10 Free Google Business Profile Tips You Need Now

1. Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile

Go to google.com/business and claim your listing.

• Ensure NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone) across all listings.

• Choose the correct primary category—Google uses it to match searches.

• Verification (via phone, email, or postcard) boosts trust and visibility.

Without verification, your listing is invisible. Verified businesses show up more often and higher in local searches.

2. Write a Compelling Business Description

Use your GBP description to win attention quickly.

• Include target keywords naturally.

• Showcase what makes your business different.

• Focus on customer benefits, not company features.

Example:
“We help busy Portland homeowners stay cool with fast, affordable AC repairs—done right the first time.”

Keep it under 750 characters. Think of it as your elevator pitch.

3. Add High-Quality Photos (and Keep Them Updated)

Photos give life to your listing.

• Upload exterior, interior, staff, services, and product shots.

• Use well-lit, branded, geo-tagged images if possible.

• Update them regularly to show activity.

Stat: Listings with photos get 42% more direction requests on average.

Customers trust what they can see. A profile with recent, quality visuals builds confidence fast.

4. Post Weekly Updates Using GBP Posts

Google lets you share content directly on your profile—free.

• Use it for promotions, news, events, blog highlights.

• Add a clear call-to-action (CTA).

• Posts expire in 7 days, so update weekly.

Consistency signals relevance to Google and keeps your listing fresh. Keywords in posts can also help with Local SEO.

5. Get and Respond to Customer Reviews

Ask happy customers to leave reviews. Then, reply to each one—positive or negative.

• Use a review request link or QR code.

• Respond within 48 hours to show engagement.

• Naturally include relevant keywords in replies.

Bonus: Reviews improve your SEO and build trust with new customers.

Pinned recommends setting up an automated system to follow up with customers after purchases or services.

6. Use All Available Business Attributes

Attributes help you stand out and attract specific audiences.

Examples include:

• “Black-owned”

• “Veteran-owned”

• “Outdoor seating”

• “Wheelchair accessible”

These tags improve your match rate in filtered searches like “women-led gym near me.”

7. Add Services and Products with Descriptions

Google rewards complete profiles.

• Break down your offerings into categories.

• Use clear product/service names, prices (if available), and CTAs.

• Add photos where possible.

These listings are searchable and help your business appear in more results.

8. Set Up Messaging and Enable Direct Contact

Turn on messaging in your GBP dashboard.

• Add auto-responses and FAQs.

• Respond promptly (especially on mobile).

• Capture leads instantly.

Mobile users are more likely to message than call—so meet them where they are.

9. Monitor Insights to Track Performance

GBP gives you free insights on:

• Search terms people use to find you

• How they found you (Search vs. Maps)

• What actions they took (calls, clicks, directions)

Use this data to refine what works. At Pinned, we use these insights to fine-tune GBP strategies for clients every month.

10. Keep Your Information Updated

Make it a habit to check your profile weekly.

• Update hours of operation, especially during holidays

• Adjust contact info and services as needed

• Add seasonal offers or changes in team structure

Google rewards accuracy and consistency. Outdated profiles get pushed down in rankings.