- Pick the most accurate primary category; it strongly influences which searches you appear for.
- Complete every field: services, hours, attributes, description and products.
- Steady, genuine reviews with owner replies build both trust and visibility.
- Track calls, direction requests and website clicks to see what is working.
When someone searches for a business like yours nearby, Google often shows a map and three businesses before any website. That listing comes from your Google Business Profile. Optimising it is one of the fastest, lowest-cost ways to get more local calls and visits.
Get the basics right
- Claim and verify your profile. Unverified listings can be edited by others and rank poorly.
- Use your real business name. Adding keywords to the name breaks Google's guidelines and can get the listing suspended.
- Choose the right primary category. Be specific: "Jewellery store" rather than "Store". Add relevant secondary categories too.
- Keep name, address and phone consistent with your website, social profiles and directories.
- Set accurate hours, including special hours for holidays and festivals.
Fill in every section
- Write a helpful description that says what you offer, who it is for and what makes you different, in natural language.
- Add your services or products with short descriptions. These help Google match you to more specific searches.
- Select attributes such as wheelchair access, online appointments or payment options.
- Link to the most relevant page on your website, ideally a page built for local visitors with clear contact options.
- Seed the Q&A section with genuine common questions and clear answers.
Photos and posts
- Upload real photos regularly: storefront, interior, team, products and work. Listings with fresh, genuine photos tend to get more engagement.
- Publish posts for offers, events, new products and updates. Treat it like a mini social feed that appears in search.
Reviews
- Ask every happy customer for a review with a short direct link, at the moment they are happiest. Never buy or incentivise reviews.
- Reply to every review, positive or negative, politely and specifically. Replies show future customers that you care.
A simple WhatsApp message after a purchase or visit, with your review link, is one of the most effective ways to collect genuine reviews. Our WhatsApp automation can send it automatically.
Track results
- Check the performance report monthly: searches, calls, direction requests and website clicks. Add UTM tags to your website link so visits show up clearly in Google Analytics.
Your profile works best alongside a fast, well-structured website and consistent local SEO. If you want help with both, see our SEO and performance marketing services.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to see results from Google Business Profile optimisation?
Some changes, like categories and complete information, can affect visibility within weeks. Reviews, photos and posts build results steadily over months.
Can I add keywords to my business name?
No. Google requires your real-world business name. Adding keywords can lead to suspension; use categories, services and the description instead.
How many reviews do I need?
There is no magic number. A steady flow of recent, genuine reviews with owner replies matters more than a large total collected long ago.
Does my website affect my Google Business Profile ranking?
Yes. A relevant, fast website with consistent business details supports your local visibility.
