How To Use Google Business Profile To Maximize Holiday Traffic in 2026 |
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How To Use Google Business Profile To Maximize Holiday Traffic in 2026
A Practical Guide for Northern Maine Businesses
By Kevin Rogers | Shady Ridge Studios LLC
For many businesses in Northern Maine, holidays and seasonal weekends can make or break entire months.
Whether it’s:
…the businesses that prepare online ahead of time usually capture the most attention and traffic.
And one of the most overlooked tools for local visibility is completely free:
Google Business Profile.
(Still commonly called “Google My Business.”)
Most businesses set it up once and forget about it. That’s a huge mistake.
In 2026, your Google Business Profile is often: the first impression people get of your business.Especially tourists.
Before someone stops at:
…they usually search Google first. If your profile looks active, updated, and engaging:
Why Holidays Matter So Much OnlineHoliday traffic creates urgency. People are actively searching:
Google rewards businesses that stay active and updated. Especially during seasonal spikes.
That means businesses preparing BEFORE holidays usually outperform businesses scrambling during them.
Step 1 — Update Holiday Hours Early
This sounds simple, but many businesses forget. Nothing frustrates travelers more than:
Before every major holiday:
Google actually prompts businesses to do this — but many ignore it. Businesses with accurate holiday information build trust fast.
Step 2 — Add Holiday Photos & Seasonal ContentFresh photos matter enormously.
Google profiles with updated photos:
Before major weekends, upload:
People want to SEE the experience before they visit. Especially tourists unfamiliar with the area.
Step 3 — Use Google Posts Weekly
This is one of the most underused features on Google Business Profiles.
Google Posts allow businesses to share:
Right inside Google search results. Examples:
These posts help Google understand:
Step 4 — Encourage More ReviewsHoliday traffic is the BEST time to generate reviews. And reviews directly impact:
Most customers are willing to leave reviews if asked politely. Simple ideas:
The key: ask consistently.
A business with:
Especially to tourists.
Step 5 — Add Local Keywords NaturallyGoogle profiles perform better when they clearly mention:
Examples:
This helps travelers discover businesses while searching regionally.
Step 6 — Answer Questions Publicly
Most businesses ignore the Q&A section. Huge missed opportunity.
People ask things like:
Answering these questions helps:
The more complete your profile feels, the better it performs.
Step 7 — Connect Google To Your Email List
This is where businesses start building long-term visibility. Your Google profile should eventually connect people to:
Why?
Because holiday traffic comes and goes. But:
captured attention compounds.
If someone visits once and joins your email list:
That’s how businesses build repeat tourism and repeat customers.
Step 8 — Tell Stories, Not Just PromotionsThe businesses performing best online right now are not just advertising.
They’re storytelling.
Examples:
Those small local moments create emotional connection. And emotional connection is what makes people remember a place.
Final Thought
Most Northern Maine businesses already have what people are searching for:
The challenge is not becoming something different. The challenge is:
staying visible consistently online when people are actively searching.Google Business Profile is no longer optional.
It’s one of the most important visibility tools local businesses have in 2026.
Especially during holidays and tourism weekends.
Businesses that actively update, communicate, and engage before seasonal traffic arrives will likely have a major advantage over businesses waiting to be discovered by chance.
Kevin Rogers Shady Ridge Studios |