When someone searches for a service near them, Google usually shows a map with three businesses before any website. Those three spots bring calls and walk ins without any ad spend. Your Google Business Profile decides whether you are one of them.

Go through this checklist with your profile open.

Basics

  1. Your business name matches your signboard exactly, with no extra keywords.
  2. Your address and phone number are exactly the same as on your website and other directories.
  3. The primary category is the most specific one that fits, such as "Dental clinic" rather than "Doctor".
  4. You have added secondary categories for other things you genuinely offer.
  5. Opening hours are correct, including special hours for festivals and holidays.

Details that help you rank and convert

  1. Every service or product you offer is listed, with a short description.
  2. The business description explains who you help and where, in plain words.
  3. Your website link points to the right page, ideally a location page for that branch.
  4. You have at least ten recent, real photos: outside, inside, team and work.
  5. Questions and answers are filled in with the questions customers really ask.

Reviews and activity

  1. You ask happy customers for a review within a day of their visit, using a short link or QR code.
  2. Every review, good or bad, gets a polite reply.
  3. You post an update, offer or photo at least twice a month.
  4. You check the profile monthly for edits suggested by the public, which can change your details without warning.
  5. You track calls, direction requests and website clicks in the performance tab.

Common mistakes

Stuffing keywords into the business name, using a virtual office address, or buying reviews can get a profile suspended. It is never worth the risk.

Want us to check your profile for you? Our free audit includes a Google Business Profile review.