Google Business Profile: the complete setup guide.

Your Google Business Profile is more important than your website. When people search "plumber near me" or "web design vancouver", Google shows your GBP listing before anything else. But most businesses don't optimise it. Here's what drives rankings in Google Maps and Local Search.

Step 1: Verify & Claim Your Business

Go to business.google.com and claim your business. Google will send a postcard to verify your address, don't skip this. Unverified listings get lower rankings.

Step 2: Complete Every Section

• Business name: Include city if relevant ("Web Design Vancouver" ranks better than generic "IamCode Design")
• Address: Must match your website exactly
• Phone: One consistent number across all listings
• Website: Link to your site
• Service areas: List every city you serve (Vancouver, Surrey, Abbotsford, etc.)
• Business hours: Exact hours for every day
• Categories: Choose primary and secondary categories (e.g., Web Designer, Digital Marketing Agency)

Step 3: Add Photos & Videos

Businesses with 10+ photos get 35% more clicks. Add photos of: your team, office, past work, clients in action. Update weekly if possible, fresh content signals activity.

Step 4: Get Reviews (The Most Important Part)

Reviews are the #1 ranking factor for local search. A business with 50 5-star reviews will always outrank one with 5. Actively ask clients to leave reviews, it's the fastest way to climb local rankings.

Step 5: Post Regularly

Google GBP has a "Posts" section. Post updates, promotions, or new services weekly. Each post gives a ranking boost and keeps your listing fresh.

The Numbers

• Businesses with reviews get 5x more clicks than those without
• Each new 5-star review = ~2-3 position boost in local search
• Verified address + phone = 40% more trust signals
• 10+ photos = 35% more engagement