Google Business Profile Checklist
- Ensure the primary business category is accurate and relevant
- Add all applicable secondary categories
- Complete all Google Business Profile (GBP) fields (business name, description, etc.)
- Verify that NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is identical across GBP, website, citations, and schema
- Add and update special hours for holidays and seasonal changes
- Fill in up to 20 service areas using local cities or zip codes
- Write a business description that includes service and location keywords naturally
- Add core services or products to the GBP product section
- Include current promotions or seasonal offers in the “Offers” section
- Publish at least one Google Post each week
- Use post types like “What’s New”, “Events”, and “Offers” as appropriate
- Include service and location keywords naturally in GBP posts
- Avoid duplicate or reused post content
- Enable the booking button (using a supported provider like GoHighLevel, Calendly, etc.)
- Include a direct appointment link (not homepage) for easy booking
- Use a specific services or GBP landing page URL in the website field (not the homepage)
- Add and manage the Q&A section — seed with helpful, common questions and answers
- Answer all public questions posted by users
- Place NAP details in the website footer on every page
- Build a unique location page with content relevant to the local area
- Include details like driving directions, parking info, and neighborhood landmarks
- Do not link the GBP profile to the homepage — use a purpose-built landing page
- Implement LocalBusiness schema on your landing or location page
- Embed a Google Map centered on the business address
- Embed or showcase customer reviews on the GBP landing page
- Ensure that all services listed in GBP are also represented on the website
- Create a separate service page for each major offering listed in GBP
- Use matching service names and descriptions across GBP and the website
- Implement schema.org Service or Product markup on service pages
- Use internal links to connect service pages to relevant pages (homepage, locations, etc.)
- Include outbound links on service pages to trusted sources or certifying bodies
- Maintain a review rating average of 4.5 stars or higher
- Implement a review acquisition system (email, SMS, automation, etc.)
- Respond personally and promptly to all reviews
- Encourage reviews that mention specific services or locations (organically)
- Use UTM-tagged URLs in GBP to track traffic in Google Analytics
- Upload fresh, original photos of the team, workspace, or jobs completed
- Add short video clips (under 30 seconds) to the GBP profile
- Use alt text for all website and GBP images
- Embed EXIF/geotagged data in images when possible
- Ensure the Google Business Profile is marked as “complete” in the dashboard
- Make sure the business name in GBP matches physical signage — no extra keywords
- Do not use PO Boxes, coworking spaces, or virtual offices as addresses
- Remove or report duplicate or spam GBP listings for the same business
- Avoid using only stock images in the GBP or on service pages
- Keep the address visible unless the business qualifies for a service-area-only profile
- Compare review count to top 3 local competitors
- Compare average star rating to top competitors
- Compare GBP post frequency to competitors
- Review GBP category selections competitors are using
- Review number of services listed by competitors
- Compare quantity and type of images and videos used by competitors