Fixing Your Google Business Profile: A Step-by-Step Guide for West Alabama Businesses
Is your business hard to find on Google? Are your hours wrong, reviews missing, or photos outdated? If so, your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) might be the problem. For local businesses in Tuscaloosa, Northport, Gordo, and across West Alabama, this one listing can make or break how many customers find you online.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to fix, optimize, and manage your profile — even if you’re not tech-savvy. Let’s get your business showing up, standing out, and getting more clicks.
Why Your Google Business Profile Matters
Think of your Google Business Profile (GBP) as your digital storefront. When someone searches for “plumber near me” or “best BBQ in Tuscaloosa,” your profile tells Google (and potential customers) who you are, what you do, and why they should choose you. If it’s outdated, incomplete, or just plain wrong — you could be losing customers to your competitors.
The Top Benefits of a Well-Optimized Profile:
Shows your business on Google Maps
Increases your chances of ranking in the Local Pack (top 3 listings)
Builds trust with photos, reviews, and accurate info
Makes it easy for customers to call, visit, or message you
Step 1: Claim or Access Your Google Business Profile
Before you can fix anything, you need to claim your listing or gain access if someone else already set it up.
Here's how to do it:
Go to google.com/business
Sign in with your business Gmail account
Search for your business name
If it pops up, select it. If not, click “Add your business to Google.”
Follow the steps to verify ownership (Google may send a postcard or call/text a code)
Already claimed but don’t have access? Use the “Request Access” option and Google will notify the current owner.
Step 2: Check and Correct Basic Info
Once you’re in, the first thing to fix is the basics. This is what customers (and Google) see first.
Make sure the following are correct:
Business Name – Use your actual legal or trade name (no extra keywords)
Address – Especially important for contractors and service businesses
Service Area – If you travel to customers, list cities like Tuscaloosa, Northport, Gordo, and West Alabama
Phone Number – Use a number that connects to a live person or call/text system
Website – Make sure it links to your main homepage or service landing page
Business Hours – Set standard hours, special holiday hours, and update them when needed
Step 3: Choose the Right Categories
Your primary category helps Google understand what you do — and it plays a big role in how you rank.
Tips for Picking the Right Categories:
Choose the most specific category (e.g., "HVAC Contractor" not just "Contractor")
Only add additional categories that truly match your services
Don’t overdo it — more is not always better
Examples for Local Businesses:
“Plumber”
“Hair Salon”
“Roofing Contractor”
“Marketing Consultant” (perfect for Advanx Systems)
“Website Designer”
Step 4: Add High-Quality Photos
Photos are powerful. Businesses with photos get 42% more direction requests and 35% more clicks to their website.
What to upload:
A logo and cover photo
Pictures of your team, storefront, work in progress, or before/after results
Interior shots if you have a physical location
Photos showing happy customers (with permission)
Step 5: Get and Manage Reviews
Reviews build trust and improve your local ranking. The more high-quality reviews you have, the better your chances of showing up.
Easy ways to get more Google reviews:
Ask your happy customers right after a job
Use automated review request software like what Advanx Systems offers
Include your review link in emails, texts, and receipts
Avoid this mistake: Never offer rewards for reviews or write fake ones — Google can remove them or suspend your profile.
Step 6: Add Services, Products, and Posts
This is your chance to tell Google exactly what you offer. It’s also a great way to stand out from competitors.
Add Your Services: List each service with a short description — for example:
“Website Design – Mobile-friendly, SEO-ready websites built for local service businesses.”
Add Products (if applicable): You can feature packages, gift cards, or items for sale.
Post Updates Regularly | Use posts to:
Promote sales or events
Highlight services
Share blog content (like this one!)
Step 7: Set Up Messaging (Optional But Powerful)
Enable the chat feature so customers can message you right from your profile. This works great for businesses that respond quickly.
Pro Tip: Set up a missed-call text back system like the one offered by Advanx Systems so you never lose a lead, even if you can’t answer the phone.
Step 8: Monitor and Maintain Your Profile
Fixing your profile once is great — but maintaining it is what keeps your Google presence strong.
Checklist
✅ Update hours for holidays or changes
✅ Respond to every review (positive or negative)
✅ Add new photos and posts monthly
✅ Check for incorrect edits (Google sometimes changes info based on user suggestions)
Actionable Takeaways
Bullet List
Claim and verify your Google Business Profile today
Fix your business name, hours, and contact info
Choose the right category to boost local ranking
Upload quality photos and respond to every review
Use automation to get more 5-star reviews
Keep your listing updated and active each month
Need Help Fixing or Optimizing Your Profile?
If you’re a business owner in Tuscaloosa, Northport, Gordo, or anywhere in West Alabama, your Google Business Profile should be working for you — not against you.
At Advanx Systems, we help local businesses like yours get found, get reviews, and grow with smart systems that save time and boost leads.
If you’re a business owner in West Alabama looking to simplify your marketing and start growing online, Advanx Systems can help.
Schedule your free consultation today and let’s build a system that works for you.
