Google Business Profile optimization
Manage everything below in the Google Business Profile dashboard (business.google.com) or directly in Google Search/Maps when signed in as the owner.
Complete every field
- Primary category that exactly matches your core service — pick the most specific option (e.g. "Italian restaurant", not "Restaurant"); category is one of the strongest local ranking signals
- All relevant secondary categories — add every service you actually offer (e.g. "Pizza delivery", "Caterer"), nothing you don't
- Full service / product list with descriptions — list each with a 1–2 sentence description and price where you can; these surface directly on the profile
- Hours, including special/holiday hours — set special hours ahead of every holiday so you never show "open" when you're closed (a common trust-killer)
Convert browsers to customers
- 10+ high-quality, recent photos (exterior, interior, team, work) — real photos, not stock; the exterior shot helps people find your door and before/after work photos convert
- A compelling "from the business" description with your specialties — ~750 characters covering what you do, who you serve, and what makes you different; no keyword stuffing
- Enable messaging and respond fast — turn on chat only if you can reply quickly (Google surfaces, and can hide, slow responders)
- Add booking / quote links where available — connect a "Book" button via a supported scheduler (e.g. Reserve with Google partners) or link your quote form
Earn ongoing signals
- Post weekly updates, offers, or events — use GBP Posts (update posts expire after ~7 days), each with a photo and a clear button
- Request reviews after every job, with a direct review link — grab the short link under "Ask for reviews" and text it the same day; ask all customers, never only the happy ones (gating is against policy)
- Reply to all reviews within 48 hours — thank positives by name; answer negatives factually and take specifics offline
- Answer questions in the Q&A section before customers ask — post your own top 5–10 FAQs (owner answers are allowed) so the first answer people see is yours, not a competitor's