Google Business Profile Basics for Local Businesses
A Google Business Profile can help customers find a local business in Maps and Search. The useful starting point is accurate information about the business and a website that clearly explains its services. A profile is not a promise of a particular position in search results.
Represent the business accurately
Google’s eligibility guidance covers businesses with a location customers can visit or businesses that travel to customers. Check the requirements before creating a profile. Use the real business name, appropriate categories, and an accurate address or service area. Keep the phone number, website, and hours current.
If customers do not visit your business location, review Google’s service-area business guidance rather than presenting a private address as a public storefront.
Connect the profile to helpful website content
A visitor should be able to understand what you offer, where you work, and how to contact you. Link to a relevant website page, describe services in plain language, and make the phone number and inquiry process easy to find on mobile.
For a business serving Longmont and the Denver metro, describe the actual coverage and work provided. Specific project examples are more informative than repeating city names across otherwise identical pages.
Ask for genuine customer reviews
Google lets businesses share a review link or QR code. Invite customers to describe their real experience, and respond professionally. Do not offer discounts, gifts, or other incentives in exchange for reviews or changes to existing reviews. Keep private customer information out of public replies.
Set realistic expectations
Google describes local results in terms of relevance, distance, and prominence. Accurate information helps Google understand a business, but there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking. Keep the profile and website useful to customers as the business changes.