The Easiest Way to Show Up Is Show Up When People Are Searching For What You Offer.
The quickest way to do this without waiting for SEO to kick in is your Google Business Profile. It's one of the most important digital assets you have for your business. Read the jaw dropping stats below. If you’re not actively optimizing your Google Business Profile, you’re missing the most valuable real estate in local search: the Google 3-Pack.
These are the top three listings that show up in Google Maps and Search results when someone looks for a service near them. They capture over 60% of all local clicks.
But here’s the stat that matters most: Over half of users who engage with a Google Business Profile will either call or visit the business within 24 to 48 hours.
That means showing up isn’t just about visibility. It’s about immediate action and new business.
If you're not actively optimizing your Google Business Profile, you're missing the most valuable real estate in local search: the Google 3-Pack. These are the top three listings that show up in Google Maps and Search results when someone looks for a service near them. They capture over 60% of all local clicks.
Over half of users who engage with a Google Business Profile will either call or visit the business within 24 to 48 hours.That means showing up isn't just about visibility. It's about immediate action and new business.
Why Adding Services and Products Help You Rank
Google uses every piece of information on your profile to decide when and where to show your business. If your services and products aren’t listed, you're leaving money and visibility on the table.
Adding your services and products:
- Improves your relevance in search results
- Gives Google more context about what you offer
- Shows potential customers exactly why you're a good fit
- Increases profile engagement, which helps boost your ranking
84%
of searches are discovery searches! These are called “discovery” searches because potential customers had no specific loyalty to a store or brand prior to the search query.
How to Add Services and Products to Your Google Business Profile (The Right Way)
- Log into Google Business Profile Manager
Go to https://business.google.com and sign in. - Choose Your Business Location
- Add Services
- Click “Edit services”
- Use all available characters
- Include keywords your customers are searching for
- List all core offerings, even if you think they’re obvious
- Add Products
- Upload a photo, title, and keyword-rich description
- Pricing is optional, so leave it blank if it fluctuates
- Add as many as apply to your business
- Click Apply
Your changes will typically go live within 24 to 48 hours.
What to Expect Next
Once your profile is fully optimized:
- You are more likely to appear in local map and search results
- Visitors will spend more time on your profile
- Calls and in-person visits will increase quickly
Customers are already searching. You just need to show up.
Why Adding Images to Your Google Business Profile Matters
People are visual. In fact, Google has confirmed that listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites than those without.
High-quality images give potential customers confidence. They show that your business is active, real, and professional. They also increase the time users spend on your profile, which signals to Google that your listing is useful—and that helps your visibility in search results.
Adding strategic, optimized photos makes your business feel trustworthy, modern, and established—three qualities customers want, especially when searching locally.
How to Add Images to Your Google Business Profile
Step 1: Go to Your Business Dashboard
- Log into your Google Business Profile Manager.
- Select the location you want to update.
Step 2: Navigate to the Photos Section
- In the left-hand menu, click “Photos.”
- You'll see categories like:
- Logo
- Cover
- Interior
- Exterior
- At work
- Team
- Products
- Food and drink (if relevant)
Step 3: Upload Strategic Images
Each image type plays a role. Here’s how to use them intentionally:
- Logo Your logo should be high-resolution and centered on a clean background. Google recommends a square format (720 x 720 pixels minimum).
- Cover Photo This is the main image that appears in search results. Choose something that communicates your brand’s vibe—a beautiful interior, a smiling team member, or your storefront.
- Interior & Exterior Show where customers will enter and what your space looks like inside. This builds trust and helps with wayfinding.
- At Work Action shots are powerful. Show your team working with customers, prepping orders, or performing services. These humanize your brand.
- Team Include headshots or candid photos of your team to build rapport before someone even walks through the door.
- Products If you sell items, upload photos of each product in context—on a shelf, in use, or being packaged.
Step 4: Use All Available Image Slots
Google doesn’t cap the number of images you can upload, but quality matters more than quantity. Use every applicable category and update them regularly.
Step 5: Optimize Each Image
- Rename the image file before uploading to include relevant keywords. For example:
laser-hair-removal-niagara-falls.jpg. - Use JPEG or PNG formats for best performance.
- Keep your photos under 5MB for fast loading.
- Ensure all images are well-lit, sharp, and on-brand.
Here's How You'll Get New Customers Faster With Your Google Business Profile
Once your services, products, and photos are added and optimized, here’s what happens:
- Your business becomes more likely to appear in Google's Local Map Pack, especially for non-branded keywords.
- Customers will spend more time on your listing—viewing products, photos, and services.
- You’ll start getting more phone calls, website clicks, and direction requests from people who are ready to buy or book.
- Because you’ve given Google more data to work with, the algorithm is more confident in recommending your business over others.
Next Steps: Make Optimization a Monthly Habit
A well-optimized profile isn’t something you do once and forget. It’s a living, breathing asset.
- Add new photos every month.
- Post updates about promotions, seasonal offerings, or events.
- Refresh your product listings to reflect new services or packages.
- Keep your hours, contact info, and links up to date.
Need Help Making It Happen?
Most small business owners don’t have time to keep up with Google’s evolving algorithms—but we do. At Rakos Media, we help service-based businesses show up where it counts: right when someone’s ready to call, visit, or book.
If you want to:
- Show up in the 3-Pack
- Increase phone calls and walk-ins
- Build digital assets that sell 24/7
Then let’s talk.
→ Book a free profile audit or optimization session today.
Want us to take a look at your profile or guide you through it?
👉 Contact us at rakosmediagroup.com/contact
Or unlock a free step-by-step video training when you sign up for our client portal. We’ll walk you through exactly how to do this the right way and get your business seen by more local customers.
