Google Business Profile Checklist

1. Set Up and Claim Your Profile

• Create or claim your Google Business Profile at google.com/business

• Use the exact business name (no extra keywords or taglines)

• Use a physical address (no PO Boxes unless service-area business)

• Use a local phone number (preferably with area code)

• Choose the most accurate primary category

• Add up to 9 relevant secondary categories

2. Complete Your Business Information

• Add accurate business hours, including holiday hours

• Add your website URL

• Write a keyword-rich business description

• Set your service area

• Add your appointment link if relevant (e.g. booking system)

• Add products or services with names, prices, and descriptions

• Add your business opening date

• Select business attributes (e.g. “wheelchair accessible”)

3. Add High-Quality Visual Content

• Upload a clear, professional logo

• Upload a cover photo that reflects your brand

• Add at least:

  • 3+ exterior shots (daylight)

  • 3+ interior shots

  • 3+ team or staff photos

  • Photos of products/services in action

• Regularly upload new photos every month

4. Use Google Posts Weekly

• Post updates, offers, events, or product highlights

• Include CTAs (e.g. “Call now,” “Learn more,” “Book online”)

• Include a photo or graphic in every post

• Post at least once a week to stay active

5. Manage Reviews & Reputation

• Ask every happy customer for a Google review

• Respond to every review (positive or negative) professionally

• Include relevant keywords in your responses (naturally)

• Report and attempt to remove spam or fake reviews

• Create a review link shortcut to send to customers

6. Local SEO Signals

• Ensure NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone) across:

  • Website

  • Social profiles

  • Local directories (Yelp, Bing, Apple Maps, etc.)

• Embed a Google Map of your business on your website

• Add LocalBusiness Schema markup to your site

• Create and optimise location landing pages if you serve multiple cities

7. Ongoing Profile Activity

• Log in to GBP weekly to make updates or check insights

• Update seasonal hours or services promptly

• Monitor and answer Q&A publicly on your profile

• Add new services or products as they launch

• Keep info 100% up-to-date (address, phone, links)

8. Performance & Analytics

• Track calls, direction requests, website clicks via GBP Insights

• Set up UTM parameters on website links to track GBP traffic in Google Analytics

• Monitor keyword impressions in GBP performance section

• Track profile growth and ranking with a local rank tracker (e.g. BrightLocal, Whitespark)

9. Advanced Tips (Optional but Powerful)

• Upload a short video intro or business walkthrough

• Add FAQs using the Q&A section

• Use Google’s chat feature (if you can monitor it)

• List any menu or service list if applicable (especially for restaurants, salons, etc.)

• Sync with Google Ads location extensions

• Use a Google-approved booking system for direct bookings (e.g. for fitness, health, or service industries)