When someone searches for "bakery near me" or "dentist in Brickell", Google shows a map with three businesses before any website. That spot depends almost entirely on your Google Business Profile. These are the tweaks that move the needle most.
1. The right primary category
It is the single most important factor. Pick the most specific category that describes your business ("Mexican restaurant" rather than "Restaurant") and use secondary categories for additional services.
2. Identical name, address and phone everywhere
Use exactly the same details on Google, your website and your social profiles. Differences confuse Google and customers. Do not add keywords to the business name: it breaks Google’s guidelines and can get the profile suspended.
3. Complete, up-to-date hours
Include special hours for holidays. A customer who shows up to a closed door does not come back - and leaves a bad review.
4. Real photos, often
Storefront, interior, products and team. Real photos build more trust than stock images, and uploading them regularly shows Google the profile is active.
5. Reply to every review
Good and bad, calmly and within a few days. Ask happy customers for reviews with a direct link: it is the simplest way to get them.
6. Complete services and products
Describe each service in its own words. It helps you appear in more specific searches.
7. Regular posts
Offers, news and events. One post every week or two keeps the profile alive and gives people a reason to message or visit you.
How to know it is working
- Calls and direction requests from the profile.
- Clicks to your website.
- Searches you appear in, in the profile’s performance section.
At Giraldo Agency we set up, optimize and maintain your Google Business Profile as part of the same plan as your website and social media, so your information matches everywhere.