At Octavo, we’re just like you. We spend our days obsessing over next year’s Christmas card, perfecting a custom package design project, and making sure our clients are winning. Sometimes, that means our own “digital house” gets a little dusty.
If you look at our Google Business Profile today, it’s not a perfect 10/10. We get it, running a business is a whirlwind, and keeping your “opening hours” or “latest photos” updated on Google feels like just another chore on a never-ending list.
But here’s why we’re making it a priority this year, and why you should too.
We’re All Being “Pre-Vetted”
Before a client calls, they’ve already done a “vibe check” on Google. They’ve looked at the map, checked the star rating, and scrolled through the photos.
Even if you have the best logo and website in the world, a neglected Google Profile creates friction. It makes people wonder: Are they still in business? Do they care about the details?
The SEO “Cheat Code” for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
You don’t need a massive SEO budget to show up on page one. The “Local 3-Pack” (that map section at the top of the search results) is the ultimate equalizer.
If you’re a small to mid-sized business, you can outrank a national corporation locally just by having a more complete and active profile. It doesn’t matter if you’re a small shop in Downtown Frederick trying to get more foot traffic or a B2B firm chasing leads online, the rules are the same: relevance beats a big bank account. Google wants to show its users the most helpful local option, not just the one with the deepest pockets.
Why We’re Cleaning Our Own House (And You Should Too)
In 2026, search is changing. Google is now an “Answer Engine,” not just a “Search Engine.” AI assistants (like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude) are pulling data directly from these profiles to answer questions like “Who’s the best designer near me?” If your profile is empty, you don’t exist to the AI.
We’re making a pact with our clients this month: We’re updating our shots, freshening up our services, and actually responding to those reviews we’ve been “meaning to get to.”
The 15-Minute “Emergency” Refresh
If you’re as busy as we are, just do these three things today. It’ll take 15 minutes and put you ahead of 70% of your competitors:
- The “Real Life” Photo: Take one photo of your team or your current workspace and upload it. No stock photos. Just proof of life.
- Check Your Hours: Especially with holidays or remote work, make sure your hours are 100% accurate. Nothing kills a lead faster than a “Closed” sign when you’re actually open.
- The Recent Review: Pick one review from the last few months and reply to it. A simple “Thanks for the kind words!” signals to Google that the lights are on.
Let’s Get Visible
At Octavo, we believe great design should be seen. But before they see the design, they have to find you. Let’s stop leaving our Google Profiles to gather dust.
Want to see how your business looks to potential customer? Search your own company name in an Incognito window and see what pops up. If you don’t like what you see, give us a shout and we can help you figure out a strategy to fix it.
Still have questions? (The 2026 Cheat Sheet)
Absolutely. AI assistants like Gemini don’t just “search” the web; they look for verified data. Your Google Business Profile is considered a “primary source.” If your profile is detailed and active, the AI has the confidence to recommend you as a top answer. If it’s empty, you’re basically invisible to AI.
Yes. Even if clients don’t visit your physical office, they still “Google” you to see if you’re a legitimate, established brand. A complete profile with reviews and team photos acts as a high-level digital brochure that proves you’re the real deal.
First, don’t ignore it. In 2026, transparency is everything. Reply professionally, offer to take the conversation offline, and show potential clients that you’re proactive. A human, honest response to a 1-star review often looks better to a lead than a profile with nothing but suspiciously perfect 5-star ratings.
Not at all. This isn’t Instagram. For most of our clients, we recommend a “quality over quantity” approach. One high-res project photo and one quick update every few weeks is enough to keep the “lights on” signal strong for Google’s algorithm.
