The Google Business Profile Checklist

1. Claimed and verified

If you have not claimed it, Google may still show a bare listing, and you have no control over it.

• You have claimed your Google Business Profile.
• It shows as verified.
• You have owner access, not just a manager role that could get pulled.
• There is only one profile for your business, no duplicates floating around.

2. Your core information

One wrong or missing detail here can send a ready to buy customer to a competitor.

• Business name is your real name, with no extra keywords stuffed in.
• Phone number matches your website exactly.
• Website link is correct and points to a live page.
• Hours are accurate, including special hours for holidays.
• If you work from home, the address is hidden and set as a service area business.
• Your service area lists the cities and counties you actually cover.

3. Category and services

Your category is one of the biggest factors in whether Google shows you at all.

• Your primary category is the most accurate one for your main service.
• You added the other categories that fit what you do.
• You listed your services with a short line describing each.
• The business description is filled out and says what you do and where, in plain words.

4. Photos

Profiles with real, recent photos get more clicks and calls than ones with none.

• Your logo and a cover photo are uploaded.
• You have real photos of your work, your team, and your trucks or gear.
• You have before and after shots where it makes sense.
• The photos are clear and current, not blurry or years old.
• You added at least one new photo in the last month.

5. Reviews

Reviews are the single biggest thing that turns a searcher into a caller. This is where most local businesses win or lose.

• You have a simple habit for asking every happy customer for a review.
• You have a direct review link saved that you can text or email.
• You reply to reviews, the good ones and the bad ones.
• Your replies are calm and professional, never defensive.
• You have as many or more reviews than the competitors ranking near you.

6. Posts

Most owners never touch this, and it is free. Google rewards a profile that stays active.

• You post updates on your profile, the same way you would post on Facebook.
• Each post has a photo and a short, plain message.
• You post at least a couple times a month.
• Your posts tell people what to do next, like call or get a quote.

7. Messaging and questions

Customers will ask right on your profile. Silence there costs you jobs.

• Messaging is turned on if you will actually answer it.
• You added the common questions customers ask, with your answers, in the Q and A.
• You check for new questions and answer them quickly.

8. Attributes and extras

Small details help the right customer pick you over the next guy.

• You set the attributes that fit, like veteran owned, family owned, or free estimates.
• You filled in your services list with prices or a call for a quote note.
• Your booking or quote link is added if you use one.

9. Consistency

Google trusts a business whose details match everywhere it looks.

• Your name, phone, and website match your actual website exactly.
• They match your other listings like Facebook, Yelp, and directories.
• There are no old profiles with a different number or address still live.

10. The gut check

Look at your profile like a customer who has never heard of you.

• If you found this profile, would you call this business.
• Does it look active and cared for, not abandoned.
• Does it stack up against the top competitor in your area.
• Is there anything on here that would make someone hesitate.