How to fix and Grow Your Google Business Profile Traffic
(No fluff, no “goldmines”, just what I’ve seen working with 20+ local businesses). Last month, a restaurant owner in Lagos told me: “Google’s like that one friend who says they’ll promote your gig but never does.” Turns out, his profile had outdated hours, three photos of the same jollof rice, and zero replies to 42 reviews. Sound familiar? What most guides won’t tell you: Wondering how to increase your Google Business Profile traffic? Here’s what you might be overlooking. 1. Google’s local pack (those 3 businesses at the top) isn’t about “optimization.” It’s about answering exactly what people type at 2 AM. 2. The bakery down the street from you? They’re ranking for “gluten-free birthday cupcakes” because their description says “Lagos’s only dedicated gluten-free bakery”, not “fresh pastries.” Let’s fix this. Use Real Photos Instead of Stock Images Share images of your team engaging in daily operations, such as preparing local dishes like, or assisting customers during the busy hours of a Lagos market. The HVAC company I worked with in Port-Harcourt used to post generic team photos. Then they started sharing: 1. A 10‑second clip explaining why evaporative (“swamp”) coolers underperform during Nigeria’s Harmattan season (December–March) 2. Side‑by‑side shots of dusty vs. cleaned AC evaporator coils from a Lagos service call 3. Customer‑submitted photos of families chilling under a repaired AC in Port‑Harcourt’s humid heat (#CoolNaijaHomes) What was the result? Their “Get directions” clicks tripled. Not because of SEO magic, because real photos answer unspoken questions (“Will these guys judge my dusty vents?”). Why this works: People scroll Google profiles like they’re stalking a crush on Instagram. A vet clinic in Lagos started posting short videos of dogs wagging their tails post-checkup, captioned “Meet Browny, 10/10 good boy, 0/10 at sitting still for shots.” Clients now book appointments referencing specific pets they’ve seen online. Offer discounts for reviews Asking “Leave us a review!” gets ignored. Try this instead: 1. The “Google Review Selfie”: Tape a QR code to your counter with a sign: “Snap a pic with your purchase, post it on Google, and get 10% off next time.” or encourage customers to leave reviews by offering a free bottle of Coca-Cola or a discount on their next purchase at your Abuja-based eatery. A fashion store in Lagos uses this with a Polaroid-style filter that adds “Greetings from Emmy’s Unisex Fashion!” to images. Their review photos jumped from 12 to 200+ in 3 months. 2. Respond to negativity with curiosity: When a customer at a Lagos eatery commented online that the jollof rice was “too spicy,” the owner replied: “We appreciate your feedback! Our jollof does have a kick, but we can adjust the spice level to your preference. We’d love to have you back to try a milder version on the house.” (They became regulars.) Train staff to say, “If you post about us, tag us so we can thank you personally!” This builds reciprocity. Share promotions and updates Most businesses use posts for promotions. The smart ones use them to: 1. Debunk myths: “No, we don’t charge extra for weekends, here’s our pricing.” 2. Share “Aha!” moments: “90% of clients don’t know their insurance covers massage therapy. Here’s how to check.” 3. Admit flaws: You can simply post: “Fair warning: Our repair waitlist is 5 days right now. Need it faster? Here’s a DIY chain fix tutorial.” Real-world twist: A hair salon in Lagos initiated a series called “Client Confessions,” where they share lighthearted stories from their customers. For instance:“Ada confessed she tried to relax her hair at home during the lockdown. We helped her restore her curls and promised not to judge.” Ensure your listed hours are correct Google penalizes profiles with wrong hours. But “9-5 Monday-Friday” isn’t enough. Add: 1. Holiday exceptions (“Closed July 4th, but open Sunday the 7th to make up for it”) 2. Peak times: *“Walk-ins welcome, but 11 AM – 2 PM is chaos. Pre-order online to skip the line.” 3. Unofficial flexibility: “Need a late pickup? DM us, we’ll stick around.” Regularly update your business profile. Aim for this: If someone’s aunt Googles your business, she should think: “Oh good, they’re alive!” How? 1. Share weekly highlights, such as customer testimonials, to showcase ongoing engagement. 2. Update something weekly (even just swapping two photos). 3. Reply to reviews with specifics: Instead of “Thanks!”, try “Glad the gardenias survived the heatwave, Susan!” 4. Use the Q&A for FAQs you’re sick of answering. “Yes, we do house calls for shy pets. No, we can’t trim your parrot’s beak.” The Bigger Picture Most businesses treat their Google profile like a resume (static and sterile). Yours should feel like a conversation with your customers, updated regularly to reflect your business’s personality and responsiveness. When a customer in Omaha Googled “emergency plumber who won’t judge my cat hair-covered bathroom,” guess who ranked first? The guy whose profile said: “We fix leaks, love cats, and don’t wear shoes indoors.” Google rewards businesses that answer real questions, not those chasing algorithms. Follow these steps and increase your Google business profile traffic.