• Hillary Plauche
• AI search visibility, ChatGPT for local business, do I need a website if I have a Google Business Profile, GBP and website together, GBP vs website, Google Maps vs website SEO, local SEO website strategy, service business marketing, small business website SEO, website trust signals
• 0 Comments
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Is Google Business Profile Enough — Or Do I Still Need a Website?

“If I have a Google Business Profile, do I really need a website?”
It’s a fair question — but one that’s costing some business owners visibility, trust, and leads without them even realizing it.

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) gets you seen.
But your website? That’s what gets you chosen — and ranked in all the places Google (and AI tools) look.

Here’s what each platform does, what you’re missing without a site, and why both matter more than ever.

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1️⃣ What Google Business Profile Does Well

Your GBP is your digital storefront — especially for “near me” searches.

✅ Shows your location, hours, and contact info
✅ Displays reviews and photos
✅ Lets you post updates, offers, and FAQs
✅ Gets featured in Google Maps and AI Overviews

If you want to be visible in your city — especially in the Map Pack — your GBP is essential.

But it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

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2️⃣ What a Website Still Does Better

Your website gives you full control over your content, credibility, and customer journey.

✅ Explains your services in detail
✅ Tells your story, showcases your brand
✅ Reinforces what’s on your GBP
✅ Helps you rank in organic search — not just Maps
✅ Collects leads, builds trust, and supports retargeting

And here’s the big one: AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity often pull from websites — not just GBPs.

If you don’t have a site (or your site is vague), you’re invisible in those places.

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3️⃣ How GBP and Your Website Work Together

Think of it like this:

• Your GBP is the handshake.

• Your website is the conversation that builds trust.

Google scans both. AI tools scan both. And your customers check both.

When your GBP says you do pressure washing in Palm Bay — and your website has service pages, FAQs, and photos showing that — Google sees a match.

That’s what builds location + service relevance — and gets you ranked higher.

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4️⃣ What Happens When You Only Have One

If you only have a GBP:

• You’ll show up locally, but you’ll hit a wall

• Customers may Google your business name and find nothing deeper

• Google may struggle to understand your services and cities

• You’ll miss out on organic search, link building, and blog opportunities

If you only have a website:

• You won’t show up in Google Maps

• You’ll miss trust-building reviews, call buttons, and local search visibility

• AI tools may not understand where you’re located or what services you provide

Bottom line: both tools work best together.

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5️⃣ What Google (and AI Tools) Look For Across Both

AI search — and even traditional Google — looks for consistency, clarity, and proof.

Here’s what they check:

• Are your services listed clearly on both your GBP and site?

• Are your location keywords present across both platforms?

• Do your reviews match what your site says you do?

• Are you posting and updating in both places?

• Is your business name and phone number identical everywhere?

The more alignment, the more Google trusts you — and trust = ranking.

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TL;DR Summary

A Google Business Profile is a must-have — but not enough by itself.

You need a website to:

• Build trust

• Rank in more places

• Show up in AI search

• And actually convert more customers

They’re not either/or. They’re stronger together.

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🤔 FAQs About Websites vs. Google Business Profiles

Q: Can I rank without a website?
A: You can show up in Maps — but you’ll miss out on organic results, AI search visibility, and trust with customers. A website multiplies your reach.

Q: What kind of website do I actually need?
A: Something simple, fast, and focused. At minimum: homepage, service pages, contact page, and your city or service areas mentioned throughout.

Q: Does Google care about what’s on my site?
A: Yes — it scans your site for service info, locations, and consistency with your GBP. It helps reinforce your relevance.

Q: Will AI tools like ChatGPT see my site?
A: Absolutely — tools like Perplexity cite websites directly, and ChatGPT can surface info from sites that are well-indexed and relevant.

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@rankboostmedia

Your website could be what’s holding you back — Even if your Google profile is perfect. Comment SITE and I’ll DM you something to help fix it. #GoogleBusinessProfile #LocalSEOHelp #SmallBizMarketing #WebsiteTips #ServiceBusinessSEO #TrustSignals #GoogleMapsRanking #GetFoundOnGoogle #SEOWithoutAds #ConversionStrategy

♬ original sound – Hillary | Google Maps SEO 💥

👋 Need a Website That Works with Your Google Profile?

We build and optimize websites that do more than look good — they help you rank, convert, and grow.

✅ SEO-optimized for local and AI search
✅ Clean, simple, and built to build trust
✅ Connected to your GBP and citations
✅ Structured for mobile, speed, and relevance

👉 Check out our Website + GBP Services
Or text 321-722-7947 and say “Need a site” — we’ll take care of the rest.

Hillary Plauche

administrator

Hillary is the founder of Rank Boost Media, a no-BS marketing agency specializing in Google My Business optimization, local SEO, and helping service-based businesses dominate "near me" searches. With a sharp eye for strategy and a knack for cutting through the noise, Hillary helps businesses get real, measurable results—no gimmicks, no empty promises. When not optimizing rankings and making Google work for local businesses, you can find Hillary crafting witty marketing memes, sipping on coffee, or networking with business owners to help them grow. Want to boost your visibility and turn clicks into customers? Let’s talk.