Google listing looks empty? Fill in the details customers look for

A listing with only a name and a map pin tells customers very little. They cannot see when you open, how to call you, or what you sell. So they pick a listing that shows more. Fill in the basics first, then add a short description in your own words.

Manoj runs a small sweet shop. His son made a Google listing for the shop. It had the name and the pin. Nothing else.

Two other sweet shops nearby had full listings. Photos of their sweets. Their hours. A phone number. A few lines about what they make.

During Diwali week, people searched for sweet shops. Manoj's listing looked empty next to theirs.

This is an example, with a made up name and business.

Start with the things many customers look for first. Each has its own guide.

1. Your opening hours. See getting your opening hours right on Google.
2. A phone number you answer. See your phone number on Google and apps.
3. Photos of your front, inside and what you sell. See how to add photos to your Google listing.
4. The right category. See choosing the right category.

Add a description

A description is a few lines about your business. It tells people what you sell and where.

#### Step 1: write it down first

Write a few short lines. Answer these:

• What do you sell, or what do you do?
• Where are you? Name the area or a known landmark.
• What do people often come in for?

Use only true facts. Do not write words like "best". Do not add links or offers. Google may not accept them. Google allows up to 750 characters.

For example: "Family sweet shop in Shivaji Nagar since 1998. Fresh kaju katli, laddoo and namkeen made daily. Orders taken for weddings and festivals." (This is a made up example.)

#### Step 2: add it to your listing

1. Open your Business Profile. You can search for your business name on Google while signed in.
2. Tap Edit profile (Google).
3. Find the Description box. It is in the part about your business.
4. Paste your lines. Read them once.
5. Save.

Google may take some time to show the change.

Open Google Maps on your phone. Look at your listing, then a few near you. What do they show that you do not? Our Google Business Profile checklist covers the full list.

Do I need to fill in everything at once?

No. Start with hours, phone and photos. Add the rest when you can.

Will a full listing bring more customers?

Nobody can promise that. But an empty listing gives people little reason to pick you.