This article explores how to set up a good google business profile. We share top tips to improve your local ranking on Google search?
A Google Business Profile (GBP), previously known as Google my business, is your online shopfront. It appears across Google services, including Google search and Google maps, helping potential customers find your business.
Setting up a Google Business Profile is free, and it allows you to share all your business details clearly.
Many local business owners only complete the basics and miss key features that improve local SEO and visibility.
A successful business profile helps customers understand your services, location, and opening hours, and it plays a big part in attracting more customers.
Adding a link to your website from your Google Business Profile provides a good link signal to help with SEO trust and authority.
Google Business Profile Settings Most SMEs Still Miss
This guide helps you improve your Google Business Profile by exploring core and advanced settings, and how to link it with external directories. Adding more details like photos, a business description, phone numbers, and messaging tools can boost engagement.
Your business profile will then stand out more in local search results. Include your business name, business address, service area, and contact information. Keeping your profile current ensures Google presents accurate and updated information.
Core vs. Advanced GBP Settings: Don’t Stop at the Basics
Starting with the basics is important. You need to add your business name, address, phone number, website, and business hours. To build trust, make sure this information is accurate.
A verified and complete profile gives your business more visibility and improves your rank in search results. After the core details, move to advanced features to further optimise your listing.
Commonly Missed GBP Features: Many well-meaning business owners forget about these features, limiting their GBP’s potential. Make sure you take advantage of the following settings and tools on your profile:
Complete Every Field
Complete every section of your Google Business Profile. Add your business description, business category, attributes, operating hours, and phone numbers. This improves your local SEO and helps you appear in local search results. Providing more information like contact details and photos makes it easier for customers to choose your business.
Choose Relevant Categories
Select your business category carefully. Use a main one that reflects your service, then add secondary categories. For example, a restaurant might include “Seafood Restaurant” and “Outdoor Dining.” This ensures your Google Business Profile appears for a range of local searches.
List Your Services or Products
Add a clear list of services and goods. Describe what you offer using keywords people use in search. Use specific examples like “Plumbing Repairs,” “Catering Services,” or “Laptop Repairs.” This adds value to your business profile and helps Google understand your business type.
Utilise Business Attributes
Attributes like “Wheelchair Accessible” or “Wi-Fi Available” help customers. These features provide key information and can set your business apart. Ensure they accurately represent your business.
Enable Customer Messaging
Enable messaging to let customers contact you directly from your Google Business Profile. Respond promptly to build trust. This tool helps service area businesses and businesses without a physical location.
Leverage the Q&A Section
Answer questions in your listing. Add common questions and clear responses. For example, “Do you offer appointments?” “Yes, but walk-ins are also welcome.” Answer questions to help customers and increase your business profile’s visibility.
Publish Google Posts Regularly
Publish posts weekly to show that your business is active. Share updates, events, or promotions. Use a call-to-action button like “Visit website.” This shows users your business is engaged, which improves your rank.
Manage and Respond to Reviews
Ask happy customers to leave reviews and always reply. Positive reviews and honest responses to negative reviews improve your profile. Customer reviews also affect local SEO and help you stand out from competitors.
Use All Tools Available
A complete profile includes photos, posts, a business email domain, accurate business hours, and more. Don’t treat your profile as just a listing. Regularly update and maintain your Google Business Profile to improve visibility and attract more customers.
Photos & UTM Tracking: Boost Engagement and Measure Results
Add photos of your team, location, products, and services. A cover photo, logo, and clear images help users trust your brand. Upload videos too. Google reports that listings with photos receive more clicks and directions.
Use UTM tracking links in your profile to measure how much traffic comes through it. For example:
www.yourwebsite.com?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=GBP
This shows you exactly how many users visit your site from your Google Business Profile.
Link Your GBP to External Directories for Greater Reach
To improve your local SEO, your business information must be the same across all platforms. Check your name, physical address, phone numbers, and website. Inconsistencies can reduce trust and visibility.
Claim your business on other directories like Noticed.uk. These add more visibility and can generate new customers. Add your business to local directories to reach customers in different regions.
Next Steps After Optimising Your Google Profile
Now that your Google Business Profile is fully set up and complete, move to the next section: external directories. Claim your business on Noticed.uk to reach more customers and gain more reviews.
A complete and active profile on Google, plus support from quality directories, means more visibility and more customers.
Keep your profile up to date, answer questions, publish posts, and respond to reviews. That is how you stand out and build trust online.
Sources:
Noticed UK – SEO Benefits of Local Citations & Directories (Jul 2025)
DirectHub Blog – Google Business Profile Tips (Jun 2025)
Avintiv Media – GBP Optimization Tactics 2025 (2025)
Experience.com – GBP Optimization Guide (2025) (Feb 2025)
BrightLocal – Guide to UTM Tracking for GBP (Jun 2024)
Google Business Profile Help – Tips to improve your local ranking on Google