Start by searching for your business name on Google.

You can do this on your phone or computer – just type your business name and location into the search bar.

Look for your business information in the panel on the right-hand side (on desktop) or at the top of the results (on mobile). This is your Google Business Profile in action.

Can’t see your listing?

Head to google.com/business and search for your business there. If it appears, you can claim it. If it doesn’t exist at all, you can create one (it’s free and takes about five minutes).

If your profile isn’t verified, you can’t manage it, and that means you can’t update your hours, respond to reviews, or add photos.

To check:

• Log into your Google Business Profile (you’ll need to use the Google account associated with your listing)
• Look for a green tick or “Verified” badge on your dashboard

Not verified yet?

Google will walk you through the verification process. Usually, this involves receiving a postcard with a code at your business address, though sometimes phone or email verification is available. It takes a few days, but it’s essential.

Until you’re verified, you’re leaving your online presence in the hands of Google’s algorithm and/or random customer edits.

This might seem obvious, but incorrect opening hours are one of the most common complaints from customers. And if Google shows you as closed when you’re actually open, you’re losing walk-in trade.

Check that:

• Your regular hours are correct for every day of the week
• You’ve marked any special hours for bank holidays, seasonal changes, or upcoming closures

· Your hours reflect reality (if you stop serving food at 9pm but stay open until 11pm, consider noting this in your description)

Tip: If you’re closed for refurbishment or a holiday, use the “Mark as temporarily closed” feature rather than deleting your profile. This keeps your reviews and information intact.

Customers are visual. If your profile has no photos, or outdated or unappealing ones, you’re making it much harder for people to choose you.

Look at:

• Your cover photo: Is it high-quality, bright, and inviting?
• Interior and exterior shots: Do they show your space accurately?
• Food and drink photos: Are they appetising and recent?
• Team or atmosphere shots: Do they reflect the vibe of your venue?

What to do:

• Delete anything outdated (old menus, previous décor, staff who’ve moved on)
• Add fresh, high-resolution images that make people want to visit
• Aim for at least 10–15 photos covering different aspects of your business

Customers often upload their own photos too, which is great, but you want to make sure your official images set the tone.

Sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many profiles have the wrong phone number or a broken website link.

Confirm:

• Your phone number is correct and rings through to someone who can help
• Your website link works and goes to the right page (ideally your homepage or booking page)
• If you use WhatsApp Business or take orders via a third-party app, those links are included in your profile

Bonus: If you don’t have a website, you can create a free one directly through Google Business Profile. It’s simple and better than nothing.

If you serve food or drinks, your menu should be on your profile. Many customers check this before deciding where to go.

Options:

• Upload a PDF of your menu
• Add a link to your menu page on your website
• Use Google’s built-in menu feature to list items and prices

Keep this updated, especially if you run seasonal specials, change your offering, or adjust prices. An out-of-date menu frustrates customers and damages trust.

Google gives you loads of fields to fill in and the more complete your profile, the better you’ll rank in local searches.

Check you’ve included:

• A clear, keyword-rich business description (e.g., “Family-run pub in [Town] serving locally sourced food and craft beers”)
• Your business category (e.g., café, bar, restaurant)
• Attributes like “wheelchair accessible,” “outdoor seating,” “dog-friendly,” or “free Wi-Fi”
• Booking or reservation links if applicable
• Any services you offer (takeaway, delivery, dine-in, etc.)

The more relevant details you provide, the easier it is for the right customers to find you.

Your reviews are part of your profile whether you like it or not and how you respond to them says a lot about your business.

Take five minutes to:

• Read your recent reviews
• Respond to any you haven’t replied to yet (especially negative ones as handled well, they can actually boost your reputation)
• Flag any fake or inappropriate reviews to Google

Replying to reviews shows you care, and it keeps your profile active, which can help your ranking.

Finally, test how your venue appears when customers search for you, or for similar businesses in the area.

Try searching:

• Your business name
• Your business type + your location (e.g., “coffee shop in [Town]”)
• Broader terms like “best brunch near me” or “family-friendly pub [Area]”

Do you appear? How far down the list? What do competitors’ profiles look like compared to yours?

This gives you a reality check on where you stand and what might need improving.