When we review a new client's Google Business Profile, we almost always find a few quick fixes. None of them look serious on their own, but together they make a profile less visible and less convincing. Here are the nine we see most often.
1. Wrong or missing opening hours
Nothing loses a customer faster than driving to a shop that Google said was open. Set your regular hours, and add special hours for festivals, Sundays and holidays.
2. Keywords stuffed into the business name
"Sharma Dental Clinic Best Dentist Ludhiana Root Canal Implants" is against Google's guidelines. Use your real business name, exactly as it appears on your signboard. Stuffed names can be edited by Google or reported by competitors, and can lead to suspension.
3. The wrong primary category
Your primary category decides which searches you show up for. Make sure it is the most specific one that describes what you actually are.
4. Unanswered reviews
Every review, good or bad, deserves a short, polite reply. Unanswered negative reviews are especially costly, because new customers read them and see no response.
5. Old, dark or stock photos
Add clear, recent photos of your entrance, inside, team and work. People want to know what they are walking into.
6. No posts for months
A profile with no recent posts looks abandoned. Even two posts a week makes a difference to how active you look.
7. Different phone numbers everywhere
Your profile, website, Facebook page and directory listings should all show the same name, address and phone number. Mismatched details make it harder for Google to trust your information.
8. Duplicate profiles
Two profiles for the same location split your reviews and confuse Google. If you find a duplicate, ask Google to merge or remove it rather than keeping both.
9. Nobody checking the profile
Google and the public can suggest edits to your profile. If no one checks, your hours, address or even category can change without you noticing. Log in at least once a week.
Want us to check yours?
We'll go through these nine points and more in a free 30-minute profile check, and show you how you compare with the businesses ranking above you. If you'd rather not think about it again, our GBP management plans keep everything in order every day.