Your Google Business Profile is the single highest-leverage asset in local search. This is the exact checklist we run for every client in the Portland Metro — work through it top to bottom.
Identity
Business name matches your real-world name exactly (no keyword stuffing — Google suspends for it). Correct primary category, most specific available. 1–2 relevant secondary categories, never padded.
Location and service area
Address accurate or hidden if home-based. Service area set to the cities you truly serve — under 10 is a good rule. Hours accurate, including holidays.
Contact and booking
Phone matches your website footer. Website link works. Booking link connected if you take appointments.
Content
Description mentions what you do, the areas you serve, and your terms in plain language — AI answers now quote it directly. Every service listed with a 1–2 sentence description. 10+ photos, added a few at a time, not dumped at once.
Activity
One post per week minimum — offers, completed jobs, tips. Every review gets a reply within 48 hours. New photos monthly.
Trust
Reviews arriving steadily beats a burst of five in one weekend. Ask within 24 hours of finishing work. Never buy reviews — the penalty outlasts the boost.
Score under 80% on this list? That gap is exactly what our Google Business Profile optimization fixes — or grab the free strategy call and we will walk your profile together.