When someone searches for a business like yours "near me" or "in Durban", Google usually shows a map with three businesses before any normal website results. Those businesses come from Google Business Profile, a free listing that every local business should have. If yours is missing, incomplete or unverified, you're giving those spots to your competitors.
1. Claim and verify your profile
Go to business.google.com and search for your business name. If a listing already exists, claim it. If not, create one. Google will ask you to verify that you own the business. Depending on your business, this can be by video, phone, email or postcard. Unverified profiles rarely rank well, so don't skip this step.
2. Get the basics exactly right
- Business name: use your real-world name only. Adding keywords like "Best Plumber Durban" to your name breaks Google's guidelines and can get your profile suspended.
- Primary category: this matters more than almost anything else. Choose the most specific category that describes your main service, then add a few relevant secondary categories.
- Address or service area: if customers visit you, show your address. If you travel to customers (like most trades), hide your address and set the areas you serve instead.
- Phone, website and hours: make sure they match your website exactly, and remember to update holiday hours.
3. Fill in every section
Write a clear description of what you do and where. Add your services or products with short descriptions. Answer the common questions customers ask. Profiles that are complete give Google more information to match you with the right searches.
4. Add real photos, regularly
Upload your logo, a cover photo, and real photos of your premises, team and work. Customers want to see who they're dealing with. Adding new photos over time also shows Google that your business is active.
5. Build a steady flow of reviews
Reviews influence both your ranking and whether people choose you. Ask every happy customer for a review and reply to every review, good or bad. We cover how to do this the right way in How to Get More Google Reviews.
6. Post updates
Use the Updates feature to share news, offers, tips and recent work. A short post every week or two keeps your profile fresh and gives customers another reason to contact you.
7. Keep your details consistent everywhere
Your business name, address and phone number should be identical on your website, Facebook page and directories like Yellow Pages SA, Brabys and Cylex. Inconsistent details confuse Google and can hold your ranking back.
The bottom line
A well-run Google Business Profile is free and is often the fastest way for a local business to get more calls. If you'd like us to check yours, request a free growth audit and we'll show you exactly what to improve.