Channel guide
Google Business Profile (Maps & Search)
For local businesses this is often the highest-ROI channel. People search “near me” and Google shows Maps results before ads or websites.
1. Create or claim your listing
- Go to Google Business Profile and sign in with a Google account you’ll keep long-term.
- Search for your business — claim it if it already exists, otherwise create it.
- Verify by postcard, phone, email or video (options vary).
Create or claim a Google Business Profile
2. Nail the basics
- Exact business name (match your ASIC business name / signage where possible)
- Primary category + a few secondary categories
- Service area or street address (hide address only if you’re service-area and allowed)
- Phone, website, hours including public holidays
- Services/products with prices if you can
3. Photos that convert
- Logo, cover, exterior, interior, team, work examples
- Add 5–10 photos in week one, then 1 new photo weekly
- Avoid heavy filters — people want to recognise the place
4. Reviews
- Ask happy customers with a short personal message + review link
- Reply to every review (thank positives; stay calm on negatives)
- Never buy fake reviews — Google can suspend profiles
5. Weekly 20-minute habit
- Post one update or offer
- Add a photo
- Reply to Q&A and reviews
- Check Insights: calls, direction requests, website clicks
NextPair this with a simple website and matching Instagram/Facebook details. Run the marketing check for your full list.