For most local businesses, the Google Business Profile gets more views than the website. It is the first impression for anyone who searches “near me”. Yet most profiles are half-finished.
Here is the checklist I run on every free growth audit, in order of impact.
1. Pick the right primary category
The primary category is the single biggest ranking factor you control. “Dentist” and “Cosmetic dentist” rank for different searches. Look at who ranks in the top three for your main keyword and check which category they use.
2. Match your name, address and phone everywhere
Your business name, address and phone number should be written exactly the same on Google, your website, Facebook, Justdial, Practo, Zomato or any directory you appear on. Inconsistency quietly erodes trust with Google.
3. Add real photos every month
Profiles with recent photos get more direction requests and calls. Upload the storefront, the team, the work and the space. Skip stock images.
4. Build a review habit, not a review campaign
- Ask every happy customer, at the moment they are happiest.
- Send a short WhatsApp message with your direct review link.
- Reply to every review, good or bad, within 48 hours.
5. Use posts and Q&A
Post an offer, update or event every week. Seed the Q&A section with the five questions customers ask you most often on the phone.
What to do next
If you want me to run this checklist on your profile and tell you the three fixes that will matter most, request a free growth audit.