A Google Business Profile checklist for Melbourne service businesses

When someone searches for a local service, Google shows a map and a short list of businesses at the top of the results. Those listings come from your Google Business Profile, so it is worth setting up properly.

Start with the basics

• Claim or create the profile at business.google.com and verify the business.
• Use the exact business name, address and phone number that appear on your website and in your directory listings. Consistency helps Google match them.
• Choose the most accurate primary category, then add secondary categories for the other services you offer.
• Set your opening hours, including any holiday hours.

Describe what you do

• List your services, with a short description of each.
• Describe the areas you work in. For a business that travels to customers or supports them remotely, name the suburbs or regions you cover.
• Link to the most relevant page on your website, not just the home page.

Show the business

• Upload real photos of your team, office and work. Replace stock images where you can.
• Add your logo and cover photo.

Keep it active

• Ask recent clients for a review. A short, specific review is worth more than a generic one, so ask them to mention the service they used.
• Reply to every review, the good ones and the critical ones, politely and within a few days.
• Post updates or offers when you have something to share. Posts expire after a time, so this is a habit rather than a one-off job.

Check it monthly

Look at the profile's insights and the questions customers ask. Answer any questions that appear, and update anything that has changed.