If you have ever searched for a business on Google and seen a panel on the right side of the screen — or a map with business pins — that is Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) at work. It looks a lot like a website. So do you still need a separate website if your Google Business Profile is set up properly?
Yes. And here is the clear explanation of why.
What Google Business Profile Is
Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free listing that Google provides for local businesses. When someone searches for your business name, or searches for a service near them ("HVAC repair near me", "hardware shop Cheras"), GBP determines whether your business appears in the map results and the local panel.
A well-maintained GBP listing shows:
- Your business name, address, and phone number
- Operating hours
- Photos of your premises or work
- Reviews from customers
- A link to your website
- Directions via Google Maps
It is designed for discovery — helping people who are already searching on Google find you quickly.
What a Website Is
A website is your business's permanent home on the internet. It is the place where you control every word, every image, and every action you want visitors to take.
A website can rank in Google search for specific services and keywords. It can contain detailed information about what you do, photos of your work, client testimonials, and a clear path for visitors to contact you. It is yours — no algorithm decides who sees it or how it is displayed.
The Critical Difference
Google Business Profile is controlled by Google. A website is controlled by you.
GBP is excellent for one thing: appearing in local search and Google Maps. But it is not a substitute for a website, for several reasons.
GBP listings can be suspended. Google can deactivate or restrict your listing if they detect policy violations — even accidental ones, like a business category mismatch or an address that does not match their records. When that happens, you disappear from Google Maps entirely until the issue is resolved. This can take weeks.
GBP does not rank for detailed searches. If someone searches "split unit aircond installation Petaling Jaya price", Google will typically show websites — not GBP listings — in the main results. GBP dominates the map pack, but detailed, specific searches go to websites.
GBP gives you very little space to communicate. You have a description field (750 characters), some photos, and your contact details. That is it. There is no room to explain your services in detail, show a full gallery, display testimonials with context, or tell your business story.
GBP does not send people to a contact form or WhatsApp. Unless you link it to a website, the only actions available are "Call" or "Directions." If your client wants to browse your services before committing to a call, there is nowhere to send them.
How They Work Together
GBP and a website are not competing tools. They are complementary parts of the same local search ecosystem.
| Tool | Primary function |
|---|---|
| Google Business Profile | Appear in Google Maps and local search; show hours, address, and reviews |
| Website | Provide detailed information; rank for service-specific searches; receive WhatsApp enquiries |
When both are set up correctly, they reinforce each other. Your GBP listing links to your website, which increases traffic. Your website has consistent NAP details (Name, Address, Phone) that Google uses to validate your GBP listing, which improves your local ranking.
In our experience, businesses that have both a complete GBP listing and a professional website rank significantly better in local searches than those with only one or the other.
Does GBP Replace a Website for Malaysian SMEs?
No. Here is a simple way to think about it:
GBP gets you found. A website gets you chosen.
Someone searching for an air conditioning contractor on Google Maps might shortlist three businesses that appear in the map pack. Then they visit each business's website to decide who to call. If you have a GBP listing but no website, you are in the shortlist — but there is nowhere for them to go to learn more about you. The competitor with a good website wins.
We have spoken to Malaysian SME owners who spent months perfecting their GBP listing before realising that the businesses they were losing leads to had both a listing and a website.
Do You Need to Set Up Both at the Same Time?
Not necessarily. If you are starting from zero, set up your GBP listing first — it is free and can generate enquiries immediately. Then build a website to link to it and capture the visitors who want more information before calling.
If you already have a website but no GBP listing, setting up GBP is one of the highest-leverage free actions available to a Malaysian SME. We walk through exactly how to do it in our step-by-step guide on how to set up Google Business Profile for a Malaysian SME.
What Paeveul Offers
Every Paeveul website is built with consistent business details (NAP) that align with your GBP listing — which helps your local search ranking. We also include Google Maps embeds on every site we build, which reinforces your local presence.
If you do not yet have a GBP listing, we recommend setting it up the week your site launches for maximum impact.
