A Google Business Profile guide for local businesses

When searching for a service, most people look at "near me" results. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the most important free tool determining your local search visibility.

Complete the profile fully: Business name, category, address, hours and phone must be consistent and up to date. Missing information deters both users and the algorithm.

Add photos regularly: Real venue, team and work photos increase the profile’s click-through rate. A few new images each month signal an active business.

Manage reviews: Encourage positive reviews and reply to every one — especially negative ones — politely and with a focus on solutions. Your response rate builds trust.

Use Google Posts: Regularly sharing campaigns, events and announcements keeps the profile alive and provides extra visibility.

Consistency (NAP): Writing your business name, address and phone identically across your website, directories and social media is critical for local ranking.

Measure: Track search terms, calls and direction clicks from profile insights; see which content drives results.