A British family has just landed at the airport in Málaga. They’re hungry. The first thing they do is pull out their phone and type "best restaurants near me" into Google.
A list of three businesses appears at the top of the screen, embedded in a map. They don't scroll down. They don't search for websites. They look at the photos, check the review score, and tap the one that looks best. Ten minutes later, they walk through the door.
Did you notice what didn't happen? They never visited a homepage. They never saw a fancy logo. Their entire decision was made on Google Maps.
For a local tourism business, your Google Business Profile isn't just another listing; it is, for all intents and purposes, your real homepage. It’s your most powerful tool for capturing tourists who are in your area and ready to spend money right now.
If yours is neglected, you are handing these customers directly to your competitors. Here are five ways to fix that.
1. Your Photos are Your Menu
Before anyone reads your description or your reviews, they will judge you by your photos. Grainy, dark, or outdated pictures signal a low-quality experience. You need a gallery of vibrant, professional-looking images that sell the dream.
* What to Show: Don't just show your storefront. Show your most popular dish, your signature cocktail, the view from your hotel balcony, your friendly staff, and happy customers enjoying themselves.
* The Quick Fix: Do a "photo audit" today. Remove any old or ugly photos. Get your newest phone, wait for good natural light, and take at least 10 new, high-quality pictures. It can make a world of difference overnight.
2. Answer the Questions They're Already Asking
Google has a powerful "Questions & Answers" feature on every profile. This is a goldmine. Potential customers publicly ask questions like "Do you have vegetarian options?" or "Is parking available?". If these questions go unanswered, it looks like nobody is home.
* Proactive Strategy: Don't wait for people to ask. You can pre-load your own Q&A's! Ask and answer the top 5-10 questions you get all the time. "Is your pool heated?" Answer it. "Do you offer airport transfers?" Answer it.
* The Quick Fix: Brainstorm your five most frequently asked questions and post both the questions and the answers on your own profile immediately.
3. Treat Your Reviews Like Gold Dust
A 4.8-star rating with 150 reviews will beat a 5.0-star rating with 4 reviews every single time. The volume and recency of your reviews are massive trust signals. More importantly, your response to those reviews is critical.
* The Rule: Respond to every single review, good or bad. Thank the positive reviewers by name. Address the negative reviewers politely and professionally, showing other potential customers that you are a responsible owner who cares.
* The Quick Fix: Block out 20 minutes this week to go back and reply to your last 10-15 reviews. It instantly makes your profile look more active and professional.
4. Use "Google Posts" as Your Daily Specials Board
Did you know you can post updates directly to your Google profile, just like on Facebook or Instagram? These "Google Posts" appear right on your listing and are perfect for advertising special offers, events, or new menu items.
* Content Ideas: "Happy Hour from 5-7pm tonight!", "This weekend's special: Fresh Sea Bass," "Last-minute availability: One sea view room has just opened up for this Saturday!"
* The Quick Fix: Create one Google Post right now. Announce a small special offer for the upcoming weekend. It takes five minutes and immediately shows that your business is active and current.
5. Your Website Link Must Seal the Deal
Once a customer is impressed by your photos, reviews, and posts, they will make the final click: the link to your website to make a booking. If that link leads to a slow, confusing, or untrustworthy site, you lose the sale at the final hurdle. All that hard work is wasted.
* The Critical Link: This is where the trust established on Google Maps is converted into a booking. The website must load fast on mobile and have a clear, simple way to book or get in touch.
* The Quick Fix: Ensure the link points to the best possible page on your website, ideally one that's designed to welcome tourists and facilitate easy bookings.
Let's Make Your Business the Obvious Choice
Optimising your Google Business Profile is one of the highest-return activities you can do. But it's most powerful when it connects to a professional and trustworthy digital presence.
If you've realised that your website is letting your Google profile down, our "Quick Fix" package is designed for you. We build the trustworthy, mobile-friendly .co.uk website that your Google listing deserves, and we set up the UK WhatsApp number that makes converting those clicks into customers effortless.
Don't just be on the map. Be the business they choose.
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