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:

  1. Ensure new or existing page is properly claimed and verified using postcard verification

  2. Activate all sections in “Info section “of GBP dashboard 

  3. Ensure business name is exactly as client wants (ie. ABC Company, LLC: ie NOT ABC Co or ABC Corp)

  4. Ensure address is exactly accurate - confirm with US Postal service (123 Main St, Not 123 Main Street)

  5. Add service area locations if (ie. Serving in Encinitas, 92024; Cardiff, 92007, Carlsbad, 92008)

  6. Ensure business phone number is accurate (business phone number, not personal number)

  7. Select primary and secondary categories (ie. Architect, designer, contractor, etc)

  8. Ensure business hours are correct 

  9. Ensure holiday hours/closed days are correct/updated (ie. Closed on 9/6/21 Labor Day)

  10. Establish website button and verify that correct website URL is added in the page (ie. www.abc.com)

  11. Activate appointment link, direct visitors to correct page of clients website (ie. www.abc.com/contact-us)

  12. Activate Products section of GBP

  13. Establish 3 products with images to page (ie. For Architect: New Home Design, Kitchen Remodels, ADUs)

  14. Activate service section of GBP

  15. Establish 3 services to page (ie. Home Remodeling, Design Build, General Contracting)

  16. Select attributes (if applicable - varies by business type; ie. Online Appointments available)

  17. Add business description (“From the business” Welcome message)

  18. Add business established date (ie. Opened on May 7th, 2019)

  19. Upload photos (Minimum of 5, portfolio, office, staff, etc.)

  20. Upload videos if provided by client

  21. Select appropriate “cover image” (First image on the page; ie. For architect, picture of elegant home)

  22. Add company logo (If available)

  23. Enable messaging (Enables searchers to message from the Google Business Page)

  24. Activate FAQ section (Q&A)

  25. Add one FAQ and answer (ie. What type of services do you provide?)

  26. Assess reviews and suggest how to respond

  27. Ensure dashboard is setup and secure.

  28. Ensure SEO keywords are embedded into description, Q&A, product, services sections

  29. Activate “Advanced Information” sections if applicable (Store code, labels, extension) 

  30. Ensure that “User” access is appropriately set up

  31. Ensure “Settings” (and alerts in setting section) are properly activated

  32. Ensure location is accurate in Google Maps

  33. Create a Google Post (if client provides content) 

  34. Send client access to GBP dashboard

  35. Send client access to Google Insights

  36. Send “How to get reviews” email Template to client (if applicable - little to no reviews)