7 Google Business Profile quick wins you can do this afternoon
Small, free changes to your Google Business Profile.
Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing a customer sees — before your website, and sometimes instead of it. Most businesses set it up once and never touch it again. Here are seven changes that take an afternoon and cost nothing.
1. Check your primary category
Your primary category has a big influence on which searches you show up for. Make it the single most accurate description of what you do, then add secondary categories for other services you genuinely offer.
2. Write a proper business description
Use the description to explain, in plain English, what you do, who for and where. Mention the main towns you cover. Write it for customers, not for Google — keyword-stuffed descriptions read badly and don't help.
3. List your services
Add each service with a short description. This helps Google match you to specific searches, and it helps customers see at a glance that you do the job they need.
4. Add real photos
Upload recent photos of your work, your team, your van and your premises. Genuine photos build far more trust than stock images, and an active photo gallery makes the listing look cared for.
5. Set accurate hours — including holidays
Nothing loses a customer faster than turning up, or calling, when Google said you'd be open. Set your normal hours and add special hours for bank holidays.
6. Reply to your reviews
Thank people for good reviews, and reply calmly and helpfully to bad ones. Future customers read your replies — they show how you treat people when things go wrong.
7. Post an update
Google Business Profile lets you publish short posts: a recent job, a seasonal offer, a new service. Posting regularly keeps your profile fresh and gives customers another reason to choose you.
Want it managed for you?
Keeping a profile active is easy to let slide when you're busy with actual work. Our Google Business Profile management handles posts, photos, review replies and optimisation every month — or it's included in our Local SEO package.
James Pickles is the founder of Click Converters in Rossendale, building and ranking websites for tradespeople and local businesses across East Lancashire. More about James
