How to improve your Google Business Profile

Check eligibility and get access first

A Google Business Profile is generally for a business that sees customers in person, either at its premises or by visiting them. An online-only business is not eligible. A mailing address or unstaffed virtual office does not make it eligible. Check Google's business guidelines before creating a profile.

Search for your business first. If the profile already exists, claim it or resolve ownership rather than creating a second listing for the same business. Complete any verification Google requires.

Keep the business owner in control of the account. If someone helps manage it, invite them through Business Profile settings → People and access. Google supports separate owner and manager accounts, so there is no need to share your password.

Write down who will maintain the profile and where the access is managed. This small handover step matters when a receptionist, employee, or agency changes.

Correct the details people act on

While signed in to the account that manages the profile, open it on Google and choose Edit profile. Google's editing instructions cover Search and Maps; available controls can differ by device and business type.

• Name and category. Use the real business name. Choose a specific primary category that describes the business, rather than stuffing services or city names into the name field.
• Address or service area. Show the places you actually serve. If you visit customers and do not serve them at your address, follow Google's rules for hiding that address.
• Hours. Check ordinary hours and holiday exceptions. Appointment-only businesses have different guidance: do not invent walk-in hours.
• Phone and website. Replace old numbers and links. Use a destination that explains the business and gives visitors a working way to contact you.

Compare these details with your website and the information staff give callers. If the profile says Saturday appointments are available but your team says otherwise, settle the actual policy before editing the listing.

Keep a short change log: the field, the old value, the new value, and the date. It makes later questions about an unexpected change easier to resolve.

Describe the work a customer can request

Where your category supports it, open Edit services. Choose the services you offer, then add a useful description. Google allows suggested and custom services, with separate descriptions and prices. Keep prices, phone numbers, and personal details out of custom service names. See Google's service editor guidance.

Write for the person deciding whether to call. Explain the job, the customer it suits, and any important limit. A list of claims such as “quality, reliable, affordable” leaves those questions unanswered.

That wording would only suit a company that follows that process. Replace it with your actual coverage, equipment types, and booking steps. Leave out promises such as same-day visits unless you can reliably meet them.

Add recent photos that help customers recognize your business or understand the work. Use your own accurate images and obtain permission before showing customers or their property. Google explains how to upload and manage profile photos.

Follow the contact route on your phone

Open the public profile on a phone rather than relying only on the editing screen. Read it as if you have never hired the business before.

1. Check that the service you want is easy to recognize.
2. Tap the website link. Does it open the intended page without a warning or a broken redirect?
3. Try the phone or booking option you provide. Confirm that it reaches the right place.
4. Send a clearly labeled test inquiry with your own details. Confirm it arrives where your team works and someone owns the reply.

A working website link can still lead to a broken form. Follow the whole route through receipt of the inquiry. If a test fails, fix that before trying to attract more visitors.

Google reviews edits before updating the public profile. If your saved correction does not appear yet, check its status instead of repeatedly submitting different values.

Count inquiries as well as profile activity

Open Performance in your profile and select a date range. Record website clicks and call-button clicks where available. Google's performance definitions matter here: a call click is not proof that a conversation happened, and a website click is not a customer.

Keep a separate list of actual inquiries and ask callers how they found you. Record unknown sources as unknown. Compare similar periods and note changes in season, opening hours, or advertising. A small month's increase alone does not establish what caused it.

Google says local results depend mainly on relevance, distance, and prominence. Accurate information helps, but you cannot pay Google for a better local ranking or guarantee one by completing a checklist. See its local ranking guidance.