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Google Business Profile optimisation checklist

Everything to set up and maintain on your Google Business Profile to rank in the local map pack and win more calls and visits.

By VISIBI Marketing team·Reviewed by Adnan Khan, Co-founder & CEO·Updated 29 September 2026·7 min read
QUICK ANSWER

Everything to set up and maintain on your Google Business Profile to rank in the local map pack and win more calls and visits.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
✓Your primary category is one of the strongest local ranking signals.
✓Regular reviews and responses improve both rankings and conversion.
✓Photos, products and posts keep your profile active and useful.
INTERACTIVE CHECKLIST
Google Business Profile checklist
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Get the basics right

Claim and verify your profile, use your real business name, choose the most specific primary category and add accurate hours, phone number and website.

RELATED GUIDEPerformance Max for ecommerce: setup and best practices → Want to win the map pack?Free local visibility audit with a prioritised fix list.Get a free local audit →

Build reviews

Ask every happy customer for a review with a direct link, respond to all reviews — especially negative ones — and never offer incentives for reviews.

Keep it active

Add photos monthly, publish posts for offers and news, list products or services with prices and answer common questions.

Common mistakes to avoid

✕Optimising for clicks or rankings instead of revenue
✕Running campaigns on broken or incomplete tracking
✕Changing too many things at once, so nothing can be measured
✕Ignoring mobile speed on landing pages
HOW VISIBI CAN HELP

How we help with marketing

01AuditWe find wasted spend, missed demand and broken tracking first.
02PrioritiseA roadmap ranked by revenue impact — quick wins first.
03ExecuteMarketers and developers working together, so fixes ship in days.
04Report on revenueMonthly reporting tied to orders and profit, not vanity metrics.
Get a free local audit →Free · No obligation · Reply within 24 hours

Frequently asked questions

How long until I rank in the map pack?

Often 4–8 weeks after fixes, depending on competition.

Does keyword stuffing my business name help?

It can lead to suspension. Use your real name.

Do I need a physical address?

Service-area businesses can hide their address and set a service area.

AK
Reviewed by Adnan Khan · Co-founder & CEO25 years growing digital businesses across search, AI visibility and ecommerce. Written by the VISIBI Marketing team.Meet the team →
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