GBP 36-Point Checklist
Google Business Page Basics
Elements of an optimized Google Business Page
Some of the features appear automatically and others need to be activated in the Google My Business dashboard.
Photos
Google Maps integration
Directions Button
Consumer star rating (one to five stars)
A link to the business’s website
Reviews
Review responses
Business location
Hours
Phone number
Appointment link
Business description
Product or Service features
Questions and Answers (serves as a FAQs)
Google Posts
Google Dashboard. Many of the above features need to be activated on the Google My Business dashboard, which is accessible once a Google Business Page is claimed and verified. The dashboard also gives insights on traffic and search volume.
Google Posts. Posts appear for seven days and then are archived, unless the post is for an event that is more than seven days away. In that case, the post will remain visible until the event date.
36-Point Google Business Page Optimization Checklist:
Ensure new or existing page is properly claimed and verified using postcard verification
Activate all sections in “Info section “of GBP dashboard
Ensure business name is exactly as client wants (ie. ABC Company, LLC: ie NOT ABC Co or ABC Corp)
Ensure address is exactly accurate - confirm with US Postal service (123 Main St, Not 123 Main Street)
Add service area locations if (ie. Serving in Encinitas, 92024; Cardiff, 92007, Carlsbad, 92008)
Ensure business phone number is accurate (business phone number, not personal number)
Select primary and secondary categories (ie. Architect, designer, contractor, etc)
Ensure business hours are correct
Ensure holiday hours/closed days are correct/updated (ie. Closed on 9/6/21 Labor Day)
Establish website button and verify that correct website URL is added in the page (ie. www.abc.com)
Activate appointment link, direct visitors to correct page of clients website (ie. www.abc.com/contact-us)
Activate Products section of GBP
Establish 3 products with images to page (ie. For Architect: New Home Design, Kitchen Remodels, ADUs)
Activate service section of GBP
Establish 3 services to page (ie. Home Remodeling, Design Build, General Contracting)
Select attributes (if applicable - varies by business type; ie. Online Appointments available)
Add business description (“From the business” Welcome message)
Add business established date (ie. Opened on May 7th, 2019)
Upload photos (Minimum of 5, portfolio, office, staff, etc.)
Upload videos if provided by client
Select appropriate “cover image” (First image on the page; ie. For architect, picture of elegant home)
Add company logo (If available)
Enable messaging (Enables searchers to message from the Google Business Page)
Activate FAQ section (Q&A)
Add one FAQ and answer (ie. What type of services do you provide?)
Assess reviews and suggest how to respond
Ensure dashboard is setup and secure.
Ensure SEO keywords are embedded into description, Q&A, product, services sections
Activate “Advanced Information” sections if applicable (Store code, labels, extension)
Ensure that “User” access is appropriately set up
Ensure “Settings” (and alerts in setting section) are properly activated
Ensure location is accurate in Google Maps
Create a Google Post (if client provides content)
Send client access to GBP dashboard
Send client access to Google Insights
Send “How to get reviews” email Template to client (if applicable - little to no reviews)