The Hidden Google Business Profile Features That Boost Local Visibility
If you run a small or medium-sized business, chances are you’ve already set up a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). You added your opening hours, uploaded a few photos, and thought, “That’ll do.”
But here’s the catch: most businesses stop there. They miss out on a whole range of powerful features built into Google Business Profiles (GBPs) that can dramatically boost local visibility and bring in more customers.
In 2025, where local searches like “near me” dominate and mobile users expect instant answers, using these hidden features isn’t optional anymore — it’s the edge your competitors might already have.
So let’s dive into the lesser-known GBP features that can supercharge your local SEO and help your business stand out.
Why Google Business Profiles Matter
When someone searches for a service in their area, your Google Business Profile is often the first thing they see. It shows up in local packs, map results, and even in voice searches.
Think about it: if someone types “plumber in Nottingham” or asks Siri for the “best Italian restaurant nearby,” Google pulls answers straight from these profiles. That means your GBP is effectively your digital shopfront — and if you’re not optimising it properly, you’re letting valuable customers walk straight into a competitor’s business instead.
The Hidden Features That Make the Difference
1. Google Posts: Mini Social Updates in Search
Many businesses don’t realise that you can post updates, offers, or events directly to your Google Business Profile. These posts appear right in search results when someone looks up your business.
Imagine someone searching for “cafés near me” and seeing your latest seasonal coffee flavour or special discount pop up before they even click your website. Posts are a free, direct way to grab attention.
Pro Tip: Keep posts short, visual, and always include a call to action like “Order Online” or “Book Now.”
2. Messaging: Chat Directly With Customers
Yes, your Google profile can act like a live chat tool. Customers browsing your profile can send you a message directly through Google — no need for them to visit your site.
Enabling messaging means you can answer questions instantly, secure bookings, and capture leads that might otherwise have bounced to a competitor. In an age of instant communication, responsiveness matters.
Pro Tip: Turn on notifications so you never miss a message. Fast replies can even improve your visibility in local search.
3. Q&A: Be the Expert Before They Even Call
The Questions & Answers section of your GBP often gets overlooked. But this feature is a goldmine. Potential customers can ask questions — and anyone can answer, including your competitors if you don’t.
The trick? Pre-populate this section yourself. Add common questions and detailed answers that highlight your expertise. For example:
“Do you offer emergency callouts?”
“Yes, we’re available 24/7 across Nottinghamshire and usually arrive within 45 minutes.”
Not only does this build trust, it ensures your profile is loaded with rich, keyword-friendly content.
4. Products and Services: Showcase What You Offer
Many SMEs skip this, but adding your full product or service list to your profile makes a huge difference. It’s like having a mini website right inside Google.
For service-based businesses, you can outline exactly what you do and link back to specific landing pages. For product-based businesses, you can display items with prices and descriptions, giving customers fewer reasons to look elsewhere.
Pro Tip: Use clear descriptions and keywords here — these entries can show up in search results.
5. Attributes: Stand Out With Unique Qualities
Google lets you add attributes to your profile that highlight what makes your business special. Options range from “wheelchair accessible” to “child-friendly/family-friendly” and “on-site parking available.”
These attributes can be powerful trust signals. They not only help customers feel more connected to your business but also give Google more context about what you offer.
6. Booking and Reservations Integration
If you’re in hospitality, health, beauty, or services, Google Business Profiles now allow direct booking integrations. That means customers can book an appointment or table without ever leaving your profile.
This reduces friction, speeds up conversions, and keeps you one step ahead of businesses that rely solely on phone calls or third-party apps.
7. Insights: Data You Probably Aren’t Using
Google Business Profiles come with built-in analytics that show how people find your listing, what keywords they used, and what actions they took (calls, clicks, directions).
Many SMEs ignore these insights, but they’re incredibly valuable. They can help you spot trends, refine your keywords, and understand what’s really driving results.
How These Features Boost SEO
Each of these features does more than just make your profile look complete. They actively feed into Google’s ranking factors for local SEO.
Engagement signals (posts, messaging, Q&A) show Google that your business is active and responsive.
Relevance signals (products, services, attributes) help Google match you to specific search queries.
Trust signals (reviews, Q&A, attributes) reassure both Google and customers that your business is credible.
In short: the more you use these features, the more visible you become.
Putting It All Together
Imagine two competing restaurants. One has a barebones Google Business Profile with just an address and opening hours. The other has photos of their food, posts about weekly specials, a booking button, Q&A filled with helpful answers, and attributes showing they’re family-friendly.
Which one would you choose? And more importantly — which one do you think Google is more likely to show at the top of local search results?
Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Visibility on the Table
Your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful, free marketing tools available. Yet most businesses never use it to its full potential. By tapping into these hidden features, you’re not only improving your visibility but also giving customers more reasons to choose you over the competition.
At Front Foot Social, we help SMEs unlock the full potential of their digital presence — from optimising Google Business Profiles to creating websites and content strategies that convert. If you want to dominate your local area online in 2025, we’re here to help.
👉 Ready to put your business on the front foot? Get in touch today and let’s start boosting your local visibility.