Local SEO · 15 September 2026 · 5 min read

The Google Business Profile settings most local businesses get wrong

Search.Answers.Growth.

Small profile fixes can move you into the Maps 3-pack. These are the ones we check first.

Primary category

Your primary category is one of the strongest map ranking factors. Choose the most specific category that describes your core service.

List every service with a short description. These help Google match you to specific searches.

Accurate hours, including public holidays and emergency availability, affect whether you appear for 'open now' searches.

Regular job or clinic photos and Google posts show activity and help conversion.

Ask every happy customer, respond to every review and never offer incentives for reviews.

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