Website or Google Business Profile: do you need both?
Your Google Business Profile and your website do different jobs. Here's how they work together, and why most local businesses benefit from having both.
If you run a local business, your Google Business Profile is often the first thing people see: your name, reviews, hours and a button to call. So it's fair to ask whether you still need a website.
For most businesses, the answer is yes. They do different jobs.
What your Google Business Profile is good at
Your profile shows up in Google Maps and the local results. It's great for quick decisions:
- where you are and when you're open
- your star rating and recent reviews
- one-tap calls and directions
It's free, and every local business should claim and keep theirs up to date.
What it can't do
A profile is a small listing on Google's platform, laid out the way Google decides. You can't explain your services in depth, show your process, answer detailed questions or make a strong case for why someone should choose you.
What your website adds
Your website is the place people go when they want to know more before they get in touch. It lets you:
- describe each service properly, in your own words
- answer the questions customers ask before they buy
- show your work, your team and what makes you different
- give people a clear way to contact or book you
It also gives Google more to understand about your business, which supports how you show up in search.
How they work together
Think of your profile as the sign outside and your website as the shop. Link your website from your profile, keep your name, address and phone number the same on both, and make sure the website loads fast on a phone.
If you'd like a hand with either, we're happy to help.