What Google Business Profile Can Do for Financial Advisors
Introduction
If someone searches for your firm or financial services in your area, does your business show up in the right-hand panel of Google? Does it have your correct contact information, services, and a photo of your office or team? That feature is powered by Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), and it is one of the most powerful free tools available to financial professionals looking to grow.
What Is a Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile is a free business listing that helps your firm appear in Google Search and Google Maps when people search for financial advisors or related terms near you. It includes:
- Business name
- Address and phone number
- Business hours
- Website URL
- Photos or logo
- Services offered
- Reviews from clients
- Answers to common questions
Unlike your website, which may take time to rank in organic results, a verified Google Business Profile can appear instantly in local searches and mobile results—often before your actual website link.
Why It Matters for Financial Advisors
Appear in Local Searches
A properly set up profile increases your visibility when someone searches for terms like “financial advisor near me” or “retirement planning in [your city].” Google prioritizes local profiles, especially when users are on mobile.
Reinforce Credibility and Accessibility
A polished profile with accurate contact info, photos, and business hours helps prospective clients feel confident about reaching out. It reassures them that your business is legitimate and active.
Drive More Website Visits and Calls
With direct buttons for “Call,” “Visit Website,” or “Get Directions,” your Google profile acts as a conversion tool. Many users take action from this listing without ever visiting your full website.
Collect Reviews and Showcase Client Experience
Google Reviews are often one of the first things people see when evaluating a business. Encouraging satisfied clients to leave honest, compliant feedback helps you stand out in a competitive space.
Control What Google Shows About You
Without a claimed profile, Google may pull outdated or incorrect information from the web. By managing your listing, you get to shape how your business appears and what prospects learn first.
What You Need to Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Before you begin, gather the following:
- Official business name
- Business address (can be hidden for home offices)
- Phone number and website
- Business hours
- Business description (up to 750 characters)
- High-quality images (logo, headshot, office photos)
- Services offered
- Credentials or certifications
- Your firm category (e.g., Financial Planner, Investment Service)
To make setup easier, you can download our Directory Intake Form.
Step-by-Step: How to Claim and Optimize Your Profile
1. Visit google.com/business
2. Sign in with your business email
3. Search for your business name to see if a listing already exists
4. Claim the profile or create a new one
5. Verify your business via postcard, phone, or email
6. Complete all sections of the profile, including services, description, and images
7. Request a review link and begin collecting compliant client feedback
For full optimization, make sure your information matches your other listings exactly. Inconsistencies in your name, address, or phone number (NAP) can harm your local SEO performance.
Real-World Benefits: Why Advisors Should Prioritize This First
Google Business Profile often drives more website traffic and client calls than any single directory. It is also indexed quickly, meaning it can show results even if your website SEO is still ramping up.
For advisors operating in competitive local markets, this profile can serve as your anchor in search visibility. It’s especially important for solo advisors or those with physical office locations.
Need Help Setting Up or Managing Your Google Profile?
At Shared Vision Studios, we help financial advisors claim, design, and optimize their online listings—starting with Google Business Profile. Whether you're launching your first listing or cleaning up old data, we can help you improve your visibility and build stronger client trust.
- Complete our Directory Intake Form
- Schedule a free discovery call
The clients looking for you are searching. Let’s make sure they find you.