Google Business Profile: 8 tips for more enquiries from your area

Why the profile matters so much

The Google Business Profile (formerly “Google My Business”) is your listing in Google Maps and in local search. It's free and, for local businesses, often the fastest way to more calls. You can implement most of the following points yourself.

1. Fill in all the details

Name, address or service area, phone number, website, opening hours and a short description. The more complete the profile, the better Google can match it to relevant searches.

2. Choose the right primary category

The primary category strongly influences which searches you appear in. Choose the category that most accurately describes your core business and add further relevant categories.

3. Service area instead of address

If customers don't come to you but you travel to them, you can hide your address and specify your service area instead.

4. Add services individually

List your services one by one, each with a short description. This helps Google understand more precisely what you offer.

5. Upload real photos regularly

Photos of your team, vehicles and completed work bring your profile to life. Real images work better than stock photos.

6. Actively ask for reviews

Ask satisfied customers for a review right after the job, for example with a link via WhatsApp. Never buy reviews – it violates Google's policies and can harm your profile.

7. Reply to every review

Thank people for positive reviews and respond to criticism calmly and politely. Prospective customers read your replies too.

8. The same details everywhere

Name, address and phone number should be written the same way on your website, your profile and in business directories. Inconsistencies confuse customers and search engines.

Profile and website belong together

The profile gets attention, the website convinces. Anyone who clicks through from Google Maps to your site should immediately find what they're looking for: your service, your service area and a quick way to get in touch. I'm happy to set up your profile or review an existing one – including as part of my free website check.