Google Business Profile is a free Google tool where you manage how your business appears in Google Maps and local search results. Essential for companies with a physical location.
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the platform where you can claim and manage your business profile on Google. Profile elements: (1) Business name, address, phone (NAP); (2) Category (restaurant, salon, medical office); (3) Opening hours; (4) Photos & video; (5) Website link; (6) Description; (7) Service areas (if you go to clients in multiple places); (8) Q&A; (9) Posts (temporary updates); (10) Review management (reply to reviews). The profile appears in Google Maps, the Local Pack and Google Search. Reviews on it are publicly visible and affect trust and ranking.
The profile is the first point of contact for a local business. A complete profile, updated with correct hours and photos = 30% more calls. Positive reviews = higher trust, better local ranking.
Source: Google My BusinessLocal SEO optimizes your site and business profile to appear in Google Maps and local search results for location keywords ("hair salon London").
NAP = Name, Address, Phone. NAP consistency means a business's Name, Address and Phone are identical across the whole web (site, GBP, directories). Inconsistency = poor local ranking.
Citations are mentions of your business's NAP (Name, Address, Phone) on other websites, directories or review platforms. Without a link. Citations signal local authority.
Google reviews are ratings and comments left by customers on a Google Business Profile. Positive reviews = higher trust, more local traffic. Negative reviews = a problem.
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