Google Business Profile checklist: 12 fixes that bring more calls

For most local service businesses, the Google Business Profile is the most-seen page they own. These 12 fixes take an afternoon and make it easier for Google to show you and for people to choose you.

Which Google Business Profile fixes matter most?

The ones that help Google match you to searches and help people pick you: accurate categories, a full services list, recent photos, steady new reviews, and a booking or call action.

The checklist

• Primary category: the single most specific category for your main service.
• Secondary categories: add the other services you genuinely offer.
• Services list: every service, each with a short plain description.
• Service area or address: accurate and consistent with your website.
• Hours: including holiday hours, so nobody calls a closed business.
• Phone number: a number that is answered or texted back instantly.
• Booking link: point it to a page where people can pick a time.
• Description: what you do, who for, why choose you, and a call to action. Our sample work page has an example.
• Photos: ten or more real, recent photos of your team, work and premises.
• Reviews: ask every happy customer the same day, and reply to every review.
• Posts: a short update or offer each week.
• Questions and answers: add the five questions customers ask most, with answers.

How do you get more reviews without breaking the rules?

Ask every customer, not just the happy ones you pick, and never offer rewards for reviews. Send a direct review link by text the day the job ends. Reply to every review, good or bad, briefly and politely.

A complete, active profile with steady new reviews gives Google a reason to show you and people a reason to call.

The free report includes a Google Business description written for your business.