Google My Business: Condensed FAQ-Style Guide
Q1: What is Google My Business in plain English?
It’s your free storefront on Google Search and Maps. When someone hunts for a service like yours, that little info panel pops up and introduces you—who you are, where you are, and why you’re worth a click (or a visit).
Q2: Why bother setting it up properly?
Because a polished profile can land you in Google’s coveted Local Pack—the three listings that bag most taps. In crowded markets, that single step can mean the difference between crickets and a ringing phone.
Q3: Which details are non-negotiable at sign-up?
Name, address, phone (the famous “NAP”), opening hours, and a primary category. Fluff any of them and Google’s trust in you tanks.
Q4: How precise should those details be?
Laser-precise. Copy-and-paste the exact same NAP everywhere—website footer, directories, social bios. Consistency whispers to Google, “Yep, this really is the same business.”
Q5: Do I really need a local phone number?
Ideally, yes; it proves you’re part of the neighbourhood. If that’s impossible, at least stick to one number across every listing.
Q6: My site works fine on desktop—why fuss about mobile?
Because most local searches happen on phones. A clunky mobile site equals fast-back-button. Google sees the bounce and quietly drops you down the page.
Q7: How often should I tweak my listing?
Treat it like a living noticeboard. Update seasonal hours, post weekly offers, add fresh photos. Active listings rank better—simple as that.
Q8: Speaking of photos, how many is “enough”?
Start with ten: exterior, interior, staff, hero products, a happy customer or two. Then keep adding. Fresh visuals scream “open for business.”
Q9: What about that business description box?
Max it out (750 characters). Lead with your USP, sprinkle a local keyword or two, finish with a friendly invitation. No jargon, no waffle.
Q10: How do reviews affect ranking?
They’re rocket fuel. Quantity, recency, and tone all matter. Politely ask every delighted customer to leave one, and always reply—especially to the odd bad review.
Q11: Any tips for handling negative feedback?
Breathe, thank them, own any mistake, offer a fix. A gracious reply can flip onlookers from sceptics to fans.
Q12: What’s the quickest win inside GMB?
Posts. Fire off a 100-word update—sale ends Friday, new menu item, upcoming event. They sit right under your listing and drive urgency.
Q13: Are custom categories worth the bother?
Absolutely. If you’re a “Vegan Bakery” rather than just “Bakery,” add it. Niche queries often face lighter competition.
Q14: How do I measure whether all this is working?
Open GMB Insights. Track calls, direction requests, website visits. Arrows trending up mean your tweaks are paying off.
Q15: I’m swamped—should I outsource this?
If plumbing, baking, or haircutting is your day job, a local-SEO pro frees you to do just that. Just make sure they can show proven GMB wins.
Q16: Can conflicting citations really hurt that much?
Sadly, yes. One rogue Yellow Pages listing with an old address can undo months of optimisation. Hunt them down and fix or suppress.
Q17: Does posting my holiday hours actually matter?
Big time. Nothing kills goodwill faster than a closed door after Google swore you were open. Update hours and drop a quick post.
Q18: Any advanced tricks once the basics are nailed?
Switch on messaging so prospects can text you straight from Search. Load a short FAQ in the Q&A tab before strangers do it for you.
Q19: How “local” is GMB’s local marketing?
Hyper-local. Google’s algorithm loves proximity, so even small players can outrank chains if they’re closer and better optimised.
Q20: Bottom-line takeaway?
Show Google—and customers—the same thing: a real, up-to-date, review-rich business. Do that, and visibility turns into clicks, calls, and cash.