This one’s a no-brainer. If you haven’t already claimed your Google Business Profile, do it now. It feeds directly into Google Maps and the Local Pack.

Steps to Claim and Verify:

1. Visit google.com/business

2. Search for your business name

3. Claim or create your listing

4. Verify via postcard, phone or email (Google will guide you)

Without verification, your edits won’t go live and you won’t show up properly—so don’t skip this step.

Ensure NAP Consistency (Name, Address, Phone)

Google hates inconsistency. If your business name, address or phone number is different across directories, your rankings can suffer.

Tips:

• Use the exact same format everywhere (right down to “St” vs “Street”)

• Update outdated listings on platforms like Yell, Bing Places, Apple Maps, and Facebook

• Add your NAP details to your website footer

Choose the Right Business Category

Selecting the correct category for your business is more important than you think. It tells Google what kind of services you offer.

Pro Tips:

• Be specific: “Family Law Solicitor” will beat “Lawyer” in targeted searches

• Add secondary categories if they’re relevant

• Don’t stuff unrelated categories just to be seen more—it could backfire

Write a Unique Keyword-Rich Business Description

Your business description isn’t just for show—it’s an SEO asset. Tell people who you are, what you do, and where you operate. Naturally sprinkle in keywords like “local lead generation,” “Google Maps visibility,” or “digital marketing consultant in Manchester.”

Keep it natural, helpful, and to the point.  Do Not use the same description in your Citations, create a new description for each.

Add High-Quality Photos (Regularly!)

Visual content builds trust and encourages engagement. Plus, Google LOVES fresh media.

Upload photos of:

• Your storefront or office

• Staff in action

• Products or services being delivered

• Customer testimonials or finished projects

Keep them sharp, relevant, and honest. No stock images—people can tell.

Collect and Respond to Customer Reviews

Reviews are one of the biggest trust signals in local search. The more quality reviews you have, the higher you tend to rank.

How to Get More:

• Ask after every successful job or sale

• Send follow-up emails with a direct review link

• Display a review QR code in-store

And don’t forget to respond to every review. Thank your happy customers, and address any negative feedback professionally.

Enable Messaging and Keep Contact Info Updated

Google now allows customers to message you directly through your Google Business Profile. Enable it. It’s like answering your front door.

Also, double-check your:

• Opening hours (including holidays)

• Website URL

• Service areas (if you visit customers instead of them visiting you)

Use Local Posts and Offers

Your profile isn’t static. Use Google Posts to promote:

• New products or services

• Events

• Time-limited offers

• Helpful blog content

These updates show up in search results and help your profile look more active and credible.

Embed a Google Map on Your Website

This not only helps customers find you—it signals to Google that your site and Maps listing are connected.

Add the embedded map to your Contact page and your homepage if it fits.

Track Performance via Google Insights

Google gives you free analytics with your listing. Check how many:

• People viewed your profile

• Called you directly from search

• Requested directions

Use this info to tweak and improve over time.