I set up a Google Business Profile for Orlov Digital a few weeks ago. The whole process took about 20 minutes. And I'm genuinely convinced it's the single most important thing a local business owner can do online.
It's free. It takes almost no effort. And most businesses in Sedalia either don't have one or haven't updated theirs in years.
What Google Business Profile Actually Is
When you search for something like "auto repair near me" or "coffee shop in Sedalia," the first thing you see isn't a list of websites. It's the map pack: three businesses with star ratings, phone numbers, hours, and a map showing where they are.
That's Google Business Profile. It's what puts you on that map. Without one, you're invisible in local search results, even if you have a great website.
Why It Matters More Than Your Website
I know that sounds strange coming from a guy who builds websites. But here's the reality: when someone searches for a local service, they're looking at the map pack first. They're comparing star ratings, reading reviews, checking hours. Most of them make a decision right there without ever clicking through to a website.
Your website still matters (that's where they go to verify you're legit before calling). But the Google Business Profile is what gets you in front of them in the first place.
What Most Businesses Get Wrong
I've been searching for local businesses around Sedalia a lot lately, partly for my own research and partly out of curiosity. Here's what I keep seeing:
- No profile at all: the business simply doesn't show up on Google Maps. Customers searching for what they offer will never find them.
- Unclaimed profiles: Google sometimes creates a basic listing automatically from public data. But if you haven't claimed it, you can't control the information, respond to reviews, or add photos.
- Outdated information: wrong phone numbers, old hours, no photos. The profile exists but it looks abandoned. That doesn't build trust.
- Zero reviews: even if everything else is right, a business with no reviews next to competitors with 50+ reviews is going to lose every time.
How to Set It Up (It's Not Hard)
Go to business.google.com and either claim your existing listing or create a new one. You'll need to verify that you actually own the business, usually through a postcard Google mails to your address or a phone call. After that, fill in your details:
- Business name, address, phone number, hours
- Categories (pick the most specific ones that apply)
- A description of what you do
- Photos of your business, your work, your team
Then keep it alive. Post updates occasionally. Respond to every review, good or bad. Add new photos when you can.
Reviews Are the Secret Weapon
When I talk to business owners, I always ask the same thing: are you asking your happy customers for Google reviews?
Almost nobody is. And it's the easiest win available. After a good job, just say: "Hey, if you have a minute, a Google review would really help my business." That's it. No script, no pressure. Most people are happy to help if you ask.
Five real reviews with actual comments from actual customers will do more for your business than almost any marketing spend.
The Bottom Line
Google Business Profile is free, powerful, and most local businesses are barely using it. If you don't have one, set it up today. If you have one but haven't touched it in a while, update it this week. It's 20 minutes that could change how customers find you.
And if your website needs work too, let's talk about that.