How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile (Step by Step)

29 June 2026·1 min read

Quick answer: To optimise your Google Business Profile: claim it, fill in every field, choose the right categories, add photos, list your services, gather reviews, and post updates regularly. A complete, active profile is one of the most powerful (and free) ways to win local customers. 📍

For local businesses, your Google Business Profile often drives more enquiries than your website — and it’s completely free. Here’s how to make the most of it. 💖

Your optimisation checklist

✅ Claim and verify your profile
✅ Complete every field — hours, contact, description
✅ Choose accurate categories
✅ Add quality photos
✅ List your services or products
✅ Gather and reply to reviews
✅ Post updates and offers regularly

💡 A complete profile beats an empty one every time. Google rewards active, fully filled-out profiles — so the businesses that add photos, reviews and posts show up above the ones that set it and forget it.

Frequently asked questions

How do I optimise my Google Business Profile?

Claim and verify it, complete every field, choose accurate categories, add photos, list your services, gather and reply to reviews, and post updates regularly. A complete, active profile is one of the best free ways to win local customers.

Is a Google Business Profile free?

Yes — it’s completely free to claim and optimise. That makes it one of the highest-return marketing tools for any local business.

Why isn’t my business showing up on Google Maps?

Often your profile is incomplete, unverified, or missing categories, photos and reviews. Complete every field, verify it, gather reviews, and keep it active to improve your local visibility.

Keep reading 🤍

Written by

Kate, founder of Chronically Online

I help Gold Coast and Brisbane businesses grow with branding, websites and marketing that actually works.

Work with me ✦