Why Your Google Business Profile (and Bing Listing) Matter More Than You Think

carrierockenstein
Oct 14
3 min read

Graphic showing halloween balloons and bats with a TL;DR about google your google business profile

TL;DR:

Your Google Business Profile isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of your online visibility. And while Bing doesn’t get the same buzz, it quietly powers millions of searches across the web. Ignoring it means missing out on potential customers who never even reach Google.

The Overlooked Power of Google Business Profiles

When people search for your business, Google decides what shows up and your Google Business Profile is the first impression they get. It’s the digital storefront that appears in search results, Google Maps, and even voice searches.

If it’s incomplete or inaccurate, you’re practically handing customers to your competitors.

A fully optimized profile doesn’t just look professional; it builds trust before you ever make contact. It’s also one of the most powerful local SEO tools available, especially for small businesses competing in a crowded market.

What a Complete Google Business Profile Does for You

Boosts visibility in local searches. When someone types “digital marketing agency near me” or “best social media management in North Myrtle Beach,” Google uses your profile data to decide who appears first.
Drives calls and website clicks directly from search results. Customers reach you instantly, no scrolling, no confusion.
Improves credibility. Profiles with consistent updates, photos, and reviews send strong trust signals to both Google and your audience.
Tracks customer behavior. You can see how people found you, what they clicked, and what actions they took next.

If your competitors are getting more calls or traffic, it’s probably not luck, it’s because their profile is working harder.

What Most Businesses Get Wrong

Here’s where a lot of business owners lose easy ranking points:

Outdated hours, services, or links
Ignored or unanswered customer reviews
Abandoned listings with no new posts or updates
Generic or low-quality stock photos instead of authentic visuals

Google notices. The algorithm rewards active, accurate, and well-maintained profiles, because that’s what customers engage with most.

If your listing looks neglected, Google pushes it down the list.

Don’t Sleep on Bing for Business

Now let’s talk about the underdog that quietly matters: Bing. Sure, Google dominates the search game, but Bing powers searches through:

Microsoft Edge and Windows devices
Yahoo! Search results
Alexa and Cortana voice assistants
Several car navigation and GPS systems

Here’s what most people miss: many directory and review sites pull data directly from Bing Places. That means if your Bing listing is wrong or nonexistent, that bad data spreads fast.

Why Bing Still Matters (Especially for Local Businesses)

Older demographics and professionals use it more. If your target audience includes homeowners, retirees, or corporate clients, you need to be there.
Less competition = easier visibility. With fewer businesses optimizing for Bing, your chances of hitting the top spots are much higher.
Integration with Microsoft products. Bing syncs with Outlook, Teams, and Windows search—your business info appears right where people already work.
Cross-platform consistency. Matching details across Google, Bing, Yelp, and Apple Maps helps build your domain’s authority.

The Real Key: Consistency

Google and Bing both rely heavily on consistency across the web. Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) should match exactly everywhere; your website, Facebook, directories, and both business profiles.

Even a single variation can confuse the algorithm and fragment your visibility.

Quick Fixes That Make a Big Impact

Verify your Google and Bing profiles.
Update your service areas and hours.
Add authentic photos of your work, team, or location.
Respond to every review, good or bad. This is super important.
Post updates weekly (news, offers, events, or blog snippets).

You don’t need daily maintenance. Consistency beats volume every time.

Final Word: Be Findable Everywhere

Your website isn’t the only place people find you, it’s your search listings that get you discovered first.

At The Rockenstein Agency, we specialize in local visibility, making sure your business shows up across every major platform. We set up, optimize, and manage your listings so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.

Want to make sure customers can actually find you online? Let’s get your Google and Bing profiles dialed in for maximum exposure. Visit Rockenstein.Agency or message us to schedule your Local Presence Audit today.

The Rockenstein Agency team working on local SEO strategy for client

TL;DR:

Your Google Business Profile isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of your online visibility. And while Bing doesn’t get the same buzz, it quietly powers millions of searches across the web. Ignoring it means missing out on potential customers who never even reach Google.

The Overlooked Power of Google Business Profiles

When people search for your business, Google decides what shows up and your Google Business Profile is the first impression they get. It’s the digital storefront that appears in search results, Google Maps, and even voice searches.

If it’s incomplete or inaccurate, you’re practically handing customers to your competitors.

A fully optimized profile doesn’t just look professional; it builds trust before you ever make contact. It’s also one of the most powerful local SEO tools available, especially for small businesses competing in a crowded market.

What a Complete Google Business Profile Does for You

Boosts visibility in local searches. When someone types “digital marketing agency near me” or “best social media management in North Myrtle Beach,” Google uses your profile data to decide who appears first.

Drives calls and website clicks directly from search results. Customers reach you instantly, no scrolling, no confusion.

Improves credibility. Profiles with consistent updates, photos, and reviews send strong trust signals to both Google and your audience.

Tracks customer behavior. You can see how people found you, what they clicked, and what actions they took next.

If your competitors are getting more calls or traffic, it’s probably not luck, it’s because their profile is working harder.

What Most Businesses Get Wrong

Here’s where a lot of business owners lose easy ranking points:

Outdated hours, services, or links

Ignored or unanswered customer reviews

Abandoned listings with no new posts or updates

Generic or low-quality stock photos instead of authentic visuals

Google notices. The algorithm rewards active, accurate, and well-maintained profiles, because that’s what customers engage with most.

If your listing looks neglected, Google pushes it down the list.

Don’t Sleep on Bing for Business

Now let’s talk about the underdog that quietly matters: Bing. Sure, Google dominates the search game, but Bing powers searches through:

Microsoft Edge and Windows devices

Yahoo! Search results

Alexa and Cortana voice assistants

Several car navigation and GPS systems

Here’s what most people miss: many directory and review sites pull data directly from Bing Places. That means if your Bing listing is wrong or nonexistent, that bad data spreads fast.

Why Bing Still Matters (Especially for Local Businesses)

Older demographics and professionals use it more. If your target audience includes homeowners, retirees, or corporate clients, you need to be there.

Less competition = easier visibility. With fewer businesses optimizing for Bing, your chances of hitting the top spots are much higher.

Integration with Microsoft products. Bing syncs with Outlook, Teams, and Windows search—your business info appears right where people already work.

Cross-platform consistency. Matching details across Google, Bing, Yelp, and Apple Maps helps build your domain’s authority.

The Real Key: Consistency

Google and Bing both rely heavily on consistency across the web. Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) should match exactly everywhere; your website, Facebook, directories, and both business profiles.

Even a single variation can confuse the algorithm and fragment your visibility.

Quick Fixes That Make a Big Impact

Verify your Google and Bing profiles.

Update your service areas and hours.

Add authentic photos of your work, team, or location.

Respond to every review, good or bad. This is super important.

Post updates weekly (news, offers, events, or blog snippets).

You don’t need daily maintenance. Consistency beats volume every time.

Final Word: Be Findable Everywhere

Your website isn’t the only place people find you, it’s your search listings that get you discovered first.

At The Rockenstein Agency, we specialize in local visibility, making sure your business shows up across every major platform. We set up, optimize, and manage your listings so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.

Want to make sure customers can actually find you online? Let’s get your Google and Bing profiles dialed in for maximum exposure. Visit Rockenstein.Agency or message us to schedule your Local Presence Audit today.

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