Your Google Business Profile is the box with your shop's name, photos, timings and reviews on Google and Maps. Google does not charge for it. Below are 12 things to check and fix today, using just your phone.
Your Google listing is often where a customer first "meets" your shop. Before they walk in, they look at your photos, read a few reviews and check if you are open. This list helps make that first meeting a good one.
Google says full and correct details help it match your shop to what people search for (Google). You cannot pay Google to show you higher. So make your listing correct and complete.
Where to edit: Open Google Maps. Sign in with the account that runs your listing. Search your shop name. Not claimed yet? Start with item 12.
Scan your business. See how visible you are online. Do customers nearby find you, or the shop next door? Check your online visibility with Viabe Pulse. In minutes, not days.
The checklist
1. Shop name
Check: Is the name exactly what is on your signboard?
Why: Customers look for the name they saw on your board.
Fix: Write "Sharma Opticals". Do not write "Sharma Opticals Best Spectacles Shop Karol Bagh". Google does not allow extra words, phone numbers or area names in the name (Google). Your listing can be blocked for this.
2. Category (the type of business you are)
Check: Does your main category say exactly what you are?
Why: Google uses it to decide which searches show your shop.
Fix: Say what your business is in two or three words. Pick the most exact type that fits. A dental clinic is "Dentist", not just "Clinic". Add extra types only if they are true.
3. Address and map pin
Check: Open your listing on Maps. Does the red pin sit on your door?
Why: A wrong pin sends people to the wrong lane. Some will give up.
Fix: Write your full street address and the right pin code. Google does not accept a P.O. box. Move the pin to your entrance.
4. Service area (only if you go to customers)
Check: Do customers come to you, or do you go to them?
Why: People need to know which areas you cover.
Fix: Add the areas you serve, like a plumber or AC repair person would. Hide your home address. Google says the area should usually stay within about two hours' drive of your base (Google).
5. Opening hours and holiday hours
Check: Are the hours right for every day, including your weekly off?
Why: Wrong hours send people to a closed shutter.
Fix: Set your hours for each day. Before Diwali, Eid or any closure, add "special hours" for those dates. One exception: Google says businesses that work only by appointment should not list hours (Google).
6. Phone number
Check: Tap "Call" on your own listing. Does someone pick up?
Why: People can call you straight from Maps.
Fix: Use a number you control, ideally a local one. Use the same number as on your board, and on JustDial, Zomato or Practo.
7. Website or WhatsApp link
Check: Tap your website link. Does it open your own page?
Why: Customers can see your menu or prices, or message you.
Fix: Add your own website if you have one. The link must open your own page, not jump to another site. No website? Use a social page or chat link, if your profile offers one.
8. Description
Check: Is there a short note about you?
Why: It is the one place you speak in your own words.
Fix: Say what you sell, who it is for, and how long you have been open. Do not add links. Do not fill it with offers or prices. Example: "Family-run sweet shop in Jayanagar since 1998. Fresh mithai daily. Festival boxes and wedding orders."
9. Photos
Check: Can people see your outside, inside, products and team?
Why: People decide to visit from photos.
Fix: Google suggests at least three photos each of your outside, inside, products and team (Google). Shoot the outside in daylight, with your board readable. Skip heavy filters. Google suggests 720 by 720 pixels, and a file between 10 KB and 5 MB (Google).
10. Products, services or menu
Check: Are your main services or products listed?
Why: Someone looking for "eye test" or "bridal mehendi" sees at once that you offer it.
Fix: In your profile's edit options, add your main services. A salon can add haircut, facial and bridal makeup.
11. Extra details and updates
Check: Have you filled the small details, like parking or Wi-Fi?
Why: These answer quick questions before customers call.
Fix: Tick every detail that is true for you. Post short updates about new stock, festival timings or events. Google checks each post against its rules (Google).
12. Verification and reviews
Verification means proving to Google that you run this shop.
Check: Does your profile show it is verified? Have you replied to your reviews?
Why: Google counts reviews among the things that show how well known a shop is.
Fix (verification): Google may send a code by phone, text or email. It may ask for a video call, a short video, or a postcard with a code (Google).
Fix (reviews): Reply to every review, good and bad. Keep each reply short and polite. Do not paste the same "thanks" to everyone. Never share a customer's private details. Never offer deals in a reply (Google). Never buy reviews or write fake ones (Google).
After you finish
Search your shop name on your phone, the way a customer would. Does everything look right? Then search your type of business and area.
You only have to do most of this once. After that, your listing keeps working for you every day, even when the shutter is down.
See how you compare
You filled in your listing. But do customers nearby see it, or the shop next door? Viabe Pulse scans your business online. It shows how your Google listing looks next to similar businesses nearby. Type your business name to start.
Scan your business. See how visible you are online. Check your online visibility
FAQ
Does Google charge for a Business Profile?
No. Google does not charge to create or manage one.
Google my business kaise banaye? Where do I start?
Open Google Maps and sign in. If your shop is already there, claim it. If not, add it, then fill in the 12 items above.
Can I add "best" or my area name to my shop name?
No. Use only your real name, as it is on your board. Extra words can get your listing blocked.
My clinic works by appointment only. Should I list hours?
Google says appointment-only businesses should not list hours (Google).
How often should I check my profile?
Whenever your hours, phone or holidays change. And before every festival season.