When someone searches for “bakery”, “garage” or “hairdresser” on their phone, Google first shows a map with three businesses. Being one of those three can be worth more than an entire website. Here's how to give yourself the best chance.
Claim and complete your profile
Your profile may already exist, created automatically. Claim it, then fill in every section:
- the right primary category, then relevant secondary categories;
- your address or service area, and your opening hours, including bank holidays;
- your phone number and a link to your website;
- the list of your services or products, with a clear description.
A complete profile earns the trust of customers and Google alike.
Add real photos, regularly
Shopfront, interior, team, finished jobs: profiles with recent photos get more clicks and more requests for directions. Add a few every month rather than fifty in one go.
Keep the reviews coming
Reviews are one of the most visible factors. To get more:
- Ask for them, simply, at the right moment: just after a job well done.
- Make it easy with a direct link or a QR code on the counter.
- Reply to every review, good or bad, calmly and politely. Future customers will read your replies.
Stay consistent everywhere
Your name, address and phone number should be written exactly the same way on your profile, your website and in directories. Any mismatch makes Google doubt you.
Post updates
An offer, a new service, an unexpected closure: posts show that your business is up and running.
Setting up or improving your Google Maps listing is included with every website we build, because a website and a profile that are properly linked boost each other.
