Help customers find your business on Google Maps: seven simple checks
When someone searches for a local business, they may see your Google listing before they visit your website.
Your Google Business Profile is the listing that shows information such as your phone number, opening hours, photographs and reviews on Google Search and Maps.
Keeping it accurate helps people understand what you offer and how to contact you. These seven checks are a useful place to start.
Search for your business name on Google Maps. If your business already appears, claim or request access to that listing instead of creating another one.
Follow Google’s verification steps if needed. Once you have access, sign into the Google account connected to your business to update its details.
Look carefully at your phone number, website address and opening hours. Update any changes, including bank holiday opening times where applicable.
Click your website link and check that it opens the correct page. Try it on your phone too. Someone arriving from Google should be able to find your services and contact details easily.
Enter the business name your customers recognise. Avoid adding extra phrases such as “best in Bristol” unless they are genuinely part of your business name.
Your category tells Google what type of business you run. Choose the most specific option that accurately describes your main work. Add other categories only when they apply to your business.
Make it clear whether customers can visit you or whether you travel to them.
If you visit customers and do not receive them at your business address, Google says you should hide that address and list the areas you serve. This is particularly useful for businesses run from home.
Only include places where you actually provide your service.
After completing a project, appointment or purchase, invite the customer to share their experience. Sending your Google review link makes this easier.
Ask for honest feedback without requesting a particular rating. Do not offer discounts or gifts in exchange for reviews, or limit requests to people you expect to leave positive feedback.
When replying, keep it polite and personal. If someone raises a problem, acknowledge their concern and offer a way to discuss it privately.
Choose clear, recent images of your premises, products, team or completed work.
Think about what a new customer would want to see. A photograph of your entrance can help someone find you. Examples of completed projects can help them understand what you do.
Replace images that no longer represent your business.
Open the Performance section of your verified profile. Depending on your business, you may see website clicks, requests for directions and clicks on your phone button.
Review these alongside the enquiries and bookings you receive. A click on the phone button does not necessarily mean a call was completed.
Looking at changes over several weeks gives you more context than checking a single day.
Google Maps results vary according to what someone searches for, their location and how well known a business is. Two people searching from different parts of Bristol may therefore see different results.
Keeping your profile complete can help Google understand your business, but it does not guarantee a particular position.
Start by checking your phone number, opening hours and website link today. Then set aside a few minutes each month to keep the rest of your profile accurate.
Written by Ben Smith Web Design, helping businesses in Bristol with websites and their online presence.
Ben Smith Web Design Web design, SEO and WordPress support for Bristol businesses. I’m Ben, a web designer helping businesses across Bristol and the South West create a stronger online presence. With over 20 years of experience, I combine thoughtful des...
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