Here is a comprehensive list of the information Google Business Profile (GBP) asks for when creating or managing a Google Maps listing:
Basic Business Information
- Business Name (Must match the real-world business name EXACTLY)
- Business Category (Primary category + optional secondary categories; piling in extra categories DOES NOT HELP, IT HURTS)
- Business Address (Physical location or service area; you only get the pin-drop if you have a physical location with signage and workspace… the pindrop gets 3-5x more leads/traffic/exposure/ranking)
- Service Areas (For businesses that travel to customers)
- Phone Number (Main contact number; must match what is everywhere else)
- Website URL (Optional but recommended)
Operational Details
- Business Hours (Regular hours of operation)
- Special Hours (Holiday or temporary hours)
- More Hours (Options like drive-thru, online service hours, senior hours)
- Business Description & Attributes
- Business Description (750-character summary of services, mission, or unique aspects)
- Opening Date (Optional; when the business started)
- Attributes & Highlights (e.g., women-owned, wheelchair-accessible, free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating)
Photos & Media
- Profile Photo (Main image representing the business)
- Cover Photo (Primary visual shown in search results)
- Business Photos (Interior, exterior, team, services, products)
- Videos (Optional but encouraged for engagement)
Products & Services
- Services Offered (List of services with descriptions)
- Products (For retail businesses; includes name, description, price, and image)
Customer Engagement & Interaction
- Messaging (Chat Feature) (Allows customers to message the business directly)
- Q&A Section (Users can ask and business can respond)
- Reviews & Ratings (Customers leave reviews and businesses can respond)
- Google Posts (Updates, offers, events, and announcements)
Additional Business Details
- Booking Links (For appointments and reservations)
- Menu (For Restaurants & Cafés) (Full menu with items, descriptions, and prices)
- Online Ordering (Link to food delivery services or direct ordering options)
- Hotel Listings (Pricing, amenities, and booking links for hotels)
Verification & Compliance
- Verification Process (Usually via postcard, phone, email, or video verification)
- Compliance with Google’s Guidelines (Ensuring the listing follows Google’s policies)
Having complete and accurate information in a Google Business Profile improves visibility, rankings, and customer engagement on Google Maps and Search.