By Phil Gee · AI Academy, Southport
Your Google Business Profile is not a nice-to-have. It is the single most important local marketing asset you have.
When someone in your area searches for what you do, your Google Business Profile is what they see first — before they even visit your website. The reviews, the photos, the description, the latest updates. All of it shapes whether they call you or your competitor.
And yet most small business owners set it up once, forgot about it, and have not posted an update in months.
AI can change that — without eating your week.
The Weekly Update Habit
Google rewards businesses who post regular updates. It signals that you are active, trading, and paying attention. But most owners never post because they do not know what to write.
AI solves that. Every Monday, ask it: "Write a short Google Business Profile update for my [your business] in [your area]. It should be useful to local customers, mention something relevant this week, and be under 200 characters. Friendly, not salesy."
You will get a ready-to-post update in seconds. Paste it into your profile. Done. 2 minutes.
Writing Your Services Properly
Most Google Business Profiles have vague service descriptions — or none at all. Each service you list is an opportunity to rank for specific search terms.
Ask AI: "I offer these services: [list them]. For each one, write a clear 200-character description that explains what it is, who it is for, and includes the words a local customer would search for. Plain English."
You will get service descriptions that help Google understand exactly what you offer — and match you to more searches.
Responding to Reviews
Responding to reviews (good and bad) signals to Google that you are engaged. It also shows potential customers that you care. But most owners never respond because they do not know what to say.
For positive reviews, ask AI: "Write a short, genuine response to this 5-star Google review: [paste review]. Thank them specifically, mention something they said, and invite them back. Under 50 words."
For negative reviews: "Write a calm, professional response to this Google review: [paste review]. Acknowledge their experience, apologise without making excuses, and invite them to contact you directly to resolve it. Under 80 words."
You will have proper responses in seconds — and your profile will look active and cared for.
Writing Your Description
If your Google Business Profile description is empty or generic, you are missing a trick. Ask AI: "Write a 250-character Google Business Profile description for a [your business] in [your area]. Clearly state what I do, who I serve, my local area, and what makes me different. No jargon."
Creating Q&A Content
Google Business Profiles have a Q&A section where customers can ask questions. You can also add your own questions and answers — pre-empting what people might want to know.
Ask AI: "What are the 10 most common questions a potential customer would have about a [your business] in [your area]? For each question, write a clear, helpful answer under 100 characters."
Add these to your profile. Now when someone is deciding whether to call you, their questions are already answered.
15 Minutes a Week
That is all it takes. One update. Respond to any new reviews. Check your Q&A. With AI doing the writing, the whole thing takes 15 minutes a week — and it is the difference between a Google Business Profile that brings in enquiries and one that gathers dust.
Your profile is your shop window to the local market. Keep it clean, keep it fresh, and the customers will come.