find it)
Your interior vibe
Products or services in action
Staff and happy customers
💡 Listings with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks than those without.
How to Drive More Traffic Through Google Business Profile
Encourage Reviews (and Reply to All of Them)
Ask happy customers for reviews in person, by email, or with a QR code at checkout.
Always reply—yes, even to the tough ones.
💡Fresh reviews boost rankings and act like digital word-of-mouth.
Use Google Posts Like Free Ads
Inside your profile, you can publish short posts about:
Sales and promotions
Events and pop-ups
New arrivals
💡Post at least once a week. It keeps your profile active and gives people a reason to visit now.
Manage Q&A to Build Trust
People often ask questions like “Do you have parking?” or “Is your shop kid-friendly?” Don’t leave them unanswered—seed a few FAQs yourself if needed.
💡 Many customers make visiting decisions based on these details alone.
How Does Google Business Profile Help Increase Foot Traffic?
Google Business Profile works because it taps into local intent searches—queries like “coffee shop near me” or “best bookstore in Calgary.” That means people searching are already ready to buy or visit.
Here’s how it helps:
Get found on Maps and Local Search → Appear when people nearby search.
Track Insights → See what people searched for, where they came from, and what they clicked.
Engage with customers → Reviews, posts, and Q&As all build trust.
Convert online interest into real visits → Events, offers, and photos push people to stop by.
Best Practices for Turning Online Views into Real Foot Traffic
Promote in-store events (tastings, sidewalk sales, meet-the-maker days).
Highlight what makes you unique (handmade goods, local sourcing, family-owned story).
Update your info in real-time (holiday hours, closures, special changes).
💡Nothing kills trust faster than showing up closed when your profile says “open.”
Recommended Services to Keep Your Profile Optimized
If you’re busy running your business, keeping your Google Business Profile updated can feel like a chore. That’s where I come in.
Content Creation Package for Local Businesses
Includes:
Weekly Google Posts to promote offers/events
Professional photo and video strategy
Review request templates + response management
Category and keyword optimization
Regular updates to hours, attributes, and listings
Perfect for small businesses that want steady foot traffic without the extra workload.
Key Takeaways
Google Business Profile is your free digital storefront. Optimizing it directly increases foot traffic.
Complete every detail and stay consistent. Gaps in info hurt visibility and trust.
Photos, reviews, and posts are your biggest traffic drivers.
It’s not “set it and forget it.” Active profiles rank higher and convert more customers.
If you want help, outsourcing keeps your listing fresh and profitable.
Want someone to just handle it for you?
If keeping your Google Business Profile updated feels like too much on your plate, I’ve got you. My Content Creation Package includes optimized Google Posts, photo strategy, review response templates, and everything you need to keep your listing fresh and engaging.
✨ Let’s turn more online searches into foot traffic. Click here to apply to work with me.
