Your Google Business Profile: a 30-minute tidy-up

When someone searches for your business, or for something like yours nearby, Google often shows a box with your photos, hours, reviews and a call button. That’s your Google Business Profile. It’s free, and for many local businesses it brings in more calls than the website itself.

Step 1: Find it and claim it

Search for your business on Google Maps. If you see “Own this business?” or “Claim this business”, nobody has claimed it yet, so you can’t change anything or reply to reviews. Follow the link, or start at google.com/business, and Google will ask you to verify that it’s yours.

Step 2: Get the basics right

• Business name exactly as on your sign, with no extra keywords
• The right category, such as “Guest house”, “Cattery” or “Roofing contractor”
• Phone number, address or service area, and opening hours (check-in times for accommodation)
• A link to your own website, not a booking site

Step 3: Add good photos

Add your own: the outside, so people recognise you, then rooms, work or premises. Profiles with plenty of good photos tend to get more clicks and calls. Replace dark or old pictures.

Step 4: Ask for reviews, and reply to them

Most happy customers will leave a review if you make it easy. Google gives you a short review link; put it on a small card with a QR code at the till, on the breakfast table or with your invoices. Reply to every review, briefly and politely, including the odd bad one. New customers read the replies.

Step 5: Keep it fresh

Post an update or offer now and then, change your hours for holidays, and add new photos each season. A profile that looks looked-after suggests a business that is.