Google Business Profile Guide
Set up your Google Business Profile. Get found in Auckland.
A complete step-by-step guide to creating, completing, and optimising your Google Business Profile — the single most important free tool for local search visibility.
Free resource
Complete GBP setup for Auckland businesses
- ✓ 7-step setup checklist
- ✓ Category selection tips
- ✓ Review strategy
- ✓ Common mistakes to avoid
Step-by-Step Guide
7 steps to a fully optimised Google Business Profile.
Follow these steps in order — each one builds on the last.
Claim & Verify Your Listing
Go to business.google.com and search for your business name. If it exists, claim it. If not, create it. You'll need to verify ownership — Google typically sends a postcard with a PIN to your business address, or offers phone/email verification for some businesses.
✦ Key tips
- Use your exact legal business name
- Choose the physical address or service area correctly
- Don't use a PO Box as your primary address
Choose the Right Business Category
Your primary category is the most important single field in GBP. It tells Google what searches to show your business for. Be specific — 'Plumber' outperforms 'Contractor'. You can add secondary categories too.
✦ Key tips
- Be as specific as possible with your primary category
- Add all relevant secondary categories
- Check what categories top-ranking competitors use
- Avoid generic categories like 'Local Business'
Complete Every Profile Field
Fully completed profiles receive 5× more views. Fill in: business name, address/service area, phone, website, hours, attributes (women-led, wheelchair accessible, etc.), and a keyword-rich business description.
✦ Key tips
- Write a 750-character description using key service terms
- Set special hours for public holidays
- Add all relevant attributes for your business type
- Enable messaging if you can respond promptly
Add Photos & Videos
Businesses with photos receive 42% more directions requests and 35% more website clicks. Add: exterior and interior photos, team/staff photos, product or service images, and a cover photo that represents your brand.
✦ Key tips
- Minimum 3 photos of each type (exterior, interior, team)
- Name photos with descriptive filenames before uploading
- Add at least one video (even a simple walkthrough)
- Update photos seasonally
Build & Manage Reviews
Reviews are the #1 local ranking factor alongside relevance and distance. More reviews, and a higher average rating, drives more calls and visits. Ask every happy customer for a review — make it easy by sharing your direct review link.
✦ Key tips
- Create a short.link to your review page and add it to invoices/receipts
- Respond to every review — positive and negative
- Never incentivise or buy fake reviews
- Aim for a steady drip of reviews, not a burst
Post Weekly Updates
GBP Posts appear in your listing and show Google your business is active. Post about: offers, new services, events, before/after jobs, or just useful tips for your customers. Posts stay live for 7 days (Offers stay longer).
✦ Key tips
- Post at least once a week
- Include a photo and a call to action in every post
- Use keywords naturally in post text
- Use Offer posts for time-limited promotions
Monitor Insights & Calls
GBP Insights shows how many people viewed your listing, called your number, got directions, and visited your website. Track these monthly to see what's working and where to focus your optimisation.
✦ Key tips
- Check insights monthly
- Set up call tracking to attribute phone leads to GBP
- Monitor queries — what searches are triggering your listing?
- Watch for competitor activity in your area
Want it done for you?
We set up and manage your GBP as part of our local SEO service.
If you'd rather hand this off to an expert, we handle the full GBP setup, photo uploads, weekly posts, review strategy, and monthly reporting — bundled with your local SEO plan.
Google Business Profile Questions
Common questions from Auckland businesses about GBP setup and optimisation.
Do I need a physical storefront to have a Google Business Profile?
No. Service-area businesses (like tradies, cleaners, or mobile services) can hide their address and instead specify the suburbs or regions they serve. You still appear in local search results for those areas.
How long does it take to verify a Google Business Profile?
Phone and email verification can be instant. Postcard verification typically takes 5–14 business days. Video verification is available for some business types and is usually same-day.
Why isn't my business showing up in the Google Maps 3-Pack?
The 3-Pack is determined by relevance, distance, and prominence. If you're not appearing, common causes are: incomplete profile, wrong primary category, few reviews, no website, or strong competition in your area. We offer a GBP audit that pinpoints exactly what's holding you back.
Can I manage multiple locations from one account?
Yes. Google Business Profile supports multi-location management. You can manage all your locations from one account, with bulk verification available for businesses with 10+ locations.
Should I respond to negative reviews?
Always. A professional, calm response to a negative review often impresses potential customers more than the negative review damages. Acknowledge the issue, apologise if warranted, and offer to resolve it offline. Never argue or be defensive.
Do you offer Google Business Profile management?
Yes. We offer ongoing GBP management as part of our local SEO service — weekly posts, review response, photo updates, and monthly reporting. Ask us about bundling GBP management with your website maintenance plan.
Need help with your Google Business Profile?
We set up and optimise GBP as part of our local SEO service — get in touch for a free audit.