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Google Business Profile setup checklist

A practical profile setup that improves calls, direction requests, and trust.

5 min read Updated March 2025
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Google Business Profile checklist
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Checklist Items

Key Takeaways

Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing customers see when searching for your services. Here's the checklist to make it work for you.

Essential Setup Items

Claim and verify your profile immediately
Choose the right primary category - be specific, not general
Add all business categories that apply to your services
Complete your business description - 750 characters max, focus on what makes you different
Add your phone number - use one that is staffed during business hours
Set accurate hours - including holiday hours
Add photos regularly - exterior, interior, team, and work examples

What to Avoid

Keyword stuffing in your business name
Using a generic category like "Store"
Ignoring customer questions in Q&A
Not responding to reviews

Pro Tips

Upload new photos every week - Google favors active profiles
Use Google Posts monthly to share updates, offers, and news
Add Q&A content - pre-populate common questions and answers

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