GBP Best Practices

Best practices for getting the most out of your Google Business Profile.

Profile Optimization

Complete Every Field

• Fill all available fields
• More complete = higher ranking
• Use Synoveo's Profile Optimizer to track

Accurate Information

• Verify NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
• Match your website exactly
• Update immediately when things change

Choose Categories Wisely

• Primary category most important
• Add relevant secondary categories
• Don't over-categorize

Write a Great Description

• First 250 characters most important
• Include keywords naturally
• Describe what makes you unique
• No promotional language

Visual Content

Photo Best Practices

• High quality (no blurry images)
• Well lit
• Show real business (no stock photos)
• Update regularly
• Cover all categories

Minimum Photos

• Logo
• Cover photo
• 3+ interior
• 3+ exterior
• Team photos
• Product photos

Reviews

Getting Reviews

• Ask satisfied customers
• Make it easy (direct link)
• Respond to all reviews
• Never buy or fake reviews

Responding to Reviews

Positive: "Thank you [Name] for the kind words!
We're so glad you enjoyed [specific thing].
See you again soon!"

Negative: "Thank you for your feedback [Name].
We're sorry to hear about [issue].
Please contact us at [email] so we can make this right."

Posts

Posting Schedule

• At least weekly
• More frequent is better
• Consistent timing

Post Content Ideas

• New products/services
• Behind the scenes
• Tips related to your industry
• Special offers
• Events
• Team spotlights

Post Format

• Compelling image
• Clear headline
• Brief description
• Strong call-to-action

Q&A

Proactive Q&A

Add common questions yourself:

• Business hours questions
• Service details
• Policies
• Directions/parking

Monitor & Respond

• Check weekly
• Answer quickly
• Be helpful and accurate

Technical

Google Updates

• Check profile monthly for Google-suggested edits
• Accept or reject promptly
• Dispute incorrect changes

Duplicate Listings

• Search for duplicates
• Report and request removal
• Maintain one authoritative listing

Consistency

• Same info everywhere online
• Citations, directories, social
• Inconsistency hurts ranking

Measuring Success

Track these metrics:

• Search impressions
• Customer actions
• Website clicks
• Direction requests
• Phone calls
• Photo views