Jessica Morrison Consulting

Marketing | Consulting | Coaching  | IT

How Small Businesses Thrive with Google

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve heard that “Google is your best friend.” And it’s true—Google is the #1 place customers go to find local businesses. But with all the tools, updates, and algorithms constantly changing, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start—or how to keep up.

At Jessica Morrison Marketing, we specialize in helping small, non-English-speaking businesses reach more English-speaking customers and grow using Google’s powerful marketing tools. From Google Business Profile optimization to local SEO content and AI-ready updates, our job is to make sure Google works for you—not the other way around.


📍 Why Google Matters for Small Businesses

When people need a restaurant, salon, shop, or service, they’re not asking friends anymore—they’re asking Google.

  • “Best hair salon near me”

  • “Open now bakery in Lisbon”

  • “American style breakfast in Milan”

Google doesn’t just provide answers. It decides who shows up first. If your business doesn’t appear in those top results, you're missing out on a huge portion of your market—especially the expats, tourists, and international locals who rely on English search terms.

That’s where Google Business Profile and localized SEO come in.


🔧 What Is Google Business Profile (GBP)?

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your free listing on Google Maps and local search. It’s often the first thing a customer sees—before your website, social media, or ads.

Your profile includes:

  • Business name and location

  • Hours of operation

  • Photos of your space, team, and services

  • Reviews

  • Direct messaging and appointment links

  • Description of your services (yes—this is where SEO matters!)

Optimizing your profile means making it clear, complete, and compelling—so it shows up when people search in your area.


✨ Why Most Businesses Don’t Get It Right

We often work with small businesses that:

  • Have outdated or incomplete Google profiles

  • Use poor translations or generic templates

  • Don’t respond to reviews (or get any)

  • Lack relevant keywords or categories

  • Don’t update images or promotions

The result? They’re invisible on Google—even if their service is excellent.

Google rewards accuracy, consistency, and engagement. The more helpful and active your profile, the more likely you are to rank higher in local searches. But this takes time, strategy, and professional support.


 

🌍 Small Business Success: Local + Global

In tourist-heavy regions like the Algarve, Costa del Sol, or Italian Riviera, your next customer is likely searching in English—even if they don’t speak the local language. If your content doesn’t reflect that, you’re invisible to a growing segment of your market.

We’ve helped:

  • Local salons rank in “near me” searches and increase bookings

  • Restaurants grow by 40% in seasonal tourist traffic

  • Service-based businesses get more calls from English-speaking customers

  • Bilingual companies simplify their online messaging with clarity


Trust the Process. Let Google Work for You.

You don’t need to figure out Google on your own. And you don’t have to settle for being invisible just because you don’t know the language of SEO or AI.

At Jessica Morrison Marketing, we partner with small businesses to build a powerful, polished Google presence that speaks directly to English-speaking customers—without losing your brand’s voice or identity.

 

📩 Ready to stop guessing and start growing?
Let’s talk: jessicamorrisonmarketing.com