Setting up your Google Business Profile is one of the fastest ways for customers to find your business online. When done correctly, your listing shows real customers exactly who you are, where you are, and how you can help. A clear and accurate profile builds trust with new people nearby and encourages more clicks, calls, and foot traffic.
Many business owners look at online visibility and marketing as an extra cost. What often gets missed is that the time, effort, or expert support you put into setting up your online presence can often be claimed as a marketing tax deduction with the Australian Tax Office (ATO). So, not only are you helping people find you, but you might be reducing your tax bill too. This guide explains how to get your profile set up, what to include, and how it ties in with tax-smart marketing choices.
What is a Google Business Profile and why does your business need one?
A Google Business Profile appears when someone searches for your business or your services in maps or search. It acts as your digital shop window, showing your contact details, opening hours, reviews, photos, and a direct link to your website. This lets customers decide quickly if they will visit or contact you.
For businesses in Brisbane or anywhere in Australia, a complete profile supports better local search results. Google often shows business profiles to people searching for services near them. If your business isn’t there or has wrong information, you miss out on new customers. More than being found, an accurate and updated profile helps people trust your business before they ever set foot in your store or call your number.
Well-managed profiles also improve your standing in search results and can support other digital marketing strategies like search engine optimisation or paid Google advertising.
How do I set up a Google Business Profile the right way?
The process is simple but the details matter. To get your best results, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your Google account and go to the Google Business Profile set-up page
- Enter your business name exactly as it appears on your website
- Add your business address or select your service area if you visit customers in their location
- Make sure your contact info, like phone number and website, are current and accurate
- Select your primary business category, and add service tags that match what you offer
- Follow the prompts to verify your business (Google might post or email you a code, or call your business number)
Keep your business info consistent everywhere online. If there are differences between your Google listing and your website or other directories, it can trip up both customers and Google’s systems, making you harder to find.
If you want help at any stage, professional digital support is available, including services like profile optimisation, ongoing management, and local SEO in Brisbane.
What should go into your profile to attract the right customers?
Small details make a difference to how people see you and whether they pick you over the competition. Focus on:
- Uploading high-quality photos of your team, products, shop, or van (actual photos, not stock images)
- Writing a short, clear business description that says who you are, what you do, and what area you cover
- Listing your business hours and keeping them current, especially around public holidays
- Replying to all reviews, showing that you care about every customer’s feedback
- Using keywords naturally in your business description and services (for example, “search engine optimisation in Brisbane” if that matches your offer)
Think of this profile as the online handshake for your business. The right photos, words, and prompt replies help turn clicks into customers. Avoid keyword stuffing or over-explaining; use the phrases your real customers would search for.
Is setting up my Google Business Profile tax deductible in Australia?
Many business owners don’t realise that digital marketing costs, including Google Business Profile setup and management, can usually be claimed as marketing tax deductions. The ATO allows deductions for advertising and marketing expenses that directly help you earn income. This includes directory listings, brand management activities, and digital services such as search engine optimisation.
If you hire digital marketing professionals to help build or optimise your Google Business Profile, those costs are typically deductible. It’s good practice to keep all receipts and detailed service descriptions and check with your accountant about the best way to document these expenses for the ATO.
Marketing is not just a spend, it’s a tool to generate more income and make your business more resilient long-term. By treating online visibility as both an investment and a legitimate deduction, you give your business a double benefit.
How can marketing deductions support long-term business growth?
Seeing your digital marketing work as a tax deduction, not just an expense, changes how you plan and budget. Every dollar spent is doing double duty: attracting new customers and potentially lowering your business’s taxable income.
Tax deductions help you get better value from your marketing spend. This means you can invest more in expert digital services like profile management, local SEO, or online advertising, rather than trying to do everything yourself. With better search visibility and a professional digital appearance, you are set up to draw more leads and customers over time, without seeing it as wasted money.
These digital efforts don’t stop working after setup; a well-maintained Google Business Profile and ongoing digital marketing support can keep delivering benefits and customers month after month. Your business gains more value, and your tax bill might shrink as a result.
FAQ
Q: Do I have to pay to set up a Google Business Profile?
A: No, setting up a profile is completely free. You only pay if you choose to use professional services to help with set-up or optimisation, and those costs are usually claimable as tax deductions.
Q: Can I update my profile after it’s been created?
A: Yes. You can log in to your Google Business Profile dashboard any time to change your business info, photos, operating hours, or reply to reviews. Keeping things current lifts trust and improves your search visibility.
Q: Does having a Google Business Profile help me show up better in search results?
A: Yes, it’s one of the strongest ways to boost your local search visibility. A detailed and well-managed profile sends positive signals to Google and helps your business appear in local searches and Google Maps.
Q: What proof does my accountant need for marketing tax deductions?
A: Keep all receipts, service agreements, and evidence of the work done. Records should match the expense claimed and show how it links to income generation for your business.
Build trust and visibility while making your marketing budget work harder
Getting your Google Business Profile in shape puts your business in front of more customers, boosts trust, and can even support your tax planning. For many local businesses, shifting your thinking about marketing turns it from a sunk cost into a smart investment. Activities like profile set-up and digital marketing in Brisbane can attract quality leads and help stretch your budget further through ATO-approved deductions.
With options like local SEO services and ongoing online presence support now widely available, building a strong digital first impression is easier than ever. Careful setup today keeps working for you long term, driving both growth and savings into the future.
Building a solid digital presence takes more than just showing up online; it’s about showing up the right way. Setting up your Google Business Profile correctly can lift your visibility and make sure your business is in front of the right people at the right time. We help you make your marketing spend work harder, even at tax time, by backing it with smart strategies and local knowledge. Get started with targeted support that aligns every touchpoint, including efforts like search engine optimisation in Brisbane. Ready to attract better traffic and make your marketing investment count? Contact Your Digital Solution today.
