Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is free, and for most local businesses it is the first thing a customer sees on Google Maps and in local search. To get more calls and visits from it, you need a complete, accurate profile, a steady stream of genuine reviews, fresh photos and posts, and a fast response when someone gets in touch. This guide covers the tips that make the biggest difference for small businesses in the UAE.
Start with a complete, accurate profile
Google rewards profiles that are complete and consistent. Before you do anything clever, make sure the basics are right. A wrong opening time or an old phone number costs you customers faster than any missing feature.
Check these fields first:
- Business name exactly as customers know it. Do not add keywords such as "Best Dental Clinic Dubai" to the name; Google's guidelines treat this as a violation and it can get your listing suspended.
- Primary category that matches what you mainly do, plus relevant secondary categories.
- Full address and service area. If you visit customers rather than serving them at a shop, set your service area instead of hiding your address.
- Phone number (ideally the one customers actually call) and your website link.
- Opening hours, including public holiday and Ramadan changes. Out-of-date hours are one of the most common complaints on Google Maps.
- Services or products with short descriptions, and a clear business description that says what you do and where.
Use photos that show the real place
Listings with photos tend to get more direction requests and website clicks, and customers use photos to decide whether to visit. Stock images and polished agency shots are less useful than honest, up-to-date pictures taken on a phone.
Aim for a regular rhythm: add a few new photos each month. Good options include:
- Exterior and entrance, so people can find you from the street or car park.
- Interior, reception and seating or workspace.
- Your team at work (with permission).
- Products, dishes, treatments or finished projects.
- A short video walk-through of your premises, if you can manage it.
Collect reviews without breaking the rules
Reviews are one of the strongest signals for local search and one of the main reasons people choose between two similar businesses. The goal is a steady flow of genuine reviews, not a burst of five-star ratings.
The simplest method is to ask. Right after you finish a job, a treatment or a meal, send a short message with a direct link to your review form. You can find that link in your Google Business Profile dashboard under the review request option.
Some practical rules:
- Never offer discounts, gifts or payment in exchange for a review, and never ask only happy customers to leave one.
- Reply to every review, positive or negative. Thank people by name where you can, and keep negative replies calm, specific and short.
- Do not post fake reviews or review your own business. Google detects these and they can damage your listing.
Post updates and answer questions
Google Business Profile lets you publish posts about offers, events, new services and news. Posts appear in your listing and show customers that the business is active. Keep them short, use a clear photo, and include a button that links to your booking page or contact form.
Also check the Q&A section. Customers can ask questions publicly, and anyone can answer, including people who have never used your business. Get ahead of this by adding the common questions yourself and answering them clearly, such as parking, whether you take walk-ins, languages spoken, or whether you accept cards.
Make every call, message and visit easy
A profile that gets seen is only half the job. The other half is making it simple for people to act. Check what happens when someone taps your listing:
Calls: Is someone answering during the hours you list? Missed calls are lost customers, so consider a WhatsApp option or a callback form on your website as well.
Website clicks: Does your website load quickly on a phone, show your location and services, and let people book or enquire in a couple of taps? Many customers will not return to a site that is slow or hard to read.
Messages: Google lets customers message businesses directly from the listing in some regions. Whatever channel you use, reply quickly. Customers who enquire often contact several businesses, and the first useful reply usually wins.
Directions: Make sure your address and landmarks are accurate. A short note such as "Opposite the metro station, second floor" helps people who are new to the area.
Connect your listing to your website and track results
Your Google Business Profile works best when it links to a website that matches it. Use the same name, address and phone number on your site, and add a local page for each main service area if you serve several neighbourhoods. A short, clear page for each main service is more useful than one generic homepage.
Once your listing is live, check the Performance section regularly. It shows how many people searched for your business, viewed your profile, asked for directions, called you and clicked through to your website. Compare these numbers month to month and try one change at a time, such as a new set of photos or a review campaign, so you can see what works.
Thenexi can help with the website side of this. Its AI website builder creates a mobile-friendly site from a description of your business, and the AI Employee tools can answer website chats 24/7, reply to enquiries within a minute and send follow-ups until a customer books. Those are the moments where a Google listing turns into real business.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Business Profile really free?
Yes. Creating and managing a Google Business Profile is free. Google may show paid advertising options separately, but you do not have to pay to have a verified listing on Google Search and Maps.
How long does verification take?
Verification methods vary. Many businesses verify by postcard, phone or email, and the timing depends on the method Google offers for your account. Once verified, you can edit your profile and reply to reviews.
Should I list my home address if I work from home?
If customers visit you at home, you can show your address. If you only visit customers, hide your address and set a service area instead. Google's guidelines require the address shown to be a place where you actually meet customers.
How many reviews do I need?
There is no magic number. A steady flow of recent, genuine reviews with replies from you matters more than a single large batch. Focus on asking every customer at a natural point, such as after a job is completed.
Can I manage my listing in Arabic as well as English?
Yes. You can add Arabic versions of your business name, description, services and posts. Make sure the Arabic and English details match your website and are accurate in both languages.