Right then. Google Business Profile setup. Not the most exciting topic, but bloody important if you want people to find your business.
I've set up profiles for loads of businesses across Newport, Cardiff, and the rest of South Wales. Some businesses nail it. Others make a right mess of it.
Here's what actually works.
Why Your Google Business Profile Matters
Simple really. When someone searches "web design Newport" or "pizza Cwmbran", Google shows a map with local businesses. That's your Google Business Profile in action.
Get it right, and you show up. Get it wrong, and you don't.
Fair play to Google – they've made it pretty straightforward. But there's still plenty of ways to cock it up.
The Basics: Getting Started
Claim Your Profile (Obviously)
First things first. Go to business.google.com and search for your business. Already there? Claim it. Not there? Create it.
Google's usually already got some info about your business. Sometimes it's right. Sometimes it's proper wrong.
I've seen businesses listed as "permanently closed" when they're busier than ever. Tidy.
Verification is King
Google needs to know you're legit. They'll send you a postcard with a verification code. Takes about a week.
Some businesses can verify by phone or email. But most get the postcard treatment.
Don't try to rush this bit. Just wait for the postcard like everyone else.
The Good Stuff: Profile Optimization
Business Name and Category
Use your actual business name. Not "Best Pizza in Bridgend Ever" or whatever. Just your real name.
Pick the right category. Google gives you loads of options. Pick the one that fits best. You can add more later.
For us, it's "Website Designer". Simple.
Address and Service Areas
If customers visit you (like a shop), use your actual address.
If you go to them (like us), you can hide your address and set service areas instead. We serve Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, and pretty much anywhere in Wales.
Don't try to game this by claiming you serve the entire UK when you're based in Cwmbran. Google's not stupid.
Phone and Website
Use a local phone number if you've got one. Mobile's fine too.
Website link goes to your main site. Make sure it's working. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised.
Speaking of websites – if yours loads like a three-legged tortoise, sort that out first. Check out our portfolio to see how fast sites should actually load.
Photos That Don't Suck
This bit's proper important. Photos make your profile look legit.
You need:
- Logo (square format works best)
- Cover photo (something that shows what you do)
- Interior/exterior shots if relevant
- Team photos (optional but nice)
- Product/service photos
Don't use blurry phone photos from 2015. Get decent ones taken. Or at least use your phone properly.
We just use screenshots of websites we've built. Does the job.
Business Hours and Special Hours
Get your hours right. Update them for holidays.
Nothing worse than driving to a business that's supposed to be open and finding it closed. Customers remember that stuff.
Use the special hours feature for Christmas, bank holidays, and whatever else.
The Secret Sauce: Regular Updates
Google Posts
Google lets you post updates to your profile. Like mini blog posts.
Use them. Post about new services, special offers, or just general business updates.
They disappear after 7 days, but Google notices when you're active.
Review Management
Ask customers for reviews. But don't be weird about it.
Reply to reviews – good and bad ones. Keep it professional even when customers are being proper muppets.
Don't buy fake reviews. Google spots them a mile off.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Stuffing keywords into your business name. "Newport Web Design SEO Marketing Experts Ltd" looks desperate.
Using a PO Box when you should use a real address.
Ignoring the thing once it's set up. Update it regularly.
Getting categories wrong. Pick what you actually do.
Local SEO Connection
Your Google Business Profile works better when your website's sorted too.
We build all our sites on Google Firebase – no WordPress nonsense, no slow-loading templates. Everything's custom-coded for proper speed.
When your website loads fast and Google can easily crawl it, your Business Profile performs better too. It's all connected.
That's why we focus on our services being properly integrated – website, local SEO, the works.
Wrapping Up
Google Business Profile setup isn't rocket science. But it's not something you do once and forget about.
Keep it updated. Add photos. Post regularly. Reply to reviews.
Do it right, and people will find you when they're searching for what you do.
Do it wrong, and you're invisible.
Pretty simple really.
Need help with your Google Business Profile or want a website that actually supports your local SEO efforts? We've helped loads of businesses across Wales get their online presence sorted. Drop us a line and let's chat about what you need. Get in touch and we'll see how we can help.