Congrats on successfully claiming and verifying your listing. Now let’s get it looking it’s best!
Not only will a complete listing make a great first impression, but it will also enable you to be found more easily and rank higher on Google.
Follow these steps to get your Google Business Profile set up to be an A+ listing.
And, of course, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Stay Crispy, xo Abi
#1 Log in
Head to https://business.google.com/locations and login with your Google account linked to your business listing.
#2 Choose your category
You can choose one primary category, and up to nine secondary categories.
This may seem like a straightforward task, but really take your time choosing the best categories to describe what you do! After all, there are 3942 categories for you to choose from.
To choose your category, click on Edit Profile and then the little pencil next to Business Category:
Tip: Be specific as possible when choosing your Primary Category – the more specific, the less businesses you’ll be competing against.
#3 Write a key-word friendly description
While we don’t want to sound like a robot has written this description, we do want to strike a balance of SEO-friendly terms and people-friendly readability.
Customise this template for your business:
[Business] is a [business type] for [client type] in [location]. We specialise in [services] for [business size / specific client type] and, although we are based in [location], we work with clients from all across Australia, including [key areas]. We offer a range of [broad service type] including [specific services].
For example:
#4 Complete the contact details in your profile
Work your way through the profile adding as much detail as you can, including:
- Opening date - year or year and month is good (longevity builds credibility)
- Phone number - bonus if you have a local number with an area code
- Chat - if you have an online chat (eg. Whatsapp or chat widget)
- Website - people often forget to add this!
- Social profiles - so people can connect with you
#5 Add locations and areas
If you have a physical address where people can come see you, add a Business Location.
All businesses should list their Service Areas – choose up to 10 locations where your ideal clients come from. Choose a mix of broad locations (eg. Brisbane QLD) and specific locations (eg. Tewantin QLD). Note: do this even if you work remotely – because you will not appear on Google Maps otherwise!
#6 Add your opening hours
Most people forget this step! Add the Hours that you are open and willing to receive a client or customer interaction (eg. a visit to your shop, a phone call, etc).
You can always add Special Hours later, to indicate other times that you may be unavailable (eg. holidays).
Add more hours for any other options that suit your business, for example emergency hours, online hours, etc. The more detail the better.
#7 Add eye-catching photos
Now, go back to your main profile and let’s add some compelling visuals!
Click Photos.
Add the following photos to your profile:
- Outside your shop / office - so that it is recognisable and people can find you
- Inside your shop / office - ie the front desk, waiting area, consultation rooms
- Team photo(s) - so that people can put a face to the name
Then, go back into your photos and tag them.
Click Photos > View all photos > Manage photos > Add a logo > and upload a square version of your logo.
#8 Add your services
Now, go back to your main profile and let’s add services (or products, if that better suits your business).
Click Edit services.
Choose one Primary Category and as many Additional Categories as suit your business.
Try and add as many as you can, as long as they best represent your business. You don’t want people finding you and contacting you for a service that you don’t offer.
#9 Add a booking link
Lastly, let’s add a way for clients to book a time with you easily. Head back to your profile, and click Bookings.
This link is for people to be able to contact you and book in a time with you.
Use this if you have appointments available, and link this to your contact page, Calendly, TidyCal or other booking system.
Well done! You have successfully completed your Google Listing!
Remember to keep it up to date so that your potential clients and customers can find you!