A well-optimised Google Business Profile (GBP), previously known as Google My Business, is one of the most powerful tools for Singapore businesses to capture local customers. Whether you run a clinic, tuition centre, retail store, or a digital service, your GBP often appears before your website, influencing decisions in seconds.
This article explains why reviews matter, how to build a winning strategy, and what steps you should take to achieve local SEO wins in Singapore.
Why Google Business Profile is essential in Singapore
- High-intent local searches: Phrases like “near me”, “best”, and “open now” dominate Google searches in Singapore. Appearing in the Local Pack (Google Maps 3-pack) connects you directly with customers who are ready to buy.
- Zero-click choices: Many users select a business directly from GBP without even visiting a website, relying instead on reviews, photos, and opening hours.
- Cost-effective visibility: Unlike paid ads, a fully optimised GBP can deliver calls, messages, and direction requests organically; making it a key pillar of any SEO Solutions.
Recommendations for Optimising Your Google Business Profile
1. Complete your profile accurately
- Use your real business name (avoid keyword stuffing).
- Choose the most relevant primary category and add supporting secondary categories.
- Ensure your Name, Address, Phone number (NAP) is consistent across your website, Facebook, and local directories.
- Add your website link with tracking parameters (UTM) to measure leads from GBP.
- Upload high-quality photos of your premises, team, and work samples, and refresh them monthly.
2. Develop a strong review strategy
- Request reviews consistently: After successful interactions, ask customers to share their feedback using your unique review link or QR code.
- Respond to all reviews: Thank positive reviewers promptly and address negative reviews professionally to demonstrate accountability.
- Focus on quality and recency: A steady flow of authentic reviews signals to Google and potential customers that your business is active and trustworthy.
3. Keep your profile active
- Post updates weekly: Share promotions, events, or case highlights to keep your profile engaging.
- Use the Q&A section: Pre-populate common questions about your services (e.g., “Do you provide weekend or evening appointments?”).
- Highlight offers: Use GBP’s “Offers” feature during peak seasons like the Great Singapore Sale, 11.11, or CNY to boost footfall and conversions.
📌 Related: Explore our Social Media Marketing to integrate GBP posts with wider campaigns.
4. Localise for Singapore audiences
- Mention nearby MRT stations, malls, or landmarks in your descriptions and posts to reinforce relevance.
- Create location-specific service pages on your website (e.g., “Japanese Restaurant in Tanjong Pagar”) and link them back to your GBP.
- Update opening hours around Singapore’s public holidays to avoid confusing customers.
📌 Related: Our Website Development team can help you create geo-targeted landing pages optimised for local search.
5. Track and measure performance
- Monitor GBP Insights for calls, website clicks, and direction requests.
- Use UTM tracking to see how GBP contributes to website leads in Google Analytics.
- Set internal KPIs such as “+15 new reviews/month” or “+20% calls from GBP in Q4.”
📌 Related: See how EDM33 applies Google Marketing Solutions to optimise campaigns and measure ROI.
Local SEO Wins from GBP Optimisation
When done correctly, an optimised Google Business Profile can:
- Improve rankings in the Google Maps Local Pack, outranking competitors in your neighbourhood.
- Increase trust through authentic reviews, which often drive higher conversion rates than ads.
- Deliver measurable growth in calls, visits, and enquiries; all without additional ad spend.
For SMEs in Singapore, GBP is not just an optional listing, it’s a digital storefront. Combining this with a well-planned SEO Solutions strategy ensures that when customers search for your services, they find you first.
Final Thoughts
For Singapore businesses, Google Business Profile is often the first impression customers have of your brand. Accuracy, reviews, and engagement make the difference between being overlooked and being chosen. By treating GBP as an ongoing marketing channel rather than a one-time setup, you’ll unlock sustainable local visibility and customer growth.
At EDM33, we help businesses optimise their GBP and integrate it into a wider digital marketing strategy. If you’re ready to turn searches into sales, get in touch with us today.