10 Google Business Profile Optimisation Tips That Will Get You More Calls This Week

If you're a local business in Colne, Burnley, Skipton, or anywhere across the Yorkshire-Lancashire border, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the single most important free marketing asset you have. Yet most businesses set it up once and forget about it. Here are 10 optimisation tips you can start implementing today.

1. Choose the Right Primary Category

Your primary category is the most important field in your GBP. It tells Google what type of business you are and determines which searches you appear in. Be specific - "Plumber" is better than "Contractor", "Italian Restaurant" is better than "Restaurant". You can add up to 9 additional categories too.

2. Write a Keyword-Rich Business Description

Your 750-character business description is prime SEO real estate. Include your main services, your location, and what makes you different. Mention the towns you serve naturally - "serving Colne, Burnley, Nelson and the surrounding Pendle area" - without keyword stuffing.

3. Add Photos Every Single Week

Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks. Add new photos weekly - your work, your team, your premises, before-and-after shots. Google rewards active profiles.

4. Post Weekly Updates

GBP posts appear directly in your listing and in search results. Post about offers, news, tips, or events at least once a week. Posts expire after 7 days, so consistency matters.

• Share completed project photos with a brief description
• Promote seasonal offers or discounts
• Post tips relevant to your industry
• Announce new services or service area expansions
• Share 5-star reviews as posts

5. Respond to Every Review

Responding to reviews - positive and negative - signals to Google that you're an engaged, trustworthy business. For negative reviews, respond professionally and offer to resolve the issue offline. Never argue or get defensive.

6. Enable Messaging

Turn on the messaging feature so customers can contact you directly from your GBP listing. Respond within an hour where possible - Google tracks your response time and rewards fast responders.

7. Add Your Full Service List

Use the Services section to list every service you offer with descriptions. This helps Google match your listing to more specific search queries and gives potential customers a clear picture of what you do.

8. Keep Your Hours Accurate

Inaccurate opening hours are one of the fastest ways to lose customer trust and damage your ranking. Update your hours for bank holidays, seasonal changes, and any temporary closures immediately.

9. Use the Q&A Section Proactively

Anyone can ask - and answer - questions on your GBP. Get ahead of this by adding your own frequently asked questions and answering them yourself. This also helps with AEO and voice search.

10. Add Products or Services with Prices

If applicable, add your products or services with photos and prices. This makes your listing more informative and can significantly increase click-through rates from search results.