Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the closest thing to free advertising on Google - when it is optimised. A complete, active profile ranks higher, appears in Maps, and turns local searches into customers. Here is the exact 10-step checklist to optimise it.

Table of Contents

The Basics

  1. Verify your business - unverified profiles barely rank.
  2. Fill every field completely: name, address, phone, website, hours, category.
  3. Choose the most accurate primary category plus secondary ones.
  4. Write a keyword-rich description of what you offer.

Photos and Media

  1. Add a clear logo and cover photo.
  2. Upload photos regularly - stores with photos get more clicks and calls.
  3. Add photos of your products, team and location.
  4. Add your website link and any booking or order links.

Activity and Engagement

  1. Post updates weekly - offers, news, behind the scenes.
  2. Answer questions in the Q&A section proactively.
  3. Respond to every review, good and bad.
  4. Ask customers for reviews with a direct link.

Monitoring and Growth

Use the GBP Insights to see how customers found you - by search or maps - and what actions they took. Watch your photo views, calls and direction requests, then double down on what drives results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I manage multiple locations?

Yes - create a separate profile for each physical location and optimise each one with local information and photos.

Does GBP work for service-area businesses without a shop?

Yes. Set your service area instead of an address, and customers in your zones can still find you in local search.

Your Google Business Profile works for you 24/7. Optimise it once, keep it active, and let local customers find you before they find your competitors.