5 Google Business Profile Mistakes Killing Your Local Rankings
The most common GBP mistakes Sunshine Coast businesses make — and exactly how to fix each one in an afternoon.
Google Business Profile is the single biggest lever for a local Sunshine Coast business — it's what puts you in the map pack at the top of the results. And most businesses get it half-right, then wonder why the map pack is showing their competitors instead.
1. Vague primary category
'Contractor' or 'Business services' will keep you invisible. Pick the most specific category available — 'plumber', 'physiotherapist', 'italian restaurant'. This is the single most important field on your profile.
2. No photos (or worse — stock photos)
Google favours profiles with regular, real, geo-tagged photos. Take your phone, walk around your business, upload 5-10 photos this week. Repeat monthly.
3. Not replying to reviews
Every review — good or bad — should get a reply within 48 hours. It's a ranking factor and it's what customers see when they're comparing you to competitors.
4. Missing service list
The 'Services' section is a huge opportunity most businesses ignore. List every service with a proper description — each one is a searchable phrase that helps you rank.
5. NAP inconsistency
Your business Name, Address and Phone should be identical everywhere it appears online — website, Facebook, directories, industry listings. Even a different phone format ('07 5443 xxxx' vs '(07) 5443 xxxx') can hurt.
Sort these five and you'll usually see a movement in the map pack within a month or two. If you'd like help with a full GBP audit and rebuild as part of your local SEO, that's part of what we do.