A No-Fluff Guide for Small Business Owners Who Want More Local Customers
Let me ask you a quick question:
When someone Googles your business… what shows up?
If it’s not a complete, polished, up-to-date Google Business Profile, you’re losing customers. Period.
Google My Business—now officially called Google Business Profile (GBP)—is your digital storefront. It’s what people see when they search for your business name or service category. If your listing is empty or outdated, potential customers will skip right past you.
That’s the bad news.
Here’s the good news:
Optimising your GMB listing is easy—and free. You just need to follow a checklist. So let’s dive in.
✅ Step 1: Set Up Your GMB Profile
Go to google.com/business and create your business profile. If you already have one—great. If not, stop everything and set it up now.
Use the exact name of your business. No funny abbreviations. No keyword stuffing. Just the real deal.
You’ll be asked for:
- Your business name
- Your address (or service area)
- Your phone number
- Your website
- Your business category
Why this matters:
Google uses this data to determine if you’re a legit business. If something looks off, your profile will rank lower—or not at all.
🔒 Step 2: Claim and Verify Your Business
Ever seen your business pop up on Google with a message that says, “Own this business?”
If so, you haven’t claimed it yet. Big mistake.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Search for your business on Google or Google Maps
- Click “Claim this business” or “Own this business?”
- Verify it via postcard, email, or phone
Why bother?
Verification gives you control. Without it, you can’t edit your listing, respond to reviews, or post updates. You’re basically invisible.
📝 Step 3: Fill Out Every Single Detail
Here’s the thing: an incomplete profile is a weak profile.
Complete the following:
- Business name (exact match)
- Full address or service area
- Phone number
- Website URL
- Business hours
- Short and long descriptions
- Opening date
- Appointment links (if relevant)
Pro Tip:
Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) should match exactly across every platform—website, Facebook, directories. Google hates inconsistency.
🗂️ Step 4: Choose the Right Categories
Your Primary Category is the single most important field on your listing.
- Be specific.
- Avoid vague terms like “Consultant” or “Shop.”
- If you’re a bakery, choose “Bakery.” If you’re a digital marketing agency, choose “Marketing Agency.”
You can also add secondary categories (but don’t go overboard).
🖼️ Step 5: Add High-Quality Photos
People want to see what you do and where you do it. Upload clear, attractive photos of:
- Your storefront
- Inside your business
- Your products or services
- Your team
Fact:
Listings with photos get 35% more clicks and 42% more requests for directions than those without.
Don’t skip this step.
✍️ Step 6: Write a Strong Business Description
This is your 30-second pitch—make it count.
- Describe your business in plain English.
- Mention what makes you different.
- Include relevant keywords naturally.
Example:
“We’re a family-run bakery in Camberwell, London, serving handmade cakes and pastries since 2012. Our secret? Real butter, zero shortcuts.”
Keep it under 750 characters. No jargon. No fluff.
📅 Step 7: Add Your Opening Date
This may seem minor, but it builds trust.
- Log into your GMB dashboard
- Click “Info”
- Scroll down and add your opening date
The longer you’ve been around, the more established you appear. That’s a competitive edge.
📰 Step 8: Post Regular Updates
Think of Google Posts like mini blog updates—right inside your listing.
You can share:
- Special offers
- New services
- Announcements
- Events
- Customer stories
Each post stays visible for 7 days (except event posts, which stick around until the event ends). Aim for at least one post a week.
Why it matters:
Fresh content signals to Google—and your customers—that you’re active and engaged.
🌟 Step 9: Ask for and Respond to Reviews
Good reviews = better rankings and more trust.
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews
- Respond to every review—good or bad
- Never ignore negative feedback. A calm, professional response can actually help your image.
Quick Script:
“Thanks so much! Would you mind sharing your experience on Google? It really helps small businesses like ours.”
🔗 Step 10: Add Social Media Links
Make it easy for people to connect with you. Link your:
- YouTube
You can do this in the “Info” section of your GMB dashboard.
More links = more visibility = more trust.
🧭 Bonus: Track Your Performance
Google gives you insights for free—use them.
- How many people called from your listing?
- How many clicked your website?
- What keywords did they use to find you?
This data lives inside your GMB dashboard. Review it monthly. Adjust as needed.
Final Word: Done Right, GMB Can Bring You Customers Daily
Most people look for local businesses online before they ever call or visit.
So if your profile is incomplete, outdated, or invisible—you’re missing out. The good news? Everything in this article takes less than an hour to do.
And if you don’t have the time or just want it done right the first time…
👉 Let SBC Marketing London help.
We specialise in optimising Google Business Profiles for small businesses just like yours. Whether you’re in retail, food, beauty, or consulting—we know how to get your profile ranking and your phone ringing.
📞 Ready to Attract More Local Customers?
✅ Book your free 30-minute discovery call
✅ Get a tailored GMB audit
✅ See exactly what’s working—and what’s not
✅ Walk away with a clear action plan
Click here to book now → www.sbc-marketing.co.uk
You’ve got the checklist. Now take action.
Because customers are searching… will they find you?
