For a lot of local businesses, the Google Business Profile is seen more often than the website. It’s the panel that shows up on Google Maps and beside search results, with your hours, phone number, reviews, and photos. Keeping it complete and current is one of the simplest things you can do to get found.
The basics
- Business name matches the name on your signs and website exactly, with no extra keywords
- Primary category is the most specific one that fits (for example, “Roofing contractor” rather than “Contractor”)
- Secondary categories cover the other main services you offer
- Address is correct, or set as a service-area business if customers don’t come to you
- Service areas list the towns you actually serve
- Phone number is one that someone answers
- Website link points to your homepage or the most relevant page
Hours
- Regular hours are accurate
- Holiday hours are set ahead of time, because Google may flag a profile as “hours might differ” otherwise
- Temporary closures are marked as temporary, not permanent
Photos
- A clear logo and cover photo
- Photos of real work, your team, your vehicles, or your storefront
- New photos added every so often, not just once
Services and description
- The description says what you do and where, in plain language
- Services are listed individually so they can match what people search for
Reviews
- Ask happy customers for a review, ideally soon after the job is done
- Reply to reviews, both the good and the bad, briefly and politely
- Never offer incentives for reviews, which is against Google’s policies
Keep your details consistent
Your business name, address, and phone number should match everywhere they appear: your website, your profile, social media, and directories. Small differences such as “St.” versus “Street” are fine, but a different phone number or an old address can confuse both customers and search engines.
Connect it to your website
Your profile and your website should back each other up. The site should list the same hours, phone number, and service areas, and make it easy to call or request a quote from a phone.
Google Business Profile setup is part of our local SEO service. If you’d rather hand it off, get in touch.