Why Google Business Profile Matters More Than Ever in 2026

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is no longer just a listing - it's often the first (and sometimes only) interaction potential customers have with your business.

The numbers tell the story:

- 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within 24 hours

- 28% of local searches result in a purchase

- Businesses with complete GBP listings get 70% more location visits than incomplete profiles

- In Kamloops and the Thompson-Okanagan region, local searches have increased 85% since 2023.

But here's the catch: Google AI Overview now appears above traditional search results for queries like "best restaurants in Kamloops" or "emergency plumber near me."

If your business isn't optimized for AI, you're invisible to a massive portion of potential customers. Not sure if AI is affecting your business? Take our free AI Vulnerability Quiz to see how much traffic you might be losing to AI Overview.

The New Reality: Traditional Search vs AI Overview

Before we dive into optimization tips, you need to understand how search has changed:

Traditional Google Search (Still Important):

- Shows your GBP in the "map pack" (top 3 local results)

- Displays your reviews, photos, hours

- Users click through to your website or call directly

AI Overview Results (The New Game-Changer):

- Google's AI summarizes information from multiple sources

- May mention your business in the AI-generated answer

- Can cite your GBP content and reviews

- Users might never click through to any website

The solution? You need to optimize for BOTH to maximize visibility.



10 Tips to Optimize Your Google Business Profile in 2026

1. Claim, Verify, and Complete Your Profile (The Foundation)

This might seem obvious, but 40% of local businesses still have incomplete or unverified profiles.

What to do:

1. Claim your business at google.com/business

2. Verify ownership (usually via postcard, phone, or email)

3. Fill out EVERY section - Google favors complete profiles

Why it matters in 2026:

- Verified businesses rank higher in both traditional search AND AI Overview

- Complete profiles are 2.7x more likely to be considered "trustworthy" by Google's AI

- Unverified profiles can be edited by anyone, leading to incorrect information

Pro tip for Kamloops businesses: Make sure your service areas include specific neighborhoods (Aberdeen, Brocklehurst, North Shore, Sahali, Valleyview) to capture hyper-local searches.

2. Choose the Right Business Categories (This Makes or Breaks You)

Your primary category is THE most important ranking factor for local search.

How to choose:

1. Primary category: Your main business type (e.g., "SEO Agency" not "Marketing Agency")

2. Additional categories: Related services you offer (up to 9 additional)

3. Be specific: "Italian Restaurant" beats "Restaurant"

2026 Update: AI Overview Impact

Google's AI uses your categories to determine when to mention you in AI Overview results. If you're a plumber but your primary category is "Contractor," you might miss out on "emergency plumber Kamloops" AI citations.

Real example: A Kamloops HVAC company changed their primary category from "Contractor" to "HVAC Contractor" and saw a 45% increase in phone calls within 30 days. 

Want similar results? Learn more about our proven Kamloops SEO services.

3. Craft an AI-Friendly Business Description

Your 750-character business description is prime real estate for both humans and AI.

What to include:

- What you do (clearly and specifically)

- Who you serve (location + customer type)

- Your unique value proposition

- Key services/products

- Local area mentions

2026 AI Optimization

Structure your description so AI can easily extract key information:

- Use complete sentences (not just keywords)

- Mention your location multiple times naturally

- Include specific services you offer

- Add your unique qualifications or credentials

Example for a Kamloops bakery:

❌ Poor: Best bakery serving fresh baked goods daily.

✅ Optimized: Family-owned bakery in downtown Kamloops serving fresh sourdough bread, custom wedding cakes, and artisan pastries since 2015. We use locally-sourced BC ingredients and offer gluten-free options. Serving Kamloops, Salmon Arm, and the Thompson-Okanagan region with pickup and local delivery available.

Why this works: AI can extract specific details (location, services, unique features, service area) to cite when answering queries like "best bakery in Kamloops" or "gluten-free bakery near me." 

4. Master Your Keywords (But Don't Stuff)

Keywords still matter in 2026, but the approach has evolved.

Where to use keywords:

- Business description

- Posts and updates

- Photo captions

- Review responses

- Q&A section

Top local keywords for Kamloops businesses:

- "[Your service] Kamloops"

- "[Your service] near me"

- "Best [your business type] in Kamloops"

- "[Your service] Thompson-Okanagan"

- "[Your business type] downtown Kamloops"

- "[Your service] Salmon Arm to Kamloops"

2026 Warning: Keyword stuffing now hurts more than it helps. Google's AI can detect unnatural language and will penalize your profile. Write for humans first, optimize for search second. 

5. Actively Manage Reviews (Your #1 Ranking Factor)

Reviews are the lifeblood of local SEO. They're also critical for AI Overview citations.

The numbers:

- Reviews account for 15% of local search ranking factors

- Businesses with 40+ reviews get 54% more visibility

- Review recency matters - get at least 2-4 new reviews monthly

How to get more reviews in 2026:

1. Ask immediately after purchase/service (when satisfaction is highest)

2. Make it easy: Send direct review link via email or text

3. Create a process: Train staff to request reviews

4. Respond to ALL reviews within 24-48 hours

5. Never incentivize or fake reviews (Google will catch you)

AI Overview Impact: Google's AI actually quotes reviews when answering questions. If someone asks "which Kamloops restaurant has the best patio?" and you have multiple reviews mentioning your "beautiful patio," AI might cite your business specifically.

Review response template for Kamloops businesses:

Thank you so much, [Name]! We're thrilled you enjoyed [specific detail from their review]. Serving the Kamloops community with [your service] is our passion. We hope to see you again soon!

[Your name], Owner of [Business Name]

6. Post Weekly (Yes, Really)

Google Business Profile posts expire after 7 days, which means you should be posting AT LEAST weekly.

What to post:

- Offers: "15% off HVAC maintenance this month for Kamloops homeowners"

- Updates: "New summer hours starting June 1"

- Events: "Live music every Friday at our downtown location"

- Products: "Just added: vegan menu options"

- News: "We're hiring! Join our team"

Struggling with what to post about on your Google Business Profile? The same content strategies that work for blogging work here too. Learn how to generate endless content ideas in our guide on 7 Benefits of Blogging for Business.

2026 Posting Strategy: Posts now feed into AI Overview. When someone asks "restaurants with live music in Kamloops," your post about Friday live music could get your business mentioned by AI.

Pro tip: Use the "Call" button in posts for direct engagement. Posts with CTA buttons get 30% more engagement than those without.

7. Upload High-Quality Photos & Videos (Lots of Them)

Visual content is non-negotiable in 2026.

The data:

- Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions

 - Video posts get 3x more engagement than photo posts

- Profiles with 100+ photos are considered "highly engaged" by Google

What to upload:

- Exterior: Your storefront, signage, parking

- Interior: Ambiance, seating, decor

- Products/Services: What you sell or do

- Team: Your staff (builds trust)

- Behind the scenes: Your process, kitchen, workshop

- Customer photos: Repost (with permission) customer content

- Videos: 30-second tours, product demos, team introductions

2026 Update:

- 360° Photos: Google now favors businesses with 360° interior photos. These photos appear in AI Overview results when people ask about business ambiance or layout.

- Photo optimization for AI: Add descriptive file names before uploading: "kamloops-sushi-restaurant-interior.jpg"

- Use photo captions to add context - Include location and service mentions in descriptions 

8. Optimize for "Near Me" Searches on Mobile

76% of local searches happen on mobile devices, and "near me" searches have grown 900% in the past two years.

Mobile optimization checklist:

- ✅ Your GBP has accurate GPS coordinates

- ✅ Your website loads in under 3 seconds on mobile

- ✅ Click-to-call buttons work properly

- ✅ Your address is easy to find

- ✅ Directions integration works

- ✅ Mobile appointment booking (if applicable)

2026 AI Consideration: When someone asks their phone "find a coffee shop near me," AI Overview shows results before the traditional map pack. Make sure your GBP content is detailed enough for AI to confidently recommend you.

9. Use the Q&A Section Strategically

The Questions & Answers section is one of the most underutilized features - and it's gold for AI optimization.

What to do:

1. Seed your own Q&A: Ask and answer common customer questions

2. Monitor regularly: Answer new questions within 24 hours

3. Use keywords naturally: Include location and service mentions

4. Be comprehensive: Detailed answers rank better

Strategic Q&A for AI Optimization:

Q: Do you offer emergency plumbing services in Kamloops?

A: Yes! We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services throughout Kamloops, including Aberdeen, North Shore, and surrounding areas. Our average response time is under 60 minutes. Call [phone] anytime, day or night.

Why this works for AI:

When someone asks "emergency plumber Kamloops," Google's AI can pull this exact answer and cite your business.

Questions Kamloops businesses should preemptively answer:

- Do you serve [specific neighborhood]?

- What are your emergency/after-hours options?

- Do you offer [specific service related to your business]?

- What payment methods do you accept?

- Do you have parking available?

- Are you accepting new customers?

10. Monitor Your Insights & Adapt (Data-Driven Optimization)

Google provides free analytics for your GBP - use them!

Key metrics to track:

- Search queries: What terms bring people to you?

- Views: How many people see your profile?

- Actions: Calls, direction requests, website clicks

- Photo views: Which images perform best?

- Direction requests: Are people finding you easily?

2026 Insight: AI Impact Tracking

You can't directly see AI Overview impressions in GBP insights yet, but you can infer impact:

- Increasing impressions but decreasing clicks = likely AI Overview impact

- Take our AI Vulnerability Quiz to assess your specific risk

Monthly optimization routine:

1. Check top search queries → Optimize description for those terms

2. Review worst-performing photos → Replace them

3. Analyze competitor profiles → Identify gaps

4. Test new post types → See what gets engagement

NEW FOR 2026: Optimizing for AI Overview in Local Search

This is where most Kamloops businesses are missing out.

Here's how to ensure your business gets cited in AI Overview results:

Make Your Content "AI-Quotable"

AI loves clear, factual, complete information. Structure your content so AI can easily extract and cite it.

Bad (vague): "We're the best in town."

Good (specific): "Elite Marketing Projects has helped over 50 Kamloops businesses increase their Google visibility by an average of 230% since 2025.

Answer Questions Directly

AI is designed to answer questions. Give it answerable content.

Examples:

- "Yes, we offer same-day installation for Kamloops homes."

- "Our downtown Kamloops location has free parking available for customers."

- "We've been serving the Thompson-Okanagan region since 1995."

Use Structured Data When Possible

While you can't add schema directly to GBP, you CAN structure your information consistently:

- Hours: Use GBP's structured hours feature

- Services: Add your services menu

- Products: Upload product listings

- Attributes: Select ALL applicable attributes (wheelchair accessible, free wifi, etc.)

Build Review Content

Encourage customers to mention specific details in reviews:

- What specific service they used

- What problem you solved

- Location mentions

- Unique features they appreciated

These details become quotable content for AI.

Common Google Business Profile Mistakes Kamloops Businesses Make

Avoid these costly errors:

❌ Inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across platforms

❌ Choosing wrong primary category to seem "broader"

❌ Ignoring negative reviews or responding emotionally

❌ Not updating hours for holidays or special events

❌ Using low-quality photos or no photos at all

❌ Keyword stuffing in business name or description

❌ Not utilizing all features (posts, products, services)

❌ Setting and forgetting - no ongoing optimization

❌ Fake reviews or review gating (showing selective reviews)

❌ Missing service area coverage - not listing all areas you serve

Your 30-Day Google Business Profile Optimization Plan

Week 1: Foundation

- [ ] Claim and verify your profile

- [ ] Complete every section 100%

- [ ] Choose optimal categories

- [ ] Rewrite business description (AI-friendly)

- [ ] Add 20+ high-quality photos

Week 2: Content & Engagement

- [ ] Create first week's post

- [ ] Seed 10 Q&A entries

- [ ] Request reviews from recent customers

- [ ] Respond to all existing reviews

- [ ] Add all services/products

Week 3: Optimization

- [ ] Analyze insights for top keywords

- [ ] Optimize for those keywords naturally

- [ ] Add more location-specific photos

- [ ] Create second week's post

- [ ] Add more business attributes

Week 4: Ongoing

- [ ] Establish weekly posting schedule

- [ ] Set up review request automation

- [ ] Monitor Q&A for new questions

- [ ] Check insights and adjust strategy

- [ ] Plan next month's content calendar 

Conclusion: The Future of Local Search is Here

Google Business Profile optimization in 2025 isn't optional - it's essential. But it's no longer enough to just optimize for traditional search rankings. You need to think about AI visibility too.

The businesses winning local search in Kamloops right now are:

- Keeping their GBP profiles complete and updated

- Posting weekly content

- Generating consistent positive reviews

- Responding to all customer feedback

- Optimizing content for AI Overview citations

- Monitoring performance and adapting

The businesses losing are treating their GBP as a "set it and forget it" listing. Which one will you be? 

Need Help Optimizing Your Google Business Profile?

At Elite Marketing Projects, we specialize in helping Kamloops businesses dominate local search - both traditional AND AI-powered results.

Our local SEO services include:

- Complete Google Business Profile optimization

- AI Overview visibility strategies 

- Weekly GBP post management

- Professional link building services in Canada

- Local citation building

- Ongoing monitoring and optimization

We're based right here in Kamloops, BC, and we understand the local market inside and out.

Ready to dominate local search in 2025?

- 📞 Call us: 1-778-220-1879

- 📧 Email: elena@elitemarketingprojects.com

- 🎯 Take the AI Vulnerability Quiz  to see how AI is affecting your traffic

- 📍 Learn more about our Kamloops SEO services

Related Resources:

- 7 Reasons Why Your Business Needs SEO - Understand the full value of SEO for your business

- 7 Benefits of Blogging for Business - Create content that drives traffic

- Link Building Services in Canada - build authority with quality backlinks

- Local SEO Services in British Columbia - complete local domination strategy

- Content marketing

- Web design in Kamloops - professional websites that convert

- Subscribe to Our Newsletter for weekly local SEO & marketing tips you won't find anywhere else.

*Last updated: October 2025. Google Business Profile features and AI Overview functionality continue to evolve. This guide reflects current best practices as of October 2025.