Your Google Business Profile is the panel that appears in Google Maps and the local results when someone searches for your business or your type of service. It is free, and for many local businesses it is the first thing a customer sees.
Get the basics exactly right
- Business name: use your real trading name. Stuffing extra keywords into the name goes against Google's guidelines and can get a profile suspended.
- Primary category: choose the one that best describes your main service. Add secondary categories for other genuine services.
- Service area or address: if customers come to you, show your address. If you go to them, set a service area and hide the address.
- Opening hours: keep them accurate, including bank holidays.
Write a helpful description
Explain in plain English what you do, who for and where. Mention your main services and the areas you cover, and avoid putting links or offers in the description.
Add your own photos regularly
Real photos of your work, your van, your premises or your team help customers trust you. Add new ones every so often rather than all at once.
List your services
The services section lets you add each service with a short description. It is a quick way to show the full range of what you do.
Ask for, and reply to, reviews
Google lets you share a direct review link. Send it to happy customers soon after the job. Reply to every review – a short thank you for good ones, and a calm, helpful reply to any criticism. Future customers read the replies too.
Use posts and Q&A
Posts can share recent jobs, seasonal reminders or news. If customers ask the same questions often, answer them clearly on your profile and on your website.
Link it to your website
Add your website address, and if you take bookings or quote requests online, link straight to that page. Your profile and website should support each other with the same details.