Q1. Remind me—what exactly is a Google Business Profile?
A: Think of it as your shop-front in Google Search and Maps. It’s a free card-style listing that shows your name, address, phone, opening times, photos, products and the latest updates—all in one neat panel.
Q2. Does it really make a difference?
A: Absolutely. Around 1 in 2 Google searches are local. If you can nudge your way into the three little map results at the top of the page, you’ll grab a stream of calls and clicks without paying a penny in ads.
Q3. How do I claim and verify the thing?
A: Search for your business, hit “Own this business?” and follow Google’s PIN steps (postcard, call or email). Once verified, no random competitor can mess with your hours—or worse, mark you “Closed”.
Q4. Everyone keeps shouting about “NAP consistency”. Why?
A: NAP stands for Name-Address-Phone. Every public mention of those three details needs to match—letter for letter—across your website, directories and socials. One stray comma or old phone number can knock you down the rankings.
Q5. Which category should I choose?
A: Go laser-specific. A fencing firm will rank faster as “Fence Contractor” than as the vague catch-all “Construction Company”. Add secondary categories only when they’re bang-on relevant.
Q6. Isn’t proximity the whole game?
A: Distance does help, but Bristol’s packed. When ten plumbers are within a mile, Google looks at reviews, photos, backlinks and profile completeness to decide who gets those prized three spots.
Q7. How powerful are customer reviews, really?
A: They’re rocket fuel. A drip-feed of honest, detailed reviews tells Google—and real people—you’re alive, trusted and worth a visit. Always reply; silence looks like you don’t care.
Q8. Backlinks—do they still matter for local businesses?
A: 100 %. A link from the local newspaper, chamber of commerce or a trusted blogger is a vote of confidence that lifts your website’s authority and, by extension, your profile’s clout.
Q9. How often should I tinker with my profile?
A: Whenever something changes—holiday hours, new menu, fresh staff photo. Drop a quick Post every week or two. Google loves signs of life.
Q10. I’ve spotted two listings for my company. Problem?
A: Big one. Duplicate profiles split your reviews and confuse customers. Claim both, then ask Google to merge or remove the extra. Sorted.
Q11. Where do I see the numbers?
A: Inside GBP Insights. It tracks how people found you, what buttons they pressed (call, website, directions) and how your photos stack up. Check monthly and tweak your strategy.
Q12. When should I call in an expert?
A: If you’re drowning in day-to-day tasks or battling fierce competition, an SEO agency can handle citations, review campaigns and link building—usually for less than a single print ad.
Speed-Run Checklist
Claim & verify the listing
Fix every NAP mention
Pick a razor-sharp primary category
Upload crisp photos (logo, team, exterior)
Ask for reviews—and answer them
Post offers or news fortnightly
Update holiday hours the moment they change
Kill any duplicate profiles
Earn local backlinks
Check Insights each month and adjust