Google Business Profile checklist

Tick what your Google profile already has. You'll see your score out of 100 and the three things to fix first. Takes two minutes.

The full checklist, and why each item matters

Go through these on your phone with your Google profile open. Each one is something customers notice, or something Google uses to decide who to show.

The basics

My profile is verified (12 points)
An unverified profile can't be fully managed by you, and Google may show it less or let others edit it.
How to fix: Open your profile on Google and finish verification. Google may ask for a video of your business, a phone call or a postcard.
The business name matches my signboard exactly (8 points)
Adding extra words like "best dentist in Pune" breaks Google's rules and can get the profile suspended.
How to fix: Change the name to exactly what is written on your signboard, bills and letterhead. Nothing extra.
The main category is the most specific one (10 points)
The main category decides which searches you show up for. "Dental clinic" beats a vague "Doctor".
How to fix: Pick the closest, most specific main category for what you do. Add the others as additional categories.
The address or service area is set correctly (6 points)
A wrong pin or missing address sends customers to the wrong place, or keeps you out of nearby searches.
How to fix: Check the full address, including landmark and pin code, and move the map pin to your door. If you go to customers instead, set a service area.
The phone number is one customers actually get answered on (6 points)
Many customers call straight from Google. An old or switched-off number loses them on the spot.
How to fix: Add a number someone picks up during working hours. A WhatsApp-enabled mobile is fine.
There is a website or booking link (4 points)
Customers who want to know more before visiting need somewhere to go.
How to fix: Add your website. If you don't have one, a booking page or a WhatsApp link works.
Opening hours are set, including holiday hours (5 points)
People skip a business when they aren't sure it's open, and get angry when they arrive to a closed shutter.
How to fix: Set your regular hours, and add special hours before Diwali, Eid, Christmas and other days you close or change timings.
The description is written (3 points)
It tells customers in your own words what you do and who you serve.
How to fix: Write a few plain sentences: what you offer, the area you serve, and what makes you different. No phone numbers or links.
Services or products are added (4 points)
It shows customers you do the exact thing they searched for.
How to fix: Add your main services or products, with prices where you can.

Trust

There are 10 or more real photos, including the signboard and inside (9 points)
Photos help customers recognise your business from the road and trust it before they visit.
How to fix: Upload clear photos of your signboard, entrance, inside, team and work. Real photos, not stock images.
I reply to reviews, good and bad (7 points)
Replies show you care. People reading a bad review look at how the owner answered.
How to fix: Reply to every review with a short thank-you. For a bad one, stay calm and offer to sort it out on the phone.
Same name, address and phone on Justdial, IndiaMART and other listings (6 points)
When details differ across sites, Google and customers can't be sure which one is right.
How to fix: Search your business name online and update every listing so the name, address and phone match your Google profile.

Activity

I ask every customer for a Google review (9 points)
Most happy customers never think of leaving a review unless someone asks.
How to fix: Send your review link on WhatsApp after every visit or job. Ask everyone the same way, and never offer anything in return.
I got a new review in the last month (6 points)
Fresh reviews tell customers you're open and still doing good work.
How to fix: Start asking every customer this week. A steady few each month counts for more than a rush once a year.
I posted an update in the last month (5 points)
Posts show you're active and give customers a reason to pick you today, like an offer or a new service.
How to fix: Add a post with a photo: a new product, an offer, festival timings or a recent job.

Need a review link to send customers? Make one free.

Questions

How is the score worked out?

Each item carries points, and they add up to 100. The points are our own judgement of how much each item matters for a local business in India, based on our work on Google listings. They aren't from Google or from a study.

Is this the same as the free listing check?

No. This checklist runs on what you tick, so it's only as accurate as your answers. The free listing check looks up your real Google listing and compares it with businesses near you.

Do I need to log in or share my details?

No. Your ticks are saved only in your own browser, so you can come back and update them. Nothing is sent to us.

Will ticking everything put me first on Google Maps?

No checklist can promise that. Distance from the customer and how well known your business is also matter. A complete, active profile gives you the best chance with the things you control.

See what Google really shows

Our free audit looks up your live listing, scores it, and shows how you compare with businesses nearby. Or let us handle the whole checklist for you every month.

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