Google Business Profile Checklist for Local Business

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Set up

Claim and verify your profile
Search your business on Google Maps, choose Claim this business, and finish the verification (postcard, phone, email or video).Pick the right primary category
Your main category is one of the strongest signals for what you show up for. Choose the most specific one that fits.Add secondary categories that are true
Add only services you actually offer. Extra categories that don't fit can hurt.Match your name, address and phone to your website
Use the same name, address and phone number everywhere. Use your real business name, with no keywords added.

Fill it in

Write a clear business description
Say what you do, who you serve and where. Plain words, no keyword lists, no phone numbers or links.Add your services and prices
List each service with a short description and a starting price if you can.Set your hours, and holiday hours
Keep them current. Wrong hours are one of the most common reasons for bad reviews.Set your service area
If you travel to customers, list the towns or counties you cover, and hide your address if you don't see customers there.Add your website, booking link and phone
Send people to the page that matches what they searched, not always the home page.

Photos and trust

Upload a logo and a cover photo
Use a clear, current image. A real photo of you or your work beats stock art.Add at least 10 real photos
Your work, your team, your location. Add a few new ones each month.Ask for reviews with a direct link
Make the link with our review link tool and send it right after a job. Never offer anything in exchange.Reply to every review
Thank people, and answer problems calmly and briefly. Replies show up for future customers.

Keep it active

Post an update or offer every month
Short posts about jobs, seasonal reminders or news keep the profile fresh.Answer the questions people ask
Add common questions and answers yourself, and check for new ones.Turn on messages and calls tracking
So you can see which actions the profile brings in.Check the profile once a month
Look for edits you didn't make, wrong hours, and new reviews.

How it works

How to use it

Go through the groups in order: set up, fill it in, photos and trust, then keep it active. Each item says what to do and why. The progress bar counts what you've ticked. Nothing is saved or sent to us, so note what is left before you close the page.

FAQ

About the checklist

What is a Google Business Profile?

It is your free listing on Google Search and Maps, with your hours, photos, reviews, services and contact details. It is often the first thing a local customer sees.

How long does the checklist take?

Most of it takes under an hour. Photos, reviews and posts are the parts you keep doing over time.

Will this get me to the top of the map results?

Nobody can promise that. Google says local ranking depends on relevance, distance and prominence. A complete, accurate, active profile is the part you control.

Is my progress saved?

No. The checkboxes work in this window only and nothing is sent to us. Print or note what is left before you close the page.

Can you set it up for me?

Yes. Our local SEO work includes profile setup and clean-up. See our website and SEO services.

Make your review link and QR code, or add local business schema to your website.

Want us to set it up?

See website services Call (908) 444-6373

Google Business Profile checklist