Kickstart Success

Before you can manage your profile, you need to claim ownership.

What to Expect:

Go to Google Business Profile Manager

Search for your business name. If it already exists, request ownership. If not, create a new profile.

Google will require verification—often by postcard, phone, or email.

Example: If you own a café, you might get a postcard mailed to your café’s address with a code to confirm that you’re the rightful owner.

Your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) must be accurate and consistent across the web.

What to Include:

✅ Business name exactly as it’s known publicly (no keywords stuffed in)

✅ Full physical address (or service area if you don’t have a storefront)

✅ Primary phone number where customers can reach you

✅ Website URL (point to your homepage or a location-specific page)

Pro Tip: Inconsistent information can confuse Google and lower your search visibility.

Categories help Google understand what your business offers.

What to Expect:

Choose one primary category that best matches your core business (e.g., “Plumber”).

Add secondary categories for additional services (e.g., “Drainage Service,” “Bathroom Remodeler”).

Example: A dental clinic could select “Dentist” as the primary category and add “Cosmetic Dentist” or “Emergency Dental Service” as secondary categories.

Your business description is like an elevator pitch for potential customers.

Tips for Success:

Write in plain, customer-friendly language.

Highlight what makes you unique (family-owned, eco-friendly, fast service, etc.).

Naturally include keywords customers may search for.

Example: Instead of “We are a cleaning company,” write:

“SparkleClean is a trusted cleaning service in Ormoc City, providing eco-friendly residential and office cleaning solutions for busy families and businesses.”

Visuals make your listing more appealing and build trust.

What to Upload:

Logo and cover photo for branding consistency.

Interior and exterior shots of your business.

Photos of products, staff, or services in action.

Short videos (15–30 seconds) showing customer experiences.

Fact: Listings with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks than those without.

Customers rely on Google to know when you’re open.

Checklist:

Add regular business hours.

Update special holiday hours.

Adjust immediately if your schedule changes.

Example: If you close early on Christmas Eve, update your profile to prevent frustrated customers from showing up.

This section gives customers a preview of what you offer.

What to Expect:

Add product images, names, descriptions, and prices if applicable.

List services clearly (e.g., “Carpet Cleaning,” “Aircon Installation,” “Wedding Photography”).

Pro Tip: Be specific. Instead of just “Cakes,” list “Wedding Cakes,” “Birthday Cakes,” and “Cupcakes.”

Reviews build trust and credibility.

What to Do:

Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews.

Respond to all reviews (positive or negative) to show you value feedback.

Never buy or fake reviews—Google may penalize your profile.

Example: A polite response to a negative review (“We’re sorry for your experience—please reach out so we can make it right”) can actually strengthen your reputation.

Your GBP allows you to publish posts just like social media.

What to Share:

Announcements about promotions or sales

New products or services

Events or seasonal offers

Example: A restaurant posting a “Valentine’s Day Dinner Special” can attract couples searching for date-night ideas.

Google provides analytics that show how customers interact with your profile.

Metrics to Track:

How customers find you (direct vs. discovery searches)

Calls, clicks, and direction requests

Popular times and engagement with photos/posts

This data helps you adjust your strategy for even better results.