You’ve got a farm to run, a shop to stock, or a service call waiting—not a spare hour to “figure out the internet.” I get it. But if you’re a small-town business owner in Minnesota and you’re not using Google Business Profile yet, you’re leaving money on the table.
Don’t worry—this isn’t a techy rant. This is me, your neighbor Carrie, walking you through the simplest way to get found online using one free tool that works while you sleep.
What Is Google Business Profile and Why Should You Care?
If your business were a barn, Google Business Profile (GBP) would be the sign at the end of your gravel driveway. It’s the first thing people see when they search for you online—before they even click your website.
Ever typed “hardware store near me” into your phone? That map with names, hours, directions, and reviews? That’s powered by GBP.
Your profile shows up in:
- Google Search
- Google Maps
- Local results (the ones people actually click)
And the best part? It’s free. Totally free. You just have to set it up right.
The Basics: What to Fill Out (and What to Skip)
Getting started is simple. Here’s what actually matters:
- Business Name: Exactly how it appears on your storefront or signs
- Address: Make sure it matches everywhere else online (consistency = trust)
- Phone Number: Use one that someone will actually answer
- Hours: Keep this updated. Seriously.
- Category: Pick the one that fits you best. (Hint: “Florist” is better than “Retail.”)
- Photos: Real ones. Snap a few with your phone. Show your shelves, your dog behind the counter, whatever feels true.
💡 Insider Tip from Carrie: Don’t overthink the description. Say what you do and who you do it for. Example: “Family-owned greenhouse in central Minnesota offering seasonal plants, flowers, and garden supplies.”
Your Profile Is Not a “Set It and Forget It” Tool
A lot of folks think you set it up once and you’re done. Nope. Google likes freshness. That means:
- Updating hours around holidays
- Adding new photos now and then
- Replying to reviews (even just “Thanks so much!”)
- Posting quick updates (weekly specials, event reminders)
These little things help Google trust you—and when Google trusts you, more customers find you.
💡 Insider Tip from Carrie: Go into your settings and double-check your service area. If you deliver or serve outside your hometown, make sure those towns are listed. It helps you show up in nearby searches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s save you from the top 4 I see every month:
- Wrong contact info: If your number changed or your address is off by one digit, Google might push you down in search results.
- Duplicate listings: You only need one. Delete any extras or combine them.
- Stock photos or no photos at all: People trust what they can see.
- Letting someone else “own” your listing: Make sure you have the login. You’d be surprised how many business owners don’t.
Carrie’s Approach: Steady, Simple, and Smart
I don’t throw dashboards at people. I don’t believe in overwhelm. I believe in helping folks make smart moves that last.
With every client I work with, the Google Business Profile is step one. Why? Because it’s one of the fastest, easiest ways to get more:
- Phone calls
- Directions requests
- Website visits
- Reviews
- Real-life customers
It’s also the most ignored.
I’ve seen it over and over: A clean, updated profile turns a sleepy business into a busy one, especially in small towns where word-of-mouth is still gold.
Ready to Get Found Online?
If you’re not sure where to start—or you set it up once and haven’t looked at it since 2019—it might be time for a quick check.
That’s where my Seed & Soil Audit comes in. We take a peek at what’s working, what’s missing, and how to fix it (in plain language). No overwhelm, no pressure.
Want to see what your profile’s really doing for you?
Schedule your free strategy session with me today and let’s get your business showing up where it matters most.