Google Business Profile: how to rank higher on Google Maps.
For most local businesses, the Google Business Profile brings in more enquiries than the website. It's free, it's often half-finished, and fixing it is one of the quickest wins in local search. Here's how to do it properly.
Get the basics exactly right
- Business name: your real trading name, with no keywords added. Stuffing keywords can get the profile suspended.
- Primary category: the most specific one that fits. It's one of the biggest factors in which searches you appear for.
- Additional categories: only ones that genuinely describe what you do.
- Service area: the towns you really cover. If customers don't visit you, hide your address.
- Hours: accurate, including holidays.
Fill in everything else
- Add every service, with a short description of each.
- Write a description that says what you do, who for and where.
- Add your website, booking link and phone number.
- Add the year you opened and any attributes that apply.
Photos and posts
Profiles with real photos tend to get more clicks and calls. Add photos of your team, premises and work, and keep adding them. Then post every week or two: a recent project, a tip or a new article.
Reviews
- Ask every happy client, with your direct review link.
- Reply to every review, thanking good ones and responding calmly to bad ones.
- Never buy or write reviews. Fake reviews are banned under UK consumer law, and Google removes them.
Common mistakes
- Different phone numbers or names on the profile, website and directories.
- The wrong primary category.
- No photos, or only a logo.
- Unanswered reviews and questions.
- Duplicate profiles for the same business.
Want it done for you?
We set up and optimise Google Business Profiles as part of every website. See local SEO.
Quick answers
Still unsure? Ask us anything.
How do I rank higher on Google Maps?
Choose the right primary category, complete every section of your profile, add real photos, post regularly, earn steady genuine reviews and keep your details consistent across the web.
Should I hide my address on Google Business Profile?
If customers don't visit you, yes. Set it up as a service-area business and list the areas you cover.
How often should I post on Google Business Profile?
Every week or two is plenty. Consistency matters more than volume.
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