Your Google Business Profile can be one of the first things a customer sees when they search for your business or service. It helps people find your details, read reviews and decide whether to contact you.
The good news is that you can improve much of it yourself.
How local ranking works
Google says local results are based mainly on relevance, distance and prominence. In simple terms:
- Relevance: how well your profile matches the search
- Distance: how far your business is from the search location
- Prominence: how well known your business is
You can’t change where a customer is searching from. You can make sure Google has complete and accurate information about your business.
Your checklist
- Claim and verify your profile.
- Check that your business name, phone number and website are correct.
- Choose the category that best describes your business.
- Add your services and a clear description.
- Keep your opening hours up to date, including public holidays.
- Add real photos and videos of your work, team or premises.
- Ask happy customers to leave honest reviews.
- Reply to reviews, including negative ones.
- Link to the most relevant page on your website.
- Review your profile regularly so it stays accurate.
Make sure your details match everywhere
Check your website, social media pages and online directories against your Google Business Profile. Old phone numbers and addresses can confuse customers.
This is especially important after you move or change your contact details. Update every listing you can find.
Reviews matter
Reviews help customers decide whether to trust you. Google also says review count and review score factor into local ranking.
Make it easy for customers to leave a review, but never offer rewards or post fake reviews. Respond politely to feedback, even when it’s disappointing.
Your website still matters
Your profile and website work together. Make sure your service pages clearly explain what you do and where you work.
A customer who clicks through should quickly find what they need and an easy way to contact you.
The bottom line
A complete, accurate profile won’t guarantee the top spot, but it gives customers and Google a much clearer picture of your business.
Need help with your local visibility? Contact Brandtag to find out what we’d improve first.
