When someone searches "dentist near me" or "bakery in Koramangala", Google usually shows a map with three businesses before any website. That small box, often called the local pack, gets a large share of the clicks and calls. The business information shown there comes from Google Business Profile.
The good news: it's free, and most businesses leave a lot of easy improvements on the table. Here's how to optimise yours.
1. Claim and verify your profile
Search for your business on Google Maps. If a profile exists, claim it. If not, create one at Google Business Profile. Verification may involve a video, phone, email or postcard check, depending on what Google asks for. An unverified profile has limited visibility, so finish this step first.
2. Choose the right primary category
Your primary category is one of the strongest ranking signals. Be specific: "Pediatric dentist" is better than "Dentist" if that's what you are; "South Indian restaurant" is better than "Restaurant". Add a few relevant secondary categories, but only ones that truly describe your business.
3. Get your basic details exactly right
- Business name: use your real-world name. Adding keywords to your name breaks Google's guidelines and can get your profile suspended.
- Address or service area: show your address if customers visit you. If you visit customers, set a service area and hide the address.
- Phone number and website: use a number that is answered during business hours, and link to your most relevant page.
- Hours: keep them accurate, including special hours for festivals and holidays.
Keep your name, address and phone number consistent everywhere they appear online, from your website to local directories.
4. Add services, products and a helpful description
List each service you offer, with a short description that uses the words customers actually search for. Write a business description that explains what you do, who you serve and which areas you cover. Write for people first; natural keyword use will follow.
5. Upload real photos regularly
Profiles with photos tend to get more engagement. Add a clear logo, a cover photo and real images of your premises, team, products and work. Skip stock photos. Add new photos every month so the profile stays fresh.
6. Build a steady flow of genuine reviews
Reviews influence both your ranking and whether people choose you. A few habits make a big difference:
- Ask happy customers for a review at the right moment, such as right after a successful visit or delivery.
- Make it easy: share your direct review link by WhatsApp or SMS.
- Reply to every review, positive or negative, politely and promptly.
- Never buy reviews or offer rewards for positive ones. It breaks Google's policies and erodes trust.
7. Post updates
Google posts let you share offers, events and news directly on your profile. Regular posts show Google and customers that your business is active. Aim for at least one or two posts a month with a clear call to action.
8. Answer questions before customers ask
The Questions and Answers section is often ignored. Add common questions yourself, such as parking, payment options or appointment requirements, and answer them clearly.
9. Track what matters
Your profile shows how many people called, requested directions, visited your website or messaged you. Check these numbers monthly. If calls rise after you add photos or start a review routine, you know what to keep doing.
10. Support your profile with local SEO
Your website matters too. A fast, mobile-friendly site with clear location and service pages, consistent business details and local content helps your profile rank. The two work together.
Quick checklist
- Profile claimed and verified
- Specific primary category selected
- Name, address, phone and hours accurate and consistent
- Services and description complete
- Fresh, real photos added monthly
- Review requests and replies routine in place
- Monthly posts and Q&A added
Want it done for you?
Our Google Business Profile optimisation service covers all of the above, plus local citations and monthly reporting. Get in touch for a free profile check.