Marketing Services
Google Business Profile
Prepare the details, categories, photos, and operating information needed for a useful local business profile.
Overview
Google Business Profile explained
A Google Business Profile is the free listing that puts your business on Google Search and Maps. When someone nearby looks for what you offer, a complete profile is often the first thing they see, so it is one of the most valuable local marketing tools available.
A useful profile is more than a pin on a map. The right categories, accurate hours, real photos, and current contact details all help customers choose you. Cockatoo helps you gather these details so your listing works hard from day one.
For many local businesses, this single listing drives more enquiries than anything else.
What to check
Key points
- It is free and often the first impression customers get of your business.
- Accurate categories and hours help Google show you for the right searches.
- Photos and reviews strongly influence whether people choose to contact you.
Before you start
What you'll need
- Your exact business name, address, and service areas.
- Current opening hours, including any public holiday changes.
- The main category and any secondary categories that fit your services.
- A phone number and website link that match the rest of your details.
- Clear, recent photos of your premises, team, or completed work.
Process
How it works
- Claim or create your profile and verify you own the business.
- Choose the most accurate primary category for what you do.
- Add your hours, contact details, and service areas.
- Upload real photos and write a clear business description.
- Keep it current by updating hours and responding to reviews.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Choosing a vague category that hides you from relevant searches.
- Letting hours go out of date, which frustrates customers who turn up closed.
- Using stock images instead of genuine photos of your business.
- Ignoring reviews rather than replying politely to build trust.
Common questions
Google Business Profile FAQs
Is a Google Business Profile free for Australian businesses?
Yes, creating and managing a Google Business Profile is free. It is Google’s own listing for local businesses, showing your details on Search and Maps. The cost is your time keeping it accurate, not a subscription fee.
How do I get found by nearby customers?
Choose an accurate primary category, keep your details current, and add real photos. Google uses this information, along with your location and reviews, to decide which searches to show you for. Completeness and accuracy matter more than anything clever.
Do I still need a website if I have a profile?
A profile is great for visibility, but a website gives you room to explain your services, answer questions, and capture enquiries on your own terms. Most businesses run both, since the profile draws people in and the website earns the booking.
How do reviews affect my profile?
Reviews influence both how customers perceive you and how prominently you appear locally. Encourage happy customers to leave honest reviews, and reply politely to all of them. A steady stream of genuine feedback builds trust over time.
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