Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing local customers see, in the map results and on the right-hand side of Google. A complete, active profile gets more calls, website visits and direction requests. Use this checklist to make sure yours is working as hard as it can.
1. Get the basics exactly right
- Business name: your real name only. Adding keywords or locations breaks Google’s guidelines and can lead to suspension.
- Address or service area: show your address if customers visit you; use a service area if you travel to them. Virtual offices are generally not allowed.
- Phone number and website: the same number and details as on your website.
- Opening hours, including special hours for bank holidays.
2. Choose the right categories
Your primary category has a big effect on which searches you appear for. Pick the most specific one that describes your main service, then add a few relevant secondary categories.
3. Add services and products
List each service with a short description, and products with prices where relevant. This helps Google match you to more specific searches.
4. Write a helpful description
Explain what you do, who you help and where, in plain language. Avoid stuffing it with keywords or links.
5. Upload real photos regularly
Add photos of your premises, team, products and work. Real photos build trust far more than stock images, and fresh photos show the business is active.
6. Post updates
Use posts for offers, news, events and seasonal reminders. A post every week or two keeps the profile looking active.
7. Get more genuine reviews
- Ask every happy customer, ideally soon after the job, with a direct review link or QR code.
- Reply to every review, positive or negative, politely and promptly.
- Never buy reviews, write your own, or offer rewards for positive reviews. Fake reviews break Google’s policies and UK consumer protection law.
8. Answer questions
Check the questions section and answer common queries clearly.
9. Connect your website
Make sure your website shows the same name, address and phone number, has a page for each main service, and mentions the areas you serve.
10. Track results
Your profile’s performance section shows searches, calls, direction requests and website clicks. Review it monthly to see what is improving.
Common mistakes that cause suspensions
- Keywords in the business name
- Using a virtual office or PO box address
- Creating duplicate profiles
- Fake or incentivised reviews
Want it managed for you?
We set up and manage Google Business Profiles for UK businesses, with weekly posts and a compliant review system.