A Google Business Profile gives eligible practices a place to keep their location, services and contact information accurate on Google. It complements your website; it does not guarantee a position in local results.
Check eligibility before creating a listing
Start with Google’s business representation guidelines. A home office, virtual office and online-only service are not interchangeable. Use an address and service-area setup that accurately represents how you meet customers.
Open Google Business Profile with the account you intend to keep. Look for an existing listing before creating another. Use your actual business name and choose the most relevant category.
Google determines the available verification methods for each business. Follow the options shown in your account; do not assume a postcard will be available. See the current verification instructions.
Check your phone number, public website, hours, services and location details. Add genuine photos that help a prospective client recognize your practice. Keep the same business details on your website.
Write for someone deciding whether to contact you
Describe the services you actually offer. “Bookkeeping for independent consultants” tells a visitor more than “complete business solutions.” Explain who you help and link to a relevant service page. Keep credentials and professional claims accurate.
Reviews are one part of local visibility
Google describes local ranking in terms of relevance, distance and prominence. Accurate information and authentic reviews can help, but a particular review count does not guarantee that you will outrank another practice. Read Google’s local ranking guidance.
Invite honest feedback consistently, without rewards or screening people for positive opinions. Use the review link provided in your profile. Keep replies professional and avoid revealing client relationships or confidential details. Follow the rules applicable to your profession when requesting or responding to reviews.
A short maintenance routine
- Update holiday hours, contact information and service changes.
- Check that the website and appointment links still work.
- Review new feedback and decide whether a response is appropriate.
- Replace outdated photos with current, accurate ones.
- Compare inquiries over time; do not judge success from views alone.
For website discovery, set up Search Console. For visits to your site, see the Analytics guide. Each tool measures something different.
Getting help from SmashWebs
Business Profile reporting is not currently available in the SmashWebs dashboard. Growth customers can request hands-on setup help and invite SmashWebs as a manager. Keep ownership of the profile and do not share your password.