What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool from Google that lets businesses manage how they appear in Google Search and Google Maps. When someone searches for a local business — a plumber, salon, accountant or restaurant — the listings that appear in the map section at the top of the results are Google Business Profiles.
Claiming and optimising your profile is one of the most high-impact things you can do for local visibility. It's completely free, and a well-maintained profile can generate a consistent stream of calls, direction requests, and website visits — all without spending a penny on advertising.
How to Claim Your Listing
Getting started is straightforward:
- Go to business.google.com and sign in with a Google account.
- Search for your business name. If Google has already created a listing for you (it often does), claim it. If not, select the option to add a new business.
- Enter your business name, category, address or service area, and contact details.
- Choose your verification method — usually a postcard sent to your business address with a unique code, or for some businesses, phone or email verification.
- Once verified, you have full control of your listing and it starts appearing in search results.
What Information to Fill In
A complete profile performs significantly better in local search than an incomplete one. Make sure you fill in every relevant section:
- Business name: Use your exact trading name. Avoid keyword stuffing — Google may suspend profiles that don't use real business names.
- Category: Choose the most specific primary category that accurately describes what you do. Add secondary categories for any additional services.
- Address and service area: Add a physical address if customers visit you, or define a service area (by town, city or radius) if you go to them.
- Opening hours: Keep these accurate and update them for bank holidays and seasonal changes.
- Phone number and website URL: Always link directly to your website to strengthen the SEO connection between your profile and your site.
- Business description: Write a clear 750-character description that naturally includes your key services and the areas you cover.
Add Photos — It Makes a Real Difference
Profiles with photos consistently receive more clicks, calls, and direction requests than those without. At minimum, add a high-quality profile photo and a cover image that reflects your brand. Then add photos of your work, your premises, your team, and your products or services.
Google rewards active, up-to-date profiles with better visibility in local results. Uploading new photos regularly, publishing posts and responding to all reviews signals to Google that yours is an active, engaged business — which boosts your local ranking.
How to Rank Higher in Google Maps
Appearing in the "local pack" — the top three results that show on the map — comes down to three main factors: relevance (does your category match the search?), distance (how close are you to the person searching?), and prominence (how well-known and active is your business online?).
The single most powerful thing you can do to improve prominence is gather genuine customer reviews. Make it easy by sending your Google review link to every satisfied customer after a job is done. Aim to respond to every review within 24 hours — it signals responsiveness and builds trust with future customers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some mistakes can limit your visibility or even get your listing suspended:
- Using a fake or keyword-stuffed business name
- Listing a virtual office or co-working space as your address without a physical presence there
- Leaving questions from customers unanswered
- Ignoring negative reviews instead of responding professionally
- Letting your opening hours fall out of date
How Dygiko Handles This for You
Setting up a Google Business Profile properly — and keeping it optimised over time — takes consistent attention. Our Full Business Package includes complete Google Business Profile setup and optimisation as part of the service.
Combined with a fast, SEO-optimised website, a well-maintained Google Business Profile gives your business the strongest possible chance of appearing at the top of local results. Get in touch to find out how quickly we can get everything set up for you.