When someone searches for “coffee near me” or “printer in York”, the first thing they usually see isn’t a website. It’s a map with a handful of businesses underneath. Those listings come from Google Business Profile – and it’s completely free.
Yet loads of businesses set theirs up years ago and haven’t touched it since. Here’s how to make yours work harder.
Claim it and check the basics
First, make sure you actually own your profile. Search for your business name on Google and look for the option to claim or manage it. Then check the essentials:
- Your business name exactly as it appears on your signs
- Your address and a correctly placed map pin
- Your phone number and website link
- Opening hours, including bank holidays
Small mistakes here cost customers. A wrong phone number or out-of-date hours is enough to send someone to a competitor.
Pick the right categories
Your main category tells Google what you are. Choose the most specific one that fits, then add a few secondary categories for the other things you do. A café that also does catering should say so.
Add great photos
Profiles with plenty of good photos tend to get more attention. Add your shopfront (so people recognise it when they arrive), your team, your products and your work. Keep adding new ones every month or so.
Ask for reviews – and reply to them
Reviews are one of the biggest things people look at when choosing a local business. Make it easy by sending happy customers a direct link to leave one. Then reply to every review, good or bad. A polite, helpful reply to a grumpy review often impresses people more than a string of five stars.
Post updates
You can add posts to your profile for offers, events and news. They’re quick to do and show that your business is active. Aim for one or two a month.
Link it to a great website
Your profile gets people interested. Your website seals the deal. Make sure the link goes to a page that loads fast, looks great on mobile and makes it easy to get in touch.
Want a hand? Our local SEO service includes setting up and tuning your Google Business Profile, and our SEO Console helps you keep track of how you’re doing.