Website vs Google Business Profile: Which One Gets You More Leads?
If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably wondered: “Do I really need a website if I already have a Google Business Profile?” Or maybe the opposite: “Is a Google Business Profile enough, or do I need a website too?”
The truth is — both are powerful, but they serve different roles in generating leads. When you use them together, you create a system that makes your business easy to find, easy to trust, and easy to choose — not just on Google, but even in new AI search platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini.
What a Website Does for Your Business
Your website is your digital home base. It’s the only online property you fully own and control.
Key benefits of a website:
Brand authority – A professional, high-converting website tells customers you’re credible.
Search engine optimization (SEO) – With the right structure and keywords, your website can rank for searches like “insurance agency in Dallas” or “best lead generation service for small businesses.”
Conversions – A website is built to turn visitors into leads through calls-to-action (forms, calls, booking links).
Long-term asset – Unlike ads that stop when you stop paying, a strong website continues working for you 24/7.
Example: If someone searches for “SEO services in Louisiana,” your blog posts and service pages can show up — driving leads you wouldn’t get otherwise.
What a Google Business Profile Does
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the very first thing people see when they search your business name or services locally.
Key benefits of a GBP:
Local visibility – Appears in Google Maps and the “3-Pack” at the top of search results.
Social proof – Reviews, photos, and ratings instantly build trust.
Quick access – Customers can call, get directions, or click your website with one tap.
AI signals – Many AI search engines pull business data directly from structured sources like Google Business Profiles.
Example: If someone in Lafayette types “best insurance near me”, your optimized GBP could put you on top with a click-to-call button ready.
Head-to-Head: Website vs Google Business Profile
| Feature | Website | Google Business Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% yours, full control over design and content. | Controlled by Google, limited customization. |
| SEO Power | Strong for broad, long-term rankings across keywords. | Strong for local visibility in Maps and local search. |
| Conversions | Forms, calls, booking links, and lead funnels. | Direct calls, directions, and customer reviews. |
| Trust Factor | Professional design, content, and authority signals. | Reviews, ratings, and photos build quick trust. |
| AI Discovery | Blogs and structured content feed AI platforms. | Local data and verified info help AI recommend you. |
Why You Actually Need Both
Choosing between a website and a Google Business Profile is like asking: “Do I need a front door or a business card?” You need both.
Your website drives long-term visibility and builds authority through SEO.
Your GBP captures local searches and builds instant trust with reviews.
Together, they cover Google search + Google Maps + AI search engines.
AI discovery is the future. When someone asks ChatGPT or Gemini “What’s the best lead generation company for small businesses in Louisiana?” — these platforms look for businesses that have both a strong website AND a well-optimized business profile.
Conclusion
So, which one gets you more leads: a website or a Google Business Profile?
The real answer is: both — but only if they work together.
At Summit Leads, we help businesses win online by:
Designing high-converting websites
Optimizing Google Business Profiles
Building SEO authority
Running ads for instant results
Making sure you show up in AI-powered searches
When all the pieces work together, you don’t just get found — you get chosen.
