What Makes a Good Google Business Profile? 5 Things Most Businesses Miss
Getting your Google Business Profile live is a great start.
But if you want it to actually do something - like bring in calls, clicks, or bookings - you need more than the bare minimum.
Here are five simple ways to turn your listing from “just there” to one that gets noticed and trusted.
1. Choose the Right Categories (Yes, Plural)
You’ll pick one primary category, which is the most important for ranking. But you can also add additional categories that help you show up in more searches.
For example:
Primary: “Electrician”
Extra: “Security System Installer”, “Lighting Contractor”
✅ Tip: Don’t go mad - stick to what you actually do.
2. Add (Good) Photos
Businesses with photos get more clicks, but not just any photos.
Make sure they:
Aren’t blurry or pixelated
Show your work, your face, your team, or your space
Reflect your brand (tidy, clean, friendly)
📸 Local café? Show the food.
💅 Nail tech? Show those sets.
🚐 Mobile valet? Show your van and a before/after.
Add a logo, a cover photo, and regular uploads if you can.
3. Write a Real Description
Don’t keyword-stuff. Just write clearly about what you do and who you help. Try to:
Mention your services
Include your area (e.g. “Serving Southampton and nearby towns”)
Add a bit of personality
Example: “I’m a qualified mobile dog groomer based in Eastleigh, covering Southampton, Romsey, and Chandler’s Ford. From full grooms to quick tidy-ups, I work with care and patience - no stressful salon visits”.
4. Keep Opening Hours Accurate
Sounds basic, but loads of businesses mess this up.
Keep them up to date, especially for holidays. Google lets you add special hours for bank holidays and one-off changes.
Use that feature.
Showing as “closed” when you’re open (or vice versa) is one of the fastest ways to lose trust.
5. Post Updates (Yes, Like a Mini-Social Feed)
You can add updates to your profile like you would a Facebook post.
These can include:
Offers
News
Seasonal services
Photos
Events
It keeps your profile fresh and tells Google (and customers) that you’re active and legit.
Just one post a week - or even every couple of weeks - makes a difference.
The Bonus Sixth One: Respond to Reviews
Even if it’s just a “Thanks so much!” or “Really appreciate your kind words”, replying shows you care - and Google notices it too.
Want Me to Give Yours a Proper Polish?
I don’t just create Google Business Profiles - I optimise them.
Photos. Categories. Description. Posts. The lot - and it won’t cost anywhere near what you’ll be quoted by a business that relies on your business.
🔧 Need a profile that actually works? I can sort it.
Why should I use multiple categories on my Google Business Profile?
Using one primary category and additional relevant categories helps your business appear in more search results. Just make sure to only choose categories that accurately describe what you do.
What kind of photos should I add to my Google Business Profile?
Add clear, high-quality photos that showcase your work, team, space, or products. Avoid blurry images and try to reflect your brand’s personality. Regularly update with new photos to keep your profile fresh.
How often should I post updates on my Google Business Profile?
Posting updates about offers, news, events, or seasonal services once a week or every couple of weeks helps keep your profile active and signals to Google and customers that your business is engaged and trustworthy.
