Google Business Profile, formerly called Google My Business, is the information box that appears on Google Maps and in local search results when someone searches for your type of business. It shows your name, address, phone number, opening hours, photos, reviews, and a link to your website.
For Algarve businesses, it is one of the most important things you can optimise. Here is why.
What it looks like in practice
When someone searches for restaurant Faro or dentist Albufeira on Google, the first thing they often see is a map with three business pins on it and a panel showing those three businesses with their ratings, photos, and contact details. This is called the local map pack.
Appearing in the map pack for your relevant searches is enormously valuable. Studies consistently show that the top three positions in the map pack capture the majority of clicks for local search queries.
Why it matters specifically in the Algarve
Tourists in the Algarve frequently use Google Maps to find restaurants, bars, activities, and services while they are physically in the area. They search near me or add a town name to a category, and Google Maps results appear immediately on their phone. If your Google Business Profile is not set up and optimised, you are invisible to this entire customer flow.
The same applies to expat residents discovering local services, and to local Portuguese customers who are increasingly using Google Maps to find trades and professional services.
What a well-optimised profile includes
- Accurate business name, address, and phone number consistent with your website.
- Complete and correctly categorised business type.
- Accurate opening hours including seasonal variations.
- At least 10 high-quality photos of your business, products, or services.
- A keyword-informed business description.
- All relevant services listed with descriptions.
- An active response strategy for customer reviews.
- Regular posts and updates to signal activity to Google.
Do I need a website too?
Yes. Google Business Profile and a website work together. Your profile drives people to find you on Google Maps. Your website then convinces them to contact you, book a table, or make a purchase. Businesses with both a well-optimised profile and a professional website consistently outperform those with only one or the other.
Google Business Profile optimisation is included in our Growth package and available as a standalone add-on for businesses that already have a website.
The short version
Google Business Profile is free and essential for any Algarve business that serves local customers. Setting it up properly takes a few hours but makes a significant difference to how often you appear in local searches. We set it up and optimise it as part of our Growth package. Ask us about your business.