Top 10 Google Business Profile Mistakes to Avoid

Google is usually the first place people find you.

They’re not clicking your website first. They’re seeing your Google Business Profile. That little box with your name, photos, hours, and reviews? That’s what makes or breaks the first impression.

And if it’s wrong—or outdated—you’re losing business.

Here are the most common mistakes restaurants and local businesses make with their Google Business Profiles—and how to fix them.

1. Wrong or Missing Business Info

Your name, address, phone number (aka NAP)—these need to be correct. Every time.

Double-check:

• Is your phone number clickable?
• Are your hours up to date?
• Does your address match your signage?

Even small mistakes mess up search rankings.

68% of consumers say they would stop using a local business if they found incorrect information online. 

How to fix it: Log in to your Google Business dashboard. Go to the “Info” tab and make edits. Hit “Apply” and check back to make sure the changes go live.

2. No Photos (or Bad Ones)

People want to see your place before they show up.

If your profile has zero photos—or just one awkward shot from 2016—you’re missing an easy trust builder.

Photos of your space, food, staff, signage, and exterior help people picture what to expect. It builds confidence.

How to fix it: Add at least 10 photos. Use clear, high-quality images. Show the inside and outside. Show busy times and quiet times.

Update these often. Fresh content = more engagement.

3. Categories Are Off

Google uses your business category to decide when to show your listing. If you’ve picked the wrong one—or left it blank—you might be showing up for the wrong searches.

How to fix it: Go to “Edit Profile” → “Business category.” Pick the most specific category possible (e.g. “Thai Restaurant” not just “Restaurant”). You can add secondary categories too.

Need help choosing? Google has a list of business categories here.

4. You’re Not Posting Updates

Your Google profile lets you post updates—like a mini blog or social post. Most businesses don’t use this. That’s a mistake.

You can use posts for:

• Events
• Menu changes
• Specials or discounts
• Behind-the-scenes photos

It tells Google your listing is active. And it gives your audience more reasons to choose you.

How to fix it: From the dashboard, click “Add update.” Keep it short and simple. Use a good image and link to your site if needed. Update weekly.

5. No Reviews (or Ignoring the Ones You Get)

Reviews build trust. And they help you rank higher.

But it’s not just about getting reviews. It’s how you respond.

• No reviews = no social proof.
• Bad reviews with no response = bad look.
• Good reviews with no response = missed opportunity.

How to fix it: Start asking for reviews from real customers. Respond to every single one—good or bad.

Be human. Thank them. Apologize if needed. Don’t argue.

6. Missing Menu or Service Details

If you’re a restaurant and your menu link is broken or missing? People leave.

If you’re a service business and don’t list what you offer? Same thing.

People want the details fast. If they can’t find them, they won’t call to ask. They’ll just move on.

How to fix it: Add a menu link under “Menu” in your profile. For services, use the “Services” tab to list everything clearly.

Bonus: Add photos next to key services if possible.

7. No Booking or Ordering Links

If you take reservations, do catering, or offer online ordering—you should be linking it in your profile.

Every extra step you force people to take = more drop-off.

How to fix it: Use the “Bookings” or “Order” section to add direct links. Connect it to OpenTable, Toast, your website, or wherever you take orders.

This helps you get more actions right from the listing.

8. Not Using Messaging

Google lets you turn on messaging so customers can message you directly from your listing. It’s like a DM for your business.

Most businesses don’t turn it on. That’s a missed opportunity.

How to fix it: Go to “Messages” in your dashboard. Turn it on. Download the Google Maps app so you get notified.

Set an auto-response like “Thanks for reaching out! We’ll reply shortly.”

9. You Haven’t Claimed or Verified Your Profile

Sounds dumb, but a lot of businesses never officially claim their listing. That means you can’t manage it. Or fix any of the problems above.

How to fix it: Go to Google.com/business and search for your business. Click “Manage Now” and follow the steps to verify.

Google will send a postcard or call your number to confirm.

Once you’re verified, you control the listing.

10. Not Monitoring Insights

Your Google Business Profile gives you data. Like:

• How many people saw your listing
• What they searched for
• How many clicked “Call” or “Directions”

If you’re not watching that? You’re guessing.

How to fix it: Go to the “Performance” tab and look at the numbers. Compare month to month.

See what’s working. See what needs work.

Final thoughts

Your Google Business Profile is more than just an online listing. It’s your first impression. It’s your reputation. It’s your lead generator.

If it’s a mess, people won’t wait around.

Fix these mistakes. Keep it updated. Treat it like your digital storefront.

And if you don’t want to deal with it? Ad Pages Solutions can manage your listing for you.

We’ll clean it up, optimize it, and keep it working like it should—so you can focus on running the actual business.

Because people are searching. And you should be the one they find.