Google “My Business” — now officially called Google Business Profile (GBP) — is a free Google tool that allows Indian businesses to manage how they appear in Google Search, Google Maps, and local search results. It displays your business name, address, phone number, website, reviews, services, photos, and updates — helping customers find and contact you instantly.
Quick Summary for Indian Business Owners
- “My Business” on Google = Google Business Profile (GBP)
- Essential for Local SEO in India
- Powers Google Maps & Local Pack rankings
- Free to use but requires optimization
- Major ranking factor for “near me” searches
- Influences Google AI Overviews & AI search visibility
- Directly impacts calls, leads, and foot traffic
If you run a:
- Retail store in Delhi
- Dental clinic in Mumbai
- Coaching center in Jaipur
- Real estate office in Ahmedabad
- Digital marketing agency in Bangalore
Then your Google Business Profile is your digital storefront.
And in 2026, it’s not optional.
It’s foundational.
What Is Google My Business? (Now Google Business Profile)
Google My Business (rebranded as Google Business Profile) is a platform that allows businesses to control their appearance in:
- Google Search
- Google Maps
- Local Pack (Top 3 listings)
- Google Knowledge Panel
- AI-generated local summaries
When someone searches:
- “Best SEO company in India”
- “Dentist near me”
- “Cafe in Connaught Place”
- “Affordable web development company”
Google shows a map with 3 businesses at the top.
That’s called the Google Local Pack.
Those businesses are ranking because of optimized Google Business Profiles.
Here’s the truth most people don’t realize:
Your website alone cannot win local search.
Your Google Business Profile must be optimized.
Why Is Google Business Profile Important for Local SEO in India?
Let me be direct. If your business does not appear in Google Maps, you are losing customers daily.
Why It Matters:
- 80%+ of local searches lead to action within 24 hours
- “Near me” searches have exploded across India
- Mobile users rely on Maps for immediate decisions
- Reviews influence purchasing decisions heavily
- Google prioritizes local listings over websites for service queries
Real Example
A small gym owner in Noida contacted BeTopSEO.
He had:
- 9 reviews
- No posts
- No keyword-optimized description
- Wrong category
After optimization:
- Updated category
- Added 30+ high-quality images
- Structured services section
- Implemented review acquisition strategy
Within 60 days:
- Entered Top 3 Map results
- 40% increase in inquiries
- Direct call traffic doubled
This is how powerful Google Business Profile is when optimized correctly.
How Google Business Profile Works (Ranking Factors Explained)
Google uses three primary ranking signals for local listings:
| Factor | Meaning | Optimization Strategy |
| Relevance | Matches search query | Optimize categories & keywords |
| Distance | Proximity to searcher | Accurate address setup |
| Prominence | Authority & popularity | Reviews, backlinks, citations |
Let’s break this down further.
1. Relevance
Your profile must clearly describe what you offer. If you’re an SEO company but selected “Marketing Consultant” instead of “Internet Marketing Service,” you reduce relevance. The primary category is critical.
2. Distance
Google shows businesses near the user. Service Area Businesses can rank, but proximity still influences visibility.
3. Prominence
This is where most businesses fall short.
Prominence includes:
- Number of reviews
- Review quality
- Review keywords
- Local backlinks
- Directory citations
- Brand mentions
More trust = higher ranking.
How to Create a Google Business Profile in India (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Visit
https://www.google.com/business/
Step 2: Enter Exact Business Name
Avoid keyword stuffing.
Wrong:
“Best Cheap SEO Company in Delhi – No.1 Services”
Correct:
“BeTopSEO”
Google suspends keyword-stuffed listings.
Step 3: Choose Primary Category
This affects rankings significantly.
Examples:
- SEO Agency → Internet Marketing Service
- Hospital → Medical Clinic
- Restaurant → North Indian Restaurant
- CA → Chartered Accountant
Step 4: Add Address or Service Area
If you operate online, choose Service Area Business.
Step 5: Verification
India supports:
- Postcard verification (5–14 days)
- Phone verification
- Video verification
- Email verification (in some cases)
Verification is mandatory.
How to Optimize Google My Business for Higher Rankings (2026 Strategy)
Here’s where we go deeper.
Most profiles are under-optimized.
You need advanced optimization.
1. Keyword Optimization Strategy
Include keywords in:
- Business description
- Services section
- Products section
- Posts
- Q&A
- Review responses
Example:
Instead of:
“We provide digital services.”
Write:
“We provide SEO services in India, local SEO, Google Maps ranking optimization, and AI search optimization.”
Natural integration only.
No stuffing.
2. Reviews Strategy (Critical for Ranking)
Google reviews influence:
- Ranking
- Click-through rate
- Trust
- Conversion
Best practices:
- Send the review link via WhatsApp
- Use the QR code at the store
- Ask satisfied customers immediately after service
- Respond to every review
Never buy fake reviews.
Suspensions are common in India due to fake review networks.
3. Google Posts Optimization
Post weekly.
Ideas:
- Case studies
- Offers
- Festival discounts
- Service updates
- Blog summaries
Active profiles rank better.
4. Photos & Media Optimization
Businesses with 100+ images receive significantly higher engagement.
Add:
- Office photos
- Staff photos
- Before/after results
- Product photos
- Client interaction photos
Geotag images before uploading for extra local signals.
5. Services & Products Section
Add detailed service descriptions.
Include:
- Pricing (optional)
- Service areas
- Keyword-rich summaries
- FAQs within descriptions
This improves relevance.
Advanced Google Business Profile Strategies (Most Businesses Don’t Do This)
Now let’s talk about what separates the Top 3 rankings from everyone else.
1. Local Citation Building
Ensure consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across:
- JustDial
- IndiaMART
- Sulekha
- TradeIndia
- Yelp India
- Facebook Business
Consistency builds trust.
2. Local Backlinks
Get links from:
- Local news sites
- Industry blogs
- Partner websites
- Business associations
Prominence increases.
3. Behavioral Signals
Google tracks:
- Clicks
- Calls
- Direction requests
- Website visits
Encourage engagement.
More activity = stronger ranking signals.
4. Q&A Section Optimization
Add your own FAQs inside Q&A.
Example:
Q: Do you provide SEO services in India?
A: Yes, BeTopSEO provides complete SEO services, including local SEO and Google Maps ranking optimization.
This increases keyword signals.
Common Google Business Profile Mistakes in India
Here’s where businesses damage themselves.
- Keyword stuffing business name
- Fake addresses
- Duplicate listings
- Ignoring negative reviews
- Inconsistent NAP
- No posts for months
- No service descriptions
Even one violation can trigger suspension.
How Google Business Profile Impacts AI Search (2026 and Beyond)
Google AI Overviews now summarize local businesses.
AI tools extract:
- Business categories
- Reviews
- Popular services
- Ratings
- Location data
If your profile is optimized, you increase the chances of:
- Being cited in AI answers
- Ranking in voice search
- Appearing in “Best [Service] in India” queries
Local SEO is now AI SEO.
Real Strategy: How BeTopSEO Optimizes Google Business Profiles
At BeTopSEO, we treat Google Business Profile as a growth engine.
Our process includes:
- Competitor audit
- Category gap analysis
- Review acquisition strategy
- Keyword-mapped descriptions
- Weekly posting calendar
- Local citation building
- Behavioral engagement optimization
That’s how we help Indian businesses dominate Google Maps.
People Also Ask
What is Google My Business called now?
Google My Business is now called Google Business Profile (GBP). Google rebranded it to simplify management and integrate business editing directly into Google Search and Maps.
Is Google Business Profile free in India?
Yes. Google Business Profile is completely free for Indian businesses. You only need a Google account and verification.
How long does verification take in India?
Postcard verification usually takes 5–14 days. Phone or video verification may be faster if available.
Can I rank without a website?
Yes, but having a website improves authority and ranking potential significantly.
How many reviews do I need?
There’s no fixed number. You must have more reviews than competitors in your category and area to improve prominence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main purpose of Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile helps local businesses appear in Google Search and Maps by displaying essential details like address, phone number, reviews, and services. It improves local visibility, increases trust, and drives direct calls and inquiries from nearby customers.
2. Does Google Business Profile help SEO in India?
Yes. Google Business Profile is one of the strongest local ranking factors in India. Optimized listings appear in the Local Pack and Maps results, significantly increasing visibility for location-based searches and “near me” queries.
3. Can online businesses use Google Business Profile?
Yes. Online or service-based businesses can use a Service Area Business setup without displaying a physical address publicly. This works well for agencies, freelancers, and consultants operating across India.
4. What causes a Google Business Profile suspension?
Common causes include keyword stuffing in business name, fake addresses, duplicate listings, misleading information, or review manipulation. Google enforces strict guidelines to maintain trust in local search results.
5. How often should I update my profile?
Weekly updates are recommended. Adding posts, new photos, and responding to reviews signals activity and improves engagement, which can positively impact local ranking performance.
Final Thoughts: What This Means for Your Business
Google Business Profile is not just a listing.
It’s a ranking engine.
It’s a trust signal.
It’s a conversion tool.
If your competitors are investing in local SEO and you are not…
They will dominate the Map Pack.
And that’s where customers click first.
Ready to Dominate Google Maps in India?
BeTopSEO – Best SEO Services Company in India helps businesses:
- Rank in Top 3 Local Pack
- Optimize Google Business Profile
- Increase authentic reviews
- Improve AI search visibility
- Generate consistent local leads
If you want your business to rank higher in Google Maps and AI search results in 2026…
Contact BeTopSEO today and let’s build your local dominance strategy.