Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing a local customer sees. Here are ten things to check, in roughly the order we would tackle them.
1. Claim and verify your profile
An unverified profile is limited in what it can do. Make sure the profile is claimed by you and verified with Google.
2. Choose the right primary category
Your primary category tells Google what your business mainly is. Pick the most specific one that fits, for example "Emergency plumber" rather than a broad label.
3. Add relevant secondary categories
Add other categories that accurately describe what you do.
4. Use your real business name
Use the name customers see on your signs and stationery. Adding extra keywords to the name goes against Google's guidelines and can lead to suspension.
5. Keep address, phone and hours accurate
Check your details against your website. Update opening hours for holidays and special days so customers are not disappointed.
6. Write a clear description
Describe what you do, who you serve and what makes you different, in plain language. Do not stuff it with keywords or add links and promotions.
7. List your services
Add each service you offer, with a short description. It helps customers, and it gives Google more context about your business.
8. Upload real photos
Add photos of your team, your work and your premises. Real, recent photos build trust far better than stock images.
9. Post regularly
Posts about offers, projects and news show that your business is active. Keeping a regular rhythm matters more than posting a lot at once.
10. Collect and answer reviews
Ask happy customers for reviews, and reply to all of them, good or bad. We wrote a separate guide on doing this within Google's rules.
Then check the results
Your profile's insights show calls, direction requests and website clicks. Review them monthly to see what is working.
If you would like us to review your profile and tell you what to fix first, request a free audit.