Google Business Profile: A 7-Step Checklist for Local Businesses

When someone searches for a service "near me," Google often shows a map with three businesses before any website results. Your Google Business Profile decides whether you're one of them.

1. Claim and verify your profile

Search for your business on Google Maps. If a profile exists, claim it; if not, create one. Complete Google's verification. Unverified profiles are limited and easy for others to edit.

2. Choose the right primary category

Your primary category is one of the strongest signals Google uses. Pick the most specific option that describes your core business, then add secondary categories sparingly.

3. Get your name, address and phone exactly right

Use your real business name (no keyword stuffing) and make sure your name, address and phone number match your website and other listings exactly.

4. Set your service area and hours

Service-area businesses can hide their street address and list the towns they serve. Keep regular and holiday hours current; nothing frustrates a customer like a closed door.

5. Add real photos

Upload genuine photos of your work, team, vehicles and location. Profiles with photos tend to get more engagement than those without.

6. Ask for reviews and reply to every one

Make it easy for happy customers to leave a review with a short link. Respond to every review, positive or negative, professionally and promptly.

7. Post updates and link to your website

Use Google posts for offers, news and events, and link your profile to a fast, mobile-friendly website so interested searchers can take the next step.

---

Need help setting up or cleaning up your profile? We offer Google Business Profile setup as a standalone service.