Why Every Local Business Needs a Google Business Profile

It's free, it takes an afternoon to set up, and it's one of the most powerful local-marketing tools there is. If you serve a local area and you haven't optimized your Google Business Profile, start here.

What it actually does

It's the listing that shows up in Google Maps and the local "pack" at the top of search results — with your hours, photos, reviews, and a link straight to your site. For a lot of local searches, it's the first (and sometimes only) thing people see.

How to set it up right

• Claim and verify the profile.
• Fill out everything — categories, services, hours, service area.
• Add real photos — and refresh them now and then.
• Pick accurate categories — this drives which searches you appear in.

Keep it working

• Collect reviews — ask every happy customer; reply to all of them.
• Post updates — offers, news, photos. An active profile ranks better.
• Keep details consistent with your website and other listings.

A complete, active Google Business Profile is the highest-ROI hour in local marketing.

It pairs with local SEO on your own site to dominate your local searches.