Last updated: 23 October 2026 · By Maurice, freeehouse team · About 3 minutes to read
What can the Google profile do?
- Address, map, directions
- Opening hours, phone number, link to the website
- Reviews and photos
- short posts about news and offers
- a list of services
For a quick decision, such as where the nearest hairdresser is, that is often enough.
What can't the profile do?
- Explain services in detail, with prices, process and questions
- set you apart from competitors, because all profiles look the same
- your own features such as booking, shop, availability calendar, a menu in your own design
- belong to you: Google sets the rules and can suspend or change profiles
- show up in searches without a place name, such as for a specialist topic
Why does the website help the profile?
According to Google, local ranking depends among other things on how well known a business is, and that includes its position in normal search results. A good website with one page per service therefore also improves your chance of ranking higher in the map view. The profile also links to the website, and that is where customers decide whether to get in touch.
What about chat searches like ChatGPT?
Chat searches draw on web pages to answer questions. A website with clear facts about your business, your services and your location gives them material that a profile alone doesn't. More in the guide Showing up in ChatGPT and Google answers.
What do I need at a minimum?
For a small local business: a complete, verified Google profile and a lean website with a home page, one page per main service, About us, Contact, Impressum (the legal notice German law requires) and Privacy. In total that is less effort than many think, and it brings more than any profile alone.
freeehouse builds the website your Google profile links to, with one page per service and your details exactly as in the profile. We don't charge for the build, you only pay for hosting, cheaper than today. How freeehouse works
What helps most when customers search?
| Situation | What helps most |
|---|---|
| someone is looking for a hairdresser nearby | Google profile with reviews and opening hours |
| someone is comparing three physiotherapy practices | Website with services, team and how to book |
| someone asks a chat search for a recommendation | Website with clear facts, plus reviews and mentions |
| someone is searching for a specific service, such as a bathroom renovation at a fixed price | a dedicated service page on the website |
| someone wants to call right away | Profile and website with a clearly visible phone number |
How do I link the two?
In the Google profile you enter your website address. On the website you give name, address and phone number exactly as in the profile and link to the profile, for example for reviews. The Impressum (legal notice) carries the same details. That way Google recognises that both belong to the same business.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Google profile enough without a website?
For very simple cases, yes. As soon as customers compare or have questions, you need a website.
Can Google suspend my profile?
Yes, for breaches of the guidelines or in cases of uncertainty. Your website stays reachable regardless.
Which matters more, profile or website?
For the map view, the profile. For the decision, the website. Both together bring the most.
Does the Google profile cost anything?
No, it's free.
Sources
- Google Unternehmensprofil Hilfe: Lokales Ranking verbessern, accessed 23 October 2026
- Google Unternehmensprofil Hilfe: Richtlinien für die Darstellung von Unternehmen, accessed 23 October 2026
- OpenAI: Overview of OpenAI Crawlers, accessed 23 October 2026
Providers' prices and terms change often. What counts is what's in your customer account and your contract. Not legal advice.
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