Google Business Profile vs. Facebook: Which One Brings More Customers?
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Understanding Where Small Businesses Should Focus for Maximum Growth
The Visibility Dilemma
Many small business owners default to Facebook as their primary online presence. It’s free, easy to update, and everyone is on Facebook… right?
🚨 The problem? Facebook’s algorithm limits your reach, making it harder for customers to find you—unless you pay for ads.
Meanwhile, Google Business Profile (GBP) is the #1 tool for getting found in local searches, yet many businesses either don’t use it or don’t optimize it correctly.
So, which one actually brings in more customers—Google or Facebook? Let’s compare.
Visibility in Search Results – Google Wins Every Time
Google Business Profile:
- Appears in Google Search & Google Maps when people look for businesses nearby.
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Customers searching “coffee shop near me” or “best plumber in [city]” will find you
instantly. - Ranking factors:Â Reviews, relevance, proximity, and profile completeness.
Facebook Business Page:
- Does NOT show up in Google search results unless someone directly searches your business name.
- You must run ads or have an active Facebook following to gain visibility.
- Organic reach is declining (average post reaches only a small fraction of followers).
🔥 Winner: Google Business Profile
Fast Fact: As of 2024, Google holds approximately 89.98% of the global search engine market share. (Oberlo)
Customer Trust & Reviews – Google is More CredibleÂ
Google Business Profile:
- Google reviews appear directly in search results and influence ranking.
- Businesses with positive reviews attract more clicks & customers.
- Consumers trust Google reviews when making a purchase decision.
Facebook Business Page:
- Reviews are not weighted for search rankings.
- Facebook has fewer mechanisms to prevent fake reviews.
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Concerns about fake reviews and spam are common.
🔥 Winner: Google Business Profile
Fast Fact: 64% of consumers check Google Business Profiles for online reviews before visiting a business. (LocaliQ)
Lead Generation & Website Traffic – Google Delivers Real CustomersÂ
Google Business Profile:
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Allows customers to call, book, or visit your website directly from search results.
- GBP listings drive significantly more clicks than Facebook business pages.
- Google’s Local Pack (top 3 businesses shown in search) generates a majority of clicks for location-based searches.
Facebook Business Page:
- Leads must come from engagement, ads, or direct messaging.
- No direct search intent—users scroll for entertainment, not to find businesses.
- Algorithm limits organic reach (forcing businesses to pay for visibility).
🔥 Winner: Google Business Profile
Fast Fact: 46% of Google searches have local intent, such as 'near me' searches. (Search Engine Journal)
Long-Term Value & Ownership – Google Gives You ControlÂ
Google Business Profile:
- Owned by you—your profile exists independently of ads or algorithms.
- Google updates constantly to improve user experience & search results.
- You control your business details, photos, and customer interactions.
Facebook Business Page:
- Owned by Facebook, not you—they control who sees your posts and can suspend accounts at any time.
- Facebook’s declining organic reach forces businesses to spend on ads.
- Changes in Facebook’s algorithm impact how businesses are discovered.
🔥 Winner: Google Business Profile
Fast Fact: Google's search market share remains dominant, highlighting its importance in online visibility. (Oberlo)
The Verdict: Which One Should You Prioritize?Â
🚀 Google Business Profile wins in every key area:
- Better search visibility – Google is where people actively search for businesses
- Higher trust & credibility – Google reviews impact purchasing decisions
- More leads & website traffic – GBP directly connects customers with businesses
- Long-term control – You own your Google profile, not Facebook.
Does this mean you should ignore Facebook? No! Facebook is great for engagement & brand awareness, but it shouldn’t be your primary discovery tool.
Next Steps: Optimize Your Google Business Profile Today!
Step 1: Claim your Google Business Profile.
Step 2: Complete all fields (business name, address, phone, website, hours).
Step 3: Upload high-quality photos & encourage customer reviews.
Step 4: Download our FREE Google Business Profile Setup Guide for step-by-step optimization!
đź“ĄÂ Download the Free GBP Setup Guide
🚀 Want expert help? YORK Digital Services can optimize your profile for maximum visibility & leads. Let’s Optimize Your Google Profile – Contact Us Today!