When someone nearby searches for what you offer, Google often shows a map and a short list of businesses before anything else. Those listings come from Google Business Profile, a free tool. If yours is incomplete, you may be missing customers who were ready to call. Here is a simple checklist.
1. Claim and verify your profile
Search for your business on Google. If a listing exists, claim it. If not, create one at business.google.com. Google will ask you to verify that the business is yours, and the method (a video, phone call, email or postcard) depends on your business. Finish verification, because an unverified profile cannot be fully managed.
2. Use your real business name
Enter your name exactly as it appears on your signboard and documents. Adding extra keywords or a city to the name can break Google's guidelines and put your listing at risk.
3. Choose the right categories
Pick the one primary category that best describes your main service, then add secondary categories for your other services. Categories strongly influence which searches you appear for.
4. Add accurate contact details and hours
Keep your phone number, website and opening hours correct, and consistent with your website and social media. Update special hours for holidays. If you visit customers instead of receiving them, you can set a service area and hide your address.
5. Write a clear description
You have up to 750 characters. Say what you do, who you serve and where, in plain language. Do not stuff in keywords, and do not add links or offers.
6. List your services
Add the services you offer, with short descriptions, so customers can see what you do before they call.
7. Add real photos
Upload photos of your space, your work and your products. Real, recent photos look more trustworthy than stock images, and they help customers know what to expect.
8. Ask for reviews and reply to them
Ask happy customers for an honest review and share your direct review link to make it easy. Reply to every review politely, including the critical ones. Never buy reviews or offer rewards in exchange for them, because it breaks Google's rules.
9. Post updates
Share offers, news and events with Google Posts, so your profile shows that the business is active.
10. Link it to your website
Add your website, and make sure it shows the same business name and phone number as your profile. Consistent details across the web help Google trust your information.
Keep it fresh
Check your profile once a month: hours, photos, reviews and posts. A small habit like this keeps you ahead of businesses that set up a profile once and forgot it.
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