For any business serving local customers, an optimized Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is often more impactful than any other single local SEO action. Here's how to get it right in 2026.
Complete Every Section, Not Just the Basics
Many businesses fill in just their name, address, and phone number. Google rewards completeness — fill in business hours, services offered, attributes (wheelchair accessible, women-led, etc.), and a detailed business description with relevant keywords used naturally.
Photos Matter More Than Most Businesses Realize
Profiles with high-quality, regularly updated photos get significantly more engagement. Include exterior shots (so customers recognize your location), interior shots, team photos, and photos of products or completed work.
Reviews: Quantity, Recency, and Response
A steady stream of recent reviews signals an active, trustworthy business. Actively ask satisfied customers to leave reviews, and respond to every review — positive or negative — professionally and promptly. Unanswered negative reviews sitting for months are a visible red flag to potential customers.
Use Posts and Q&A Actively
Google Business Profile posts (updates, offers, events) keep your profile active and give you extra visibility in search results. Monitor and answer the Q&A section too — unanswered questions from potential customers are a missed opportunity.
Category Selection Matters
Choose your primary category as precisely as possible, and add relevant secondary categories. An overly broad or incorrect category selection can mean you don't show up for the specific searches your actual customers use.
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