For most local businesses, the Google Business Profile does more heavy lifting than the website. It is the panel that shows up in Google Maps and the map results when someone searches for a service near them. It shows your phone number, your hours, your reviews and a button to call you, all before anyone clicks through to your site.
The good news is that it is free. The bad news is that most profiles are set up in five minutes and never touched again, which leaves a lot of calls on the table. Here is how to do it properly.
Start with the right business name
Use your real business name, exactly as it appears on your signage, invoices and website. It is tempting to add keywords like “Best Plumber Lismore” to the name, but Google treats that as spam and can suspend the profile. A clean, consistent name is safer and works better long term.
Choose your categories carefully
Your primary category is one of the biggest factors in what searches you show up for. Pick the one that best describes the main thing you do, then add a handful of secondary categories for the other services you genuinely offer.
- A plumber might choose Plumber as primary, then Gas installation service and Drainage service as secondary
- A cafe might choose Cafe as primary, then Breakfast restaurant and Coffee shop
- A web designer would choose Website designer, then Internet marketing service
Look at the businesses already ranking at the top of the map for your main search. Their categories are a good clue.
Address or service area
If customers visit you, show your address. If you travel to customers, set up a service area and hide your address. Google is strict here. Virtual offices, shared mailboxes and addresses where you do not actually work can get a profile suspended, so only use an address where you genuinely operate.
For service areas, list the towns you actually work in. A Lismore tradie might add Lismore, Goonellabah, Alstonville, Casino and Ballina rather than the whole state.
Fill in every section
Google rewards complete profiles. Work through each part of the profile and fill it in.
- Opening hours, including public holidays
- Phone number and website link
- Services, with a short description of each one
- Products, if you sell them
- A business description that explains what you do and where, in plain language
- Attributes like wheelchair access or online quotes where they apply
Add real photos
Profiles with good photos get more clicks and more direction requests. Add your logo, a cover photo, photos of your team, your vehicles, your premises and your finished work. Phone photos are fine as long as they are clear and well lit. Add a few new ones every month so the profile looks active.
Get your first reviews
Reviews are one of the biggest factors in local rankings and the main reason someone picks one business over another. Start by asking your happiest recent customers. Send them the direct review link from your profile so it only takes them a minute. A simple, steady review routine is part of our local SEO service.
Keep it active
Once it is set up, give it a little attention each month. Post an update or offer, add new photos, answer questions and reply to every review. It does not need to take more than fifteen minutes, but it tells Google the business is active and cared for.
Common questions
How long does it take to show up in Google Maps?
Once your profile is verified it can appear within a few days, but ranking near the top for competitive searches usually takes longer. Reviews, a complete profile and a good website all help.
Do I need a website if I have a Google Business Profile?
In a small town a profile alone can bring in work, but a website helps you rank in more places and gives people more reasons to choose you. The two work best together.
Can you set it up for me?
Yes. Setting up and managing Google Business Profiles is part of our local SEO service. Get in touch and we can take a look at yours.
