Google Business Boost and Professional Business Photos in Christchurch

A Google Trusted Local Guide is part of a community of users who contribute to Google Maps by writing reviews, uploading photos, and sharing information about local businesses. Their content is highly regarded by Google’s algorithm, giving businesses an advantage in local search rankings when reviewed or photographed by a Local Guide.

When a Local Guide (like myself) uploads photos or posts reviews, it increases the content available about your business on Google Maps. This helps your business stand out to customers and improves your profile’s visibility in local searches, leading to more foot traffic and online engagement.

Google Business Profile (GBP) is a tool for business owners to manage how their business information appears on Google Search and Google Maps. It allows businesses to control their listings, including hours of operation, services, products, and photos, and interact with customers through reviews and Q&A.

Google Maps, on the other hand, is primarily a mapping service that helps users find places, get directions, and explore nearby businesses. When users search for services, businesses, or locations, Google Maps displays the information from Google Business Profiles for businesses.

In summary, businesses manage their information and interactions in their Google Business Profile. At the same time, Google Maps displays that information to users looking for businesses or directions.

Google considers Local Guide reviews highly credible. When a Local Guide trusted by Google posts a review, it signals to Google that your business is reputable, helping to improve your visibility in local searches and increasing the likelihood that new customers will discover your business.

Google reviews are critical for local SEO. They signal trustworthiness and influence search rankings. Businesses with positive, consistent reviews rank higher in local searches and attract more customers. Reviews also give potential customers the social proof they need to choose your business over competitors.

Photos should showcase the best of your business: interiors, exteriors, products, and services. High-quality images give potential customers a feel for your atmosphere and offerings. They also help increase engagement—businesses with 100+ photos get more clicks, calls, and website visits.

Optimising your GBP involves completing every profile section, including business name, address, and hours, and selecting the correct categories. Add high-quality photos, encourage reviews, and update your profile to help your business rank higher in local search results. A well-optimised profile ensures you appear in the Google Maps “3-Pack” when potential customers search for businesses like yours.

You can start seeing improvements in visibility and engagement within a few days to weeks. Still, the full impact of optimisation may take longer. Regularly updating your profile, uploading fresh images, and gaining reviews will help boost your local rankings steadily over time.

Local marketing refers to strategies that help your business connect with potential customers within your geographic area. It’s about ensuring your business appears in local searches, maintaining strong relationships with existing customers, and encouraging community engagement through reviews, social media, and more.

Local marketing is finding your business by the right people searching for your products or services near your business. It is about maintaining a relationship with existing customers. It is also about actively encouraging community support through specific actions (e.g. asking them to leave us reviews or share our updates).

Local marketing is particularly advantageous for hospitality and food and beverage businesses (restaurants, cafes, hotels, wineries, pubs, accommodation providers, bakeries, street food venues etc.), retail stores, service providers (like catering businesses and takeaway establishments), and any business with a physical location that can target nearby customers.

Local marketing ensures that hospitality businesses reach potential customers in their area. Over 90% of search engine users look online for local businesses. By optimising your presence on platforms like Google Maps, you can attract nearby customers who are actively searching for your services.