When someone searches "electrician near me" or "physio Unley", the first thing they often see isn't a website. It's the map, with three local businesses, their star ratings and a Call button. That's your Google Business Profile, it's free, and for many local businesses it brings in more calls than their website.
- Your Google Business Profile is free and shows in Google Search and Maps.
- Getting the basics exactly right (name, category, contact details, hours) matters most.
- Fresh reviews, photos and updates show Google your business is active.
The basics: get these exactly right
- Business name: your real business name, exactly as it appears on your signage and website. Don't add keywords like "Best Plumber Adelaide", which is against Google's rules.
- Primary category: the one that best describes your main service (for example "Plumber", "Physiotherapist", "Electrician").
- Phone number: the number you actually answer, the same one that's on your website.
- Website: your homepage address.
- Hours: your real opening hours, plus special hours for public holidays and Christmas.
- Service area: the suburbs or regions you travel to, if customers don't come to you.
Your name, phone number and suburb should match exactly everywhere they appear online: your website, Facebook and directories. Inconsistent details make it harder for Google to trust your listing.
Then fill in everything else
Keep it active
A profile that was set up once and never touched again looks less trustworthy to customers, and can look less relevant to Google.
- Ask for reviews after every job you're proud of, and reply to every review, good or bad. See our guide on getting more Google reviews.
- Post updates every week or two: a finished job, a seasonal tip, or a special offer.
- Add new photos regularly.
- Check your details every few months, especially hours and phone number.
Fake reviews, keyword-stuffed business names and fake addresses can get your profile suspended. Fake reviews can also break Australian consumer law. It's not worth the risk.
How it works with your website
Your Google profile and your website work together. Customers often see your profile first, then tap through to your website to check you out before they call. If your website is slow or hard to use on a phone, you can lose them at that last step.
Every Reactive Web website includes setting up and optimising your Google Business Profile, and your monthly report shows how customers are finding you.
Not sure where you stand?
Run our free 60-second check to see how your website looks to Google and to customers on a phone.
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Rhys builds and looks after every Reactive Web website himself, from Redwood Park in Adelaide, for local service businesses that want more calls, bookings and enquiries.
