You might have found your business on Google without setting it up yourself. That's because Google creates business profiles automatically - but here's the catch: if you haven't claimed and verified that profile, you're missing out on valuable opportunities to connect with potential clients. Let's explore why this matters and what you can do about it.
The Real Impact of an Unclaimed Profile
Losing Control of Your Business Information
Imagine a potential client searching for a kitchen specialist and finding outdated contact details or incorrect opening hours for your business. That's exactly what can happen with an unclaimed profile.
Google collects information about your business from various online sources, but it's often incomplete or incorrect
Leaving Your Business Vulnerable
Without claiming your profile, anyone could potentially change your business information. Yes, you read that right. Unclaimed profiles can be tampered with, whether by mistake or by competitors with less-than-honourable intentions.
Anyone can use the "Suggest an edit" option on an unclaimed GBP. Changes can include altering business hours, contact information, or descriptions. Google's AI system reviews these edits, but it's not perfect and can approve inaccurate changes.
Missing Out on Customer Conversations
A client might leave a glowing review about their beautiful new kitchen, but you can't thank them. Or someone posts a question about your bespoke design service, but you can't respond. That's the reality of an unclaimed profile. You're missing countless opportunities to engage with potential clients and build relationships with existing ones.
Disappearing from Local Searches
When someone in your area searches for "kitchen designer" or "kitchen renovation," Google favours businesses with claimed and actively managed profiles. Without claiming yours, you're pushing your business further down the search results.
Lost Promotional Opportunities
Claimed profiles let you share updates, showcase your latest kitchen transformations, and announce special offers directly with local customers. Without claiming yours, you're missing the chance to tell potential clients about your stunning recent projects or that exciting new range of kitchen finishes you've just started offering.
Missing Valuable Insights
A claimed profile gives you access to valuable data about how clients find and interact with your business online. Without this information, you're essentially working in the dark, missing out on insights that could help you attract more of your ideal clients.
Why Do Profiles Go Unclaimed?
Often, it's simply because business owners don't realise Google has created a profile for them. Sometimes, it's because you've moved to a new location or changed your business name. You might even have multiple profiles if different staff members or agencies have tried to set things up over the years.
Also, many business owners are so focused on working in their business that their online presence has taken a back seat.
Taking Control of Your Profile
The good news? Sorting this out isn't as difficult as it might seem. Here's what you need to do:
First, claim your profile. This puts you back in control of your business information on Google.
Next, let's get your profile in proper order. You'll want to add:
Your contact details and location
Opening hours, including holiday closures
A well-written description of your services
Stunning photos of your kitchen projects
Regular updates about your latest work
Helpful answers to common questions
Thoughtful responses to customer reviews
While none of this is particularly complex, we understand it can initially feel a bit daunting. That's why we've created a series of daily tips delivered straight to your inbox. You can sort out each over a cup of tea and build your profile step by step.
Sign up at the bottom of this page, and we'll send you our daily tips. In just three weeks, you'll have a properly optimised profile that brings new clients to your door.
Keeping Things Ship-Shape
Once you've claimed and set up your profile, you'll need to keep it up to date. Regular updates about your latest kitchen transformations, seasonal opening hours, and new services will keep you visible to potential clients.
Build it into your routine, perhaps checking in once a week, and it'll become second nature.
Common Questions About Unclaimed Profiles
Q1: I've found multiple Google profiles for my kitchen business - how did this happen and what should I do?
This is quite common, especially if you've moved premises or had different people managing your online presence over the years. The best approach is to claim the most complete profile and then contact Google to have the others removed or merged. This ensures potential clients find the correct information about your business.
Q2: Will I lose my existing reviews if I claim my profile?
No. When you claim your profile, you'll keep the existing reviews but will now be able to respond to them.
Q3: How long does it take to see improvements after claiming my profile?
You'll have immediate control over your business information, but the impact on your visibility can take a few weeks to show. However, you'll be able to start engaging with customers and sharing updates, which will positively affect your business straightaway.
Q4: I'm worried about managing another online platform - how much time will this really take?
Once you've set everything up correctly, maintaining your profile typically takes 15-20 minutes a week. It's about quality rather than quantity - one great post showcasing a completed kitchen renovation can be more effective than daily updates without substance.
Q5: What happens if I don't claim my profile - won't word-of-mouth referrals be enough?
While word-of-mouth is valuable, many potential clients will still look you up online before getting in touch. An unclaimed profile might make them question your business's credibility or send them to a competitor with a more professional online presence. Today, you need traditional referrals and a solid digital presence to survive and grow.
Are you ready to improve your online visibility? We have 25 years of experience helping businesses of all sizes grow, and we can help you, too.
Contact us today (the details are at the bottom of the page) for a quick chat about putting you on the map, too.