How important is the Google business profile now?
- Thread starter lang xiao
- Start date
- Aug 28, 2026
- 159
- 48
It has been important and will be important customers nowadays see the reviews before visiting any place and website + gmb is what gets you the highest leverage possible
- Apr 19, 2014
- 2,221
- 1,023
It's crucial. You can have a single-page website and still manage to get leads, but without a Google Business Profile, it's tough unless you spend a lot on ads.
First priority should be fully optimizing your GBP profile and keep update. A website is necessary when you want to target long-tail keywords and also build service area pages to target all the close proximity neighborhoods.
- Apr 30, 2009
- 1,873
- 118
Before picking one its worth checking they agree with each other. Ive lost count of the times the profile says one thing, the website footer says another, and neither matches whats sitting on half the directories.
- May 13, 2013
- 7,171
- 2,018
Optimizing your GBP is tops on that list, since an optimized profile helps pull in the traffic you need. Even if your website is not that optimal, A good GBP would give you positive results overall
Orion Marketing Agency
Registered Member
- Jul 28, 2026
- 66
- 2
gbp is still important for local seo i focus on the profile first then build out the websites around it
- Sep 17, 2025
- 304
- 145
Pretty much. I have a Next,js SSG web I don't even care, I have done good SEO (code-side), GEO (for AI/LLMs), and a GBP with 5 reviews. I receive weekly leads doing nothing, being the web quite abandoned and having no authority. So definetly worth. Some stuff is basic and you should do it. Good web + good and complete GBP.
MeninaJohn
Newbie
- Sep 10, 2026
- 18
- 2
For local I put more time into the profile first. Reviews and correct info usually move calls faster than small website changes.
mr_slowgun
Newbie
- Jan 22, 2024
- 14
- 2
it mostly depends on the current condition. if gbp incomplete or has very little customer feedback then improving it can make a noticeable difference pretty quickly
lindarose2026
Newbie
- Jul 9, 2026
- 47
- 15
For local businesses, I usually work on Both sides however, if the Google Business profile isn’t properly optimized and focus on that first. A strong profile can quickly increase local awareness, while the website is primarily used to build long term trust and convert visitors into customers. It's best to address the core website issues first and then work on both sides together.
Stellarpath
BANNED
- Sep 14, 2026
- 15
- 3
i focus on GBP profile first because bring leads faster. after that, build the website
derekgough
Newbie
- Jan 24, 2024
- 6
- 3
it depends how strong the profile right now.if gbp is incomplete or has very little customer feedback then improving the profile can make a noticeable difference pretty quickly
- Aug 12, 2024
- 1,306
- 412
It is very important. You should reply to all reviews there. If someone leaves a negative review, you must post your side of story as comment.
finn99
Registered Member
- Jul 13, 2025
- 62
- 15
Do you have any control on the reviews shown (I guess not)?
I am asking this because if you just launched, chances are you will f*ck up more than once. You might want to be publicly reviewed once your business is better established.
- Aug 28, 2026
- 159
- 48
We dont have control but I just said from a customer pov and you know reviews is also an important factor in the rankings of GMB
Alone_feelings
BANNED
- Aug 21, 2026
- 33
- 12
The primary focus should be on the Google Business Profile (GBP). It drives the vast majority of immediate local calls.
- Oct 20, 2013
- 9,854
- 1,604
For local businesses, I usually work on both. Complete business info, reviews, photos and regular updates can help with local visibility, while the website helps target service and location keywords. Once both are working together, you can see better results from the local SEO work.
AdTech Maketing Agency
Registered Member
- Jul 28, 2026
- 67
- 11
gbp matters more for local now website still needed but profile gets the clicks