Google Business Profile Optimisation and Help

Your Google Business Profile helps customers find your business in Google Maps and local search results.

A complete profile gives Google clear information. It also gives customers useful details before they contact you.

Create or claim your profile

Open Google Business Profile Manager. Search for your exact business name before you create a new profile.

Google sometimes creates a basic profile from public information. Claim that profile if it belongs to your business.

Create a new profile only when no profile exists. A duplicate profile can divide reviews and show conflicting details.

Add the following information:

• Your exact business name.
• Your address or service area.
• Your main business category.
• Your phone number and website address.
• Your opening hours.

Google selects the available verification method. Complete that method before you continue.

Improve an existing profile

Review these areas in order:

1. Category: Choose the most accurate main category.
2. Business details: Complete every relevant field.
3. Photos: Add recent photos of your team, products, or work.
4. Reviews: Request reviews from recent customers and answer each review.
5. Updates: Add useful profile updates when your business changes.

Small details matter here. A closed sign beside an open business can confuse a customer very quickly.

Why your profile does not appear

First, check the profile status in Google Business Profile Manager. Google might show an unverified, suspended, or pending status.

Next, check your main category. An inaccurate category can limit the searches that show your profile.

Then compare your profile with direct competitors. More recent reviews and complete details can help a competitor rank higher.

What affects Google Maps ranking

Google describes three main local ranking factors:

• Relevance: Your profile matches the customer search.
• Distance: Your business is close to the search location.
• Prominence: Public sources show that customers know and trust your business.

You can improve relevance with accurate categories and services. You can support prominence with reviews and consistent business details.

You cannot control the customer location. You can still give Google accurate service areas and address information.

Read our local SEO services guide for the wider local visibility process.

Common profile mistakes

• The profile uses a broad or inaccurate main category.
• The website and profile show different business details.
• The profile contains old hours or photos.
• The business does not answer reviews.
• The service area does not match the real service area.
• A duplicate profile shows conflicting information.

Correct one problem at a time. This approach helps you understand which change improves visibility.

Get support from Google

Use Google Business Profile Help for account problems. These problems include verification failures, suspensions, and ownership disputes.

An SEO provider cannot override a Google account decision. Google must resolve account-level problems.

Do you need setup instructions? Read how to get your business on Google.

Do you need a broader diagnosis? Read why your business does not appear on Google.

Do you want to check your complete visibility? Run a free audit of your profile and website.