Your Google Business Profile is the listing that appears on Google Maps and in the map results at the top of local searches. It is free, and for many local businesses it brings more calls than their website. Work through this checklist and you will be ahead of most competitors.
Google says local results are based on three things: relevance (how well your profile matches the search), distance (how close you are) and prominence (how well known and trusted you are). This list improves the two you can control.
Setup and verification
- Claim or create your profile at business.google.com using a business email you control.
- Use your real business name, exactly as customers see it. Do not add keywords or cities to the name; it breaks Google's rules.
- Verify your profile. Google may ask for a video, a phone call or a postcard.
- If customers do not visit you (for example a plumber or a cleaner), set it up as a service-area business and hide your address.
- Add the areas you serve.
Categories and services
- Choose the most specific primary category that matches your main service.
- Add secondary categories for other things you really offer.
- List every service, with a short description for each.
- Add products if you sell them, with photos and prices where possible.
- Fill in every attribute that applies, such as accessibility or payment options.
Details that build trust
- Write a clear description: what you do, who for, and where. Plain words, no keyword stuffing.
- Add accurate opening hours, and special hours for holidays.
- Add your phone number and website link.
- Add a booking or appointment link if you take bookings.
- Make sure your name, address and phone number match your website and other listings exactly.
Photos
- Upload a clear logo and cover photo.
- Add real photos of your place, your team and your work. Real photos beat stock photos.
- Add new photos every month.
Reviews
- Ask every happy customer for a review, with a direct link.
- Reply to every review, good or bad, politely and quickly.
- Never buy reviews or post fake ones. Google can remove them and suspend your profile.
Keep it active
- Post an update, offer or tip every week.
- Answer questions people ask on your profile.
- Check your profile every month for edits made by others.
- Look at the Performance report to see calls, website clicks and direction requests.
Want it done for you?
Keeping a profile complete and active takes a little time every week. If you would rather hand it over, our Google Business Profile optimization service covers all of the above and is included in every SEO plan. Curious what it costs in general? Read how much SEO costs for a small business.