Common GMB Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

If you're a business owner trying to gain more visibility online—especially in a competitive market—Google My Business (GMB) can be your secret weapon. A properly optimized GMB profile helps your company show up in local searches, reach more customers, and build trust instantly. But here’s the thing: many businesses mess it up. Whether it’s incomplete listings or inconsistent NAP details, these mistakes hurt more than they help. For those looking to level up their GMB game, especially in the UAE, don’t miss our guide on Google My Business Optimization UAE.Let’s dive into the most common GMB mistakes you need to avoid—and how to fix them fast.

1. Incomplete Business Information

This one’s a biggie. When your GMB profile lacks crucial info, Google and users don’t trust it.

What it looks like:

• Missing business hours
• No description or poor-quality "About" section
• Outdated phone numbers or website URLs

How to avoid it:

• Complete every field in your GMB dashboard—even optional ones count.
• Keep your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) consistent across the internet.
• Update hours frequently, especially during holidays or special events.

It’s simple: complete and accurate information builds trust and boosts your presence.

2. Ignoring Reviews or Failing to Respond

Your GMB reviews are like the digital version of word-of-mouth. Ignoring them is a huge missed opportunity.

Why this matters:

• Reviews impact your local ranking
• They influence buying decisions
• They show your engagement with customers

Do this instead:

• Respond to every review—the good, the bad, and the downright weird
• Be polite and professional, even when you receive criticism
• Encourage happy customers to leave reviews (don’t incentivize—just ask!)

Pro tip: Set alerts so you’re notified when reviews come in. Time’s crucial.

3. Using the Wrong Business Category

Mislabeling your business? Google won’t know who to show your listing to.

Why it’s a mistake:

• It confuses algorithms and users
• You might miss out on being ranked for the right search queries

Here’s how to fix it:

• Choose the most specific primary category possible (e.g., “Orthodontist” instead of just “Dentist”)
• Use additional categories to fill in your services—but don’t overdo it

Keep it laser-focused. More relevance = more visibility.

4. Keyword Stuffing Your Business Name

This black-hat tactic might give you a boost today, but it’ll almost certainly backfire long term.

What not to do:

Don’t turn "The Corner Café" into “Best Coffee Shop Downtown Dubai – The Corner Café.” It looks spammy.

Best practices:

• Use your real-world, registered business name
• If keywords are part of your name, that’s fine (e.g., “Dubai Pet Grooming Co.”)
• Let the rest of your profile do the SEO work the right way

Google might suspend or penalize listings that play dirty.

5. Poor Quality or Missing Photos

This is visual real estate, folks. People want to see what you offer before they make a move.

Common errors:

• No profile photo
• Outdated storefront or interior pics
• Stock images instead of real ones

What to do:

• Add high-res photos of your storefront, interiors, team, and products
• Regularly update images to reflect seasons, promotions, or renovations
• Use short videos to showcase your vibe

Visuals drive conversions. Don’t skip this step.

6. Not Using Posts or Updates

Google Posts let you share offers, events, blog updates, and more—right on your GMB listing.

Why it matters:

• It shows Google you’re active
• Customers see timely info directly on your listing
• Can drive visits, calls, or purchases

How you can maximize it:

• Post weekly or bi-weekly updates about what’s new, promotions, or success stories
• Add clear calls-to-action like “Learn more,” “Call now,” or “Book today”

Think of Posts like mini-advertisements. Free, easy, and effective.

7. Forgetting to Track GMB Performance

All this effort is pointless if you have no idea what’s working.

What to track:

• Profile views
• Click-to-call actions
• Direction requests
• Website clicks

How to do it:

• Check GMB Insights in your dashboard
• Use UTM parameters in your website URL to track in Google Analytics

Data lets you double down on what’s working and drop what isn’t.

8. Setting Up Multiple Listings for One Location

This is more common than you’d think—especially among businesses that offer multiple services.

Why this is bad:

• It confuses search engines
• May result in listing suspensions
• Splits your reviews and SEO benefits

Instead:

• Use one listing per physical location
• Highlight additional services or departments with your Business Description and Service sections

Consolidation brings strength. Keep it clean, keep it simple.

Conclusion

Getting Google My Business right isn’t rocket science—it just takes consistency, attention to detail, and a willingness to adapt. Every mistake on this list is avoidable with a little effort. Take time to polish your profile, engage with reviews, and share updates. Treat your GMB listing like a living billboard for your business—because that’s exactly what it is.Looking to take your local SEO even further? Check out our in-depth guide on Google My Business Optimization UAE where we dive even deeper into techniques that actually deliver results. Let your local presence do the heavy lifting—smart, efficient, and right where your customers are searching.