The short answer
Yes, for most local businesses. A Google Business Profile is free and gets you onto Google Maps with your phone number, reviews and opening hours. A website is the place you control, where you explain your services, show your work and areas, and give customers a reason to pick you. They work best together.
What does a Google Business Profile do?
It's your free listing on Google Search and Maps. When someone searches for a business like yours nearby, it can show your name, phone number, opening hours, photos and reviews. You don't need a shop or office to have one. If you go out to customers, like most trades do, you can show the areas you cover instead of an address. If you haven't set one up yet, my guide on getting your business on Google walks you through it.
What does a website do that a profile can't?
A profile gives people the basics. A website gives them the full picture. On your own site you can:
- explain each service properly, in your own words
- show photos of real jobs, or your menu, treatments or prices
- list every town you cover
- answer the questions customers always ask before they ring
- put a big tap-to-call and WhatsApp button on every page
You also own it. Google decides how your profile looks and what goes on it. Your website is yours.
Can I just have a Google Business Profile and no website?
You can, and plenty of businesses start that way. It's free, so set one up whatever you decide. The trouble is that a profile only gives a quick snapshot. People who want to know more before they call will often look for a website, and if there isn't one they might ring someone who has one. Your profile also has a space for your website address. If it's empty, there's nowhere for people to go to find out more.
How do they work together?
Think of your profile as the sign outside and your website as the shop window. Someone finds you on Google Maps, taps through to your website, sees your work and the areas you cover, then calls or messages you. The details on both should match: same business name, same phone number, same services. That's why I check your Google Business Profile details when I set up your website.
Which should I sort out first?
Set up your Google Business Profile first. It's free and quick. Then get a simple website to go with it. I build a free demo first, so you can see your website before you pay anything. It's £350 to build, then £25 a month for hosting and changes.
Questions people ask
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Google doesn't charge to create a Business Profile or list your business on Search and Maps.
Do I need a shop or office to have a Google Business Profile?
No. If you go out to customers, you can show the areas you cover instead of an address.
Will a website help my Google Business Profile?
It gives people somewhere to go to find out more, and it backs up what your profile says about your services and areas. Nobody can promise rankings, but having both, plus good reviews, gives you the best chance in local searches.
How much does a website cost with you?
£350 to build, then £25 a month for hosting and changes. You see a free demo first and only pay if you like it.
Want a website to go with your Google profile?
Tell me what you do and the areas you cover, and I'll build you a free demo to look at on your phone.
Get your free demo