Why Your Google Business Profile Affects How Customers Find You

More searches happen on Google than anywhere else on the internet, which means your Google Business Profile is often the first impression a potential customer has of your business. An incomplete or unmanaged profile can cost you visibility, credibility, and new clients. Thryv gives you the tools to manage, optimize, and monitor your Google Business Profile directly from your listing dashboard, so you stay in control of how your business appears online.

This article answers the most common questions about managing your Google Business Profile through Thryv. It does not cover Google Ads, Google Analytics, or Google Search Console.

Where Do I Make Changes to My Google Business Profile?

To make changes to your Google Business Profile, open Thryv Marketing Center. Click Listings Management in the left-hand navigation. Then click Google Profile. From the Google Profile section you can edit your business information directly, and any information saved in your listing profile will also be included automatically.

The Listings Management page is open in Thryv Marketing Center. The left-hand navigation shows Listings Management highlighted. The page displays the business name, logo, primary address, primary phone number, website, and appointment link. Two buttons are visible: Manage my listings and Google Profile. A green banner shows 4/4 Enhanced Profiles Active with logos of publisher sites including Yahoo, Yelp, and YP. Below the business card, a section labeled "Thryv manages your listings for you" shows additional publisher site logos.

Does Google Already Give Me a Free Listing?

Yes, but an unclaimed listing puts your business information at risk. When a Google Business Profile is unclaimed, Google builds it using information gathered from websites, directories, and other online sources that may be outdated or inaccurate. Google also allows any user to suggest changes to an unclaimed listing, and those changes can be accepted automatically. Claiming your Google Business Profile through Thryv makes Thryv the single trusted source for your business information on Google, which means your listing stays accurate and up to date.

How Do I Improve My Ranking on Google Search Results?

Google's search algorithm changes regularly, but the consistent principle is that Google rewards listings with more complete and accurate information. To improve your ranking, make sure your listing profile is filled out as completely as possible and that your listing includes photos. A complete listing with photos will consistently outperform an incomplete one. For a full guide to optimizing your listing profile, see Best practices for increasing the rank of your Google Business Profile.

What Is the Difference Between a Verified and Unverified Google Business Profile?

A verified Google Business Profile confirms to Google that your business is legitimate and that the person managing the profile is the rightful owner. Google verifies listings through a text message, a phone call, or a video recording of your business location. Verification is required to unlock the full benefits of your Google Business Profile, including Google Posts and the ability to respond to reviews. Thryv's support team can guide you through the verification process, but Google requires the business owner or an employee of the business to complete the verification. Third parties such as Thryv are not permitted to complete verification on your behalf.

How Do I Add Photos to My Google Business Profile?

Adding photos to your Google Business Profile is one of the most effective ways to improve your listing's performance on Google. To add your business logo and cover photo, open Thryv Marketing Center. Click Listings Management in the left-hand navigation, then click Google Profile. Click the Business Logo space to upload your logo, and click the Cover Photo space to upload your cover photo.

The Google Profile section is open in Thryv Marketing Center showing the Cover Photo upload area at the top and the Logo upload circle below it. The Verification Status section is visible on the right with a Verify Location button.

Scroll down the Google Profile page to find the Media section. The Media section displays the number of photos and videos added to your listing. Click Add Photos & Videos to add photos and videos to your Google Business Profile. A note on the page indicates that 90% of people are more likely to visit a business that has photos on Google Search and Maps.

What If I Can't Find a Business Category That Matches What I Do?

The business categories available in Thryv are set by Google and the other publisher sites where your listing appears. Thryv updates these categories in line with what Google and those sites offer. If you do not see a category that matches your business exactly, it means that category is not currently offered by Google or the publisher sites.

In that situation, select the category that most closely describes your business. Then fill out as much additional information as possible, including your business description, additional categories, services, and attributes. A detailed listing helps potential customers understand what your business offers even when the category is not an exact match.

How Do I Get More Reviews on Google?

The most effective way to get more Google reviews is to ask your clients directly. Customers are significantly more likely to leave a review when you make it easy for them to do so. If you are also a Keap user, use the automation builder to create a follow-up message that goes out to clients after a completed appointment or transaction. For a step-by-step guide, see Easy Automations Overview.

Can I Respond to Google Reviews Through Thryv?

Yes. To respond to a Google review, open Thryv Marketing Center. Click Reputation in the left-hand navigation. Under each review, a text field allows you to write and submit your response. Responses submitted through Thryv will appear on your Google Business Profile as well as other search sites, all from one dashboard.

Can I Hide My Business Address on Google?

Yes. If you operate a service-area business and do not want your physical address displayed on Google, you can hide your address and replace it with a service area instead. To define your service area, open Thryv Marketing Center. Click Listings Management in the left-hand navigation, then click Google Profile. Scroll down the left column and click Add Service Area. You can add ZIP codes, cities, or counties. Include the state abbreviation when adding cities or counties.

To hide your physical address from public display, click Settings in the left-hand navigation, then click Business Info. Uncheck the box labeled Display Business Address to Clients. Once unchecked, Google will display a service area outline on the map instead of a pin with your physical address. For a full walkthrough, see How to Hide Your Business Address on Google.

Note: If Google needs to re-verify your business at any point, the physical address saved in your Business Info settings is still the address Google will use for verification purposes, even if it is hidden from public display.

What Are Google Posts and How Do I Use Them?

Google Posts are short messages that appear on your verified Google Business Profile when someone searches for your business on Google. Posts appear in your Knowledge Panel, which is the information box that shows up on the right side of Google search results for your business. Each post remains visible in the Knowledge Panel for seven days. After seven days, the post is no longer featured but remains accessible to visitors who click the posts link on your Google Business Profile. Google Posts are a simple way to share updates, promotions, or announcements directly with people who are actively searching for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information can I edit in my Google Business Profile through Thryv?
From the Google Profile section of Listings Management in Thryv Marketing Center, you can edit your business name, address, phone number, business hours, business description, categories, services, attributes, photos, and Google Posts.

Can Thryv verify my Google Business Profile for me?
No. Google requires the business owner or an employee of the business to complete the verification process. Thryv's support team can guide you through each step, but the verification itself must be completed by you or your staff.

Will hiding my address affect my Google verification?
No. Hiding your address only removes it from public display on your listing. Google still uses your physical address saved in Business Info settings for any future verification requests.

What does this article cover?
This article covers managing your Google Business Profile through Thryv, including editing your listing, adding photos, verifying your profile, hiding your address, responding to reviews, and using Google Posts. It does not cover Google Ads, Google Analytics, or Google Search Console.