Why is your Google Business Profile not bringing in local leads?
If your Google Business Profile is not bringing in leads, the issue often lies in incomplete details, missing engagement, or low-quality presentation. Even with high search visibility, a poorly maintained profile can discourage clicks and stop potential customers from getting in touch. Search engines look for more than just relevance. They assess trust signals, sentiment, consistency, and customer feedback to determine ranking and local search performance. So if you are visible but not getting enquiries, your profile may be sending the wrong signals.
Here's What We Have Covered In This Article
Main reasons your Google Business Profile isn’t working as it should
Information is missing or incorrect
Gaps in contact and business details
Every contact detail should be accurate and identical across all citations and platforms. That includes your business name, physical address, phone number, and website URL. Even a small mismatch can reduce visibility and harm trust. Using structured data on your website can also help reinforce this information in search.
Incomplete descriptions and incorrect categories
You need to clearly explain what your business does. Avoid vague terms and choose the most accurate primary category. For example, a self-employed gas engineer should list their business under “Gas engineer” rather than a broader category like “Contractor”. Supporting categories can reflect additional services but they should always be relevant.
Incorrect map pin placement
If your Google Maps location pin is off the mark, customers will either visit the wrong place or give up entirely. Double-check that your address is placed exactly where it should be. For businesses with service areas, setting the correct radius is equally important.
Pro Tip : Use a professional cover photo that clearly shows your business premises or branding. Profiles with clear imagery often get more clicks.
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Are you keeping your Google profile updated and active?
Keywords that match real search queries
Think about how your customers describe your service. A bathroom fitter in Leeds should include phrases like “bathroom installation Leeds” or “trusted bathroom installer near me” within the business description. This aligns your profile with high-intent local search queries.
No recent posts or offers
A business that never posts updates looks inactive. Google rewards listings that regularly publish offers, updates, event promotions, or responses to questions. These updates send engagement signals that your business is active and available.
Slow websites or poor mobile performance
Your website needs to load quickly, especially on mobile devices. If it takes more than a few seconds, most people will leave. Make sure your site uses responsive design, is free from broken links, and includes key business info clearly on the homepage. Pages linked to your GBP profile should relate directly to the service or offer shown.
Improve mobile page speed with these technical recommendations from Google.
Why are reviews so important on your Google listing?
Low review volume discourages trust
A Google profile with just a couple of reviews gives people very little to base their decision on. Reviews act as social proof. For local service businesses, a lack of reviews can be as damaging as a negative one. Set up automated reminders or ask in person right after delivering the service.
Ignoring reviews harms credibility
You should respond to every review, even the ones that are short or negative. A simple “thank you” or thoughtful reply shows you value feedback and take customer service seriously. Personal replies carry more weight than generic templates.
What if reviews are missing?
There was a temporary outage in Google Business reviews which caused listings to lose hundreds of verified ratings. If this affected your business, check again as many have since been restored. Contact support if yours have not returned.
Pro Tip:Responding to reviews within 48 hours not only helps with trust but also shows Google your business is active and engaged.
What else could be blocking your profile’s success?
Profile suspension
Suspensions usually happen due to guideline violations like inaccurate service claims, excessive keyword use, or poor verification documents. If your business is suspended, you must submit evidence including licenses or service photos to get reinstated. This can take several weeks.
Google’s reinstatement request form should be used as soon as you receive a suspension notice.
High competition in your sector
Sectors like conveyancing, car repairs, and domestic cleaning often have many local listings competing for the same terms. To stand out, your profile should focus on quality images, complete service descriptions, and consistent reviews.
Lack of action buttons and features
If your listing does not offer an easy way to book, call, or send a message, potential customers may not take the next step. Google Business allows you to enable chat, appointment links, and other engagement tools. Make full use of these features to make customer contact easy.
Inconsistent branding and information
Your profile, website, and social media pages should all tell the same story. If your profile lists one phone number and your website another, people are likely to give up. Maintain consistency in your contact info, visuals, and messaging everywhere your brand appears.
Where Google Ads and paid visibility often go wrong
Landing pages do not match the ad promise
Your advert may highlight a limited time offer or a specific service, but if the link leads to a generic home page, people will bounce. Always make sure the landing page supports the message in the ad copy and is relevant to the search term used.
Inadequate budget for your area
Some areas and industries have higher cost per click. For instance, electricians in London or accountants in Manchester can face fierce bidding for top ad placements. If your budget is too low, your ads may never show. Review Google Ads benchmarks to set realistic expectations.
You are not measuring conversions
Without setting up conversion tracking, it is impossible to know if your ads are working. Track phone calls, form fills, and visits to key pages using tools like Google Tag Manager or built-in analytics integrations. This helps you understand return on ad spend and optimise future campaigns.
Learn how to set up conversion tracking directly through Google Ads.
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What makes a good Google Business Profile stand out?
Signs of a poorly maintained listing
Service description is missing or vague
Only one or two blurry images
Review count is low and responses are missing
Hours are outdated or inaccurate
Characteristics of a strong profile
Clear and keyword-rich service description
At least fifty authentic reviews with thoughtful replies
Fresh photos showing your team, equipment, or premises
Weekly posts or promotional updates
Fully completed contact details and business hours
Does high search ranking guarantee new customers?
No. Just showing up near the top does not mean people will call or book. They still look at how your listing appears. If it looks neglected or incomplete, they will skip to another provider. Your listing needs to reassure people that your service is professional, reliable, and available.
Get a professional review of your listing
If you are unsure what is holding your profile back, our team can take a look. We will review your Google Business Profile, check how it compares with others in your sector, and give you practical steps to improve your visibility and lead generation.
Book your free check-up now and find out what is really stopping your listing from converting views into new business.
