How to Optimise Google Business Profile
In this digital age where internet users are growing day by day, not listing your business on the internet means you are losing your potential customers. Whether it is a coaching institute such as Mivja or a small shop, whether they hit the first page of Google Search and Maps or not is actually a make-or-break factor in their success.
Among the strongest, most free-of-cost tools to make your business more visible to potential customers is Google My Business, now called Google Business Profile.
But what exactly is it? And more importantly, how could you optimise it to feature on the first page to get more calls, website visits, reviews and leads?
Let’s break it down step by step.
WHAT IS GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE?
A Google Business Profile listing is free, which allows a business to maintain its presence and reputation on the Google Search and Google Maps platforms. When someone enters phrases such as "Digital Marketing Course in Kolkata" or "Best Graphic Design Training near me," GMB listings could appear right before their eyes, along with your phone number, reviews, photos, etc.
Your Google Business Profile Shows:
• Business Name with Address
• Phone Number or Contact Info
• Business Hours, such as operational timings
• Google Reviews and Ratings
• Photos of your office/classroom/services
• Directions via Google Maps
• Website Address
• Services and Courses Provided
Why Google Business Profile Is Important for Local Businesses
More than 93% of consumers search online before making decisions to purchase or inquire.
If someone in Kolkata searches:
• “Best online graphic design course in Kolkata”
• “Digital marketing course near me”
• “Web development classes in West Bengal”
An adequately optimised Google Business Profile assists Mivja in making it to the Local Pack — the first three business results that show above even SEO results.
Real Value: Not just for traffic! You gain high-quality local leads who are ready to enrol, call, or visit.
As local search behaviour continues to evolve, it is important to understand how Google now evaluates Google Business Profiles in 2026.
Google Business Profile in 2026: What Has Really Changed
If you have been using Google Business Profile for a while, you may have noticed that simply filling in details is no longer enough. In 2026, Google looks less at how perfectly a profile is set up and more at how real and active it feels.
Earlier, businesses could optimise once and see results for a long time. That does not work the same way now. Google pays attention to what happens after someone finds your profile. Do people call you? Do they ask for directions? Do they visit your website or come back to check your profile again? These small actions tell Google whether your business is actually useful to searchers.
Another noticeable change is how Google uses profile content to answer questions directly. When people search or ask questions about courses, services, or trustworthiness, Google often pulls information from business descriptions, reviews, FAQs, and recent updates. This means your profile is no longer just there to be seen. It is now expected to explain your business clearly and honestly.
Activity matters more than it used to. A profile that gets updated now and then—new photos, replies to reviews, small posts, or service updates—tends to hold its visibility better than one that was optimised once and then ignored. Google seems to trust businesses that show signs of regular attention.
Reviews still play a major role, but not in the old “more is better” way. A few detailed reviews written over time are often stronger than many short reviews posted together. How you reply also matters. When replies sound genuine and specific, they add credibility. Generic or copy-paste replies do not help much anymore.
Google has also become stricter about forced optimisation. Adding extra keywords to your business name or stuffing descriptions with phrases no longer gives an advantage. In some cases, it does the opposite. Clear language that simply explains what you do and who you serve works better now.
One more important point is consistency. Google increasingly compares your Business Profile with your website. If services, contact details, or messaging do not match, trust drops. When everything aligns, visibility becomes more stable.
Overall, Google Business Profile in 2026 rewards businesses that look real, stay active, and communicate clearly. There are no shortcuts. Profiles that focus on accuracy, steady engagement, and honest information tend to perform better in the long run.
HOW TO OPTIMISE GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE IN 2026
From start to finish, these strategies will ensure the complete optimisation of your listing.
1. CLAIM AND VERIFY YOUR BUSINESS
First, ensure that you have claimed your business on google.com/business.
• Utilise your official or registered business name (e.g., Mivja – Digital Training Institute)
• Provide an accurate address along with a contact number
• Choose "Training Centre" or a suitable category that accurately aligns with your business
• Confirm your business through phone, email, or a postcard
2. WRITE A CAPTIVATING BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
Create a well-crafted and engaging description of around 750 characters that tells your story.
Example (feel free to use this for Mivja):
Mivja is one of the foremost training institutes in Kolkata, imparting practical courses in Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, and Web Development. The entire program is delivered online to the students with expert mentorship.
3. ADD HIGH-QUALITY IMAGES AND VIDEOS
Take pictures of:
• Your workspace/classrooms
• Happy students & clients
• Teachers/Instructors
• Before-and-after pictures (student portfolio, for instance)
Bonus Tip: Share brief video snippets (preferably under 30 seconds) to present your course or provide a sneak peek of a live session.
4. GET THOSE REVIEWS! REPLY TO ALL OF THEM
Reviews are the number one trust signal considered by Google and also by your prospects and students.
• Ask students to give a review after completion of their course
• Respond to every review, be it positive or negative
• Naturally, add keywords into your replies (e.g., "Thank you for joining our digital marketing course in Kolkata!")
Schema Tip: Incorporate Review and AggregateRating schemas on your site to enhance your visibility in search results.
5. INTEGRATE KEYWORDS NATURALLY IN SERVICES, DESCRIPTIONS, AND POSTS
Utilise pertinent keywords such as:
• Digital Marketing Course in Kolkata
• Graphic Design Classes nearby
• Leading Web Development Institute in India
Avoid using excessive or forced keyword placement; instead, write in a way that flows naturally:
• Services
• FAQ
• Updates/Posts
• Reviews and responses
6. REGULARLY UPDATE YOUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE
Consider your GMB page as a small social media profile and share information about:
• Mivja course updates
• Success stories from Mivja students
• Announcements for new batches
• Exclusive deals and discounts
Tip: Aim to post once or twice a week and include calls-to-action such as "Learn More" or "Call Now."
7. ADD FAQS TO YOUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE AND WEBSITE
Add the common questions people search for via voice or on Google Assistant, such as:
• "Is there any online graphic design course in Kolkata?"
• "How long is the Mivja digital marketing course?"
• "Is there a certificate after completion?"
• “Why choose Graphic Design at Mivja?”
• “What software will I learn in the Graphic Design course?”
Answer these simply and in a conversational tone, which improves your Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO).
8. TRY TO USE THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
If you want to target and reach Bengali-speaking students in West Bengal, consider:
• Bengali translations of either the business name or description
• Posting updates or content in Bengali
This will give a geo-linguistic trust and improve local search rankings.
9. ADD SCHEMA TO YOUR WEBSITE
Implement structured data for:
• LocalBusiness
• Course
• Review
• FAQ
This provides search engines with more information about your business.
10. USE UTM LINKS TO TRACK CLICKS
Use UTM parameters in your website link on GMB to track GMB traffic in Google Analytics:
Example:
https://mivja.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb_profile
BONUS: GEO AND AEO OPTIMISATION TIPS
These tips will enhance your ability to rank for Local SEO or Voice Search (AEO):
• Add geo keywords such as "in Kolkata," "West Bengal," or "near me" into content
• Use question-based headers like:
➤ How to join Mivja courses?
➤ What is the course duration of the graphic design course?
➤ What software will I learn in the graphic design course?
• Ensure your Name, Address and Phone Number (NAP) is consistent across all platforms — GMB, website, directories
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Google Business Profile actually help with?
Mostly visibility. When people nearby search on Google or Maps, this is what helps your business show up with your phone number, reviews, photos, and directions. For many users, this is the first place they check before calling.
Is Google Business Profile the same thing as Google My Business?
Yes. Google My Business was the old name. Google changed it to Google Business Profile, but people still use both terms. What matters more now is how active and accurate your profile is.
After optimisation, how soon can results be seen?
It depends. Some changes show impact in a few weeks, especially photos or corrections. Bigger improvements usually come slowly, as you keep updating the profile and receiving real reviews over time.
Do reviews really influence rankings and enquiries?
They do. Reviews help Google understand trust, and they help people decide whether to contact you. Even a small number of genuine reviews written over time can make a big difference.
How often should I update my profile?
There’s no fixed rule. Once or twice a week is usually enough. Replying to reviews, adding a photo, or posting a small update is more than enough to keep the profile active.
Is a website compulsory for Google Business Profile?
No. You can run a profile without a website. But having one helps with trust, detailed information, and tracking enquiries properly.
Does posting in Bengali really help local businesses?
For many local users, yes. It makes the business feel familiar and trustworthy. It can also help with voice searches and location-based queries in West Bengal.
Why does Google care if my website and profile details match?
Because mismatched information creates confusion. When your address, services, and contact details are the same everywhere, Google trusts the business more and shows it more confidently.
Is Google Business Profile useful for training institutes?
Very much so. Many students check reviews, photos, and location before calling. For institutes like Mivja, this often becomes the main enquiry source.
Can this help with voice search or AI answers?
Yes, indirectly. Google often pulls information from profiles when answering spoken or AI-based queries. Clear, simple answers increase the chances of being picked up.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In 2026, Google’s focus is clear—to show businesses that are trustworthy, nearby, and genuinely helpful to searchers.
When these efforts are applied consistently—optimising your Google Business Profile, staying active with updates, and encouraging genuine reviews—Mivja can steadily build stronger local visibility and trust in Kolkata over time.
READY TO BOOST YOUR GMB PERFORMANCE?
Join the thousands of students who trust Mivja for career-ready courses:
✅ Digital Marketing
✅ Graphic Design
✅ Web Development
📍 Located in Kolkata | 100% Online
📲 Call us at 8240602684 or visit https://mivja.com
⭐️ See our fully optimised Google Business Profile here: Mivja on Google
Tags: GMB Optimization Local SEO AEO Strategies
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