Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing local customers see. Choose the right primary category, complete every field, add fresh photos monthly, post weekly, and earn steady reviews that mention your service and city.
Why your profile matters more than your homepage
For "near me" searches, Google's map pack — and increasingly its AI Overview — appears before any website. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is your real front door.
The checklist
Basics
- Business name exactly as it appears on your signage (no keyword stuffing)
- The most specific accurate primary category, plus relevant secondary categories
- Address or service area that matches your website and directories
- Local phone number and website link with UTM tracking
Content
- A 750-character description that says what you do, who you serve and where
- Every service listed, with a short description
- Products or featured offerings, if relevant
- 10+ real photos: exterior, interior, team, work in progress, finished work — add new ones monthly
Activity
- A post every week: offers, projects, news or tips
- Q&A seeded with your most common customer questions
- Respond to every review within 48 hours
Reviews
- A simple, consistent ask after every job — a short link by text works best
- Encourage customers to mention the service and their town
Measure it
Track calls, direction requests and website clicks in GBP Insights each month. If they're flat, it's time for a deeper local SEO audit.
Need help? Get a free local search audit.
Evan Walker
Founder & Creative Director at Satellite Black, with experience across a broad range of industries working as a Creative Director, Developer, and strategist.