Google Business Profile
6 Google Business Profile mistakes that are costing Lagos businesses sales
Google Business Profile is the fastest way for a Lagos business to get found. Here are the 6 mistakes we fix most often — and how to fix yours today.
Your Google Business Profile is often the very first thing a customer sees when they search for a business like yours in Lagos. Get it right and you show up on Google Maps, in the local pack, and in Search — for free. Get it wrong and you may as well not exist.
Here are the 6 mistakes we see most often when we audit Lagos SME profiles.
1. The profile isn't verified
An unverified profile barely shows up. Complete Google's verification (postcard, phone, or video) — this alone can 3–5x your visibility on Maps.
2. Wrong or inconsistent business name
Use your real, registered business name. Don't stuff keywords ("Best Cake Shop Lagos Ikeja Cheap") — Google will suspend it. Make sure the name matches your Instagram, Facebook, and website exactly.
3. Missing or wrong category
Your primary category is one of the biggest ranking factors. "Restaurant" is not the same as "Nigerian restaurant" or "Buffet restaurant". Pick the most specific match, then add up to 9 secondary categories.
4. No photos (or only old ones)
Profiles with 10+ real photos get significantly more calls and directions requests. Add photos of your storefront, interior, staff, products, and happy customers. Refresh them every month.
5. No Google reviews — or no replies
Reviews are trust signals and ranking signals. Ask every happy customer for a review with a direct link. Reply to every review, positive or negative, within 24 hours. "Thank you" replies alone lift your local ranking.
6. No posts, offers, or updates
Most Lagos businesses set up the profile once and forget it. Post weekly: a new product, a promo, an event, an FAQ. Active profiles rank higher and convert more clicks into calls.
Bonus: fill in every field
Opening hours, services, attributes, appointment link, WhatsApp number, website. Every field you complete is one more reason for Google to rank you above competitors who left it blank.
If you'd like BizGinja to audit and fully optimise your Google Business Profile for the Lagos market, request a free Growth Audit.
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