Google Business Profile Setup Guide for Australian Businesses (2025)

Why Google Business Profile Matters for Australian Businesses

If you run a local business in Australia—whether you're a tradie, cafe owner, or professional service provider—Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the single most important free tool for getting found online.

Here's the reality: 46% of all Google searches have local intent. When someone searches "plumber near me" or "cafe Parramatta," Google shows Business Profiles first. If you're not there, you're invisible.

Step 1: Claim Your Business Profile

Getting Started

1. . Go to [business.google.com](https://business.google.com)
2. . Sign in with your Google account (create one if needed)
3. . Search for your business name
4. . If it exists, click "Claim this business"
5. . If not, click "Add your business to Google"

Business Name Rules

Do: - Use your real business name exactly as registered - Include location only if it's part of your legal name

Don't: - Add keywords (e.g., "Best Plumber Sydney" ❌) - Add phone numbers or website URLs - Use ALL CAPS

Google will suspend profiles that violate naming guidelines.

Step 2: Complete Every Section

Essential Information (Complete These First)

1. Business Categories - Choose your primary category carefully—this affects what searches you appear in - Add secondary categories (up to 9 more) - Be specific: "Electrician" is better than "Contractor"

2. Address & Service Area - Physical location: Enter your exact address - Service-area business: Define suburbs/regions you serve - Hybrid: Show address AND set service areas

3. Business Hours - Set regular hours - Update for public holidays - Add "More hours" for special services (e.g., phone support hours)

4. Phone Number - Use local number if possible (more trusted than 1800) - Make sure it's answered during business hours

5. Website Link - Link to your homepage - Ensure your site is mobile-friendly

Profile Completeness Checklist

Step 3: Add High-Quality Photos

Photos are HUGE for engagement. Businesses with photos receive: - 42% more requests for directions - 35% more clicks to their websites

Photo Types to Add

1. . Logo - Your brand mark (minimum 720x720px)
2. . Cover photo - Best representation of your business
3. . Exterior photos - Help people find you
4. . Interior photos - Show your space
5. . Team photos - Build trust
6. . Product/Service photos - Show what you offer
7. . At work photos - Action shots (great for tradies!)

Photo Tips

• Minimum 10 photos (more is better)
• Use good lighting
• Show real people, real work
• Update regularly with new projects
• Don't use stock photos

Step 4: Get Reviews (And Respond to Them)

Reviews are the #1 ranking factor for local search. Here's how to build them:

How to Get More Reviews

1. . Ask every happy customer
2. - "Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review?"
3. - Timing: Right after a successful job

2. Make it easy - Create a direct review link: In your Business Profile dashboard, find "Ask for reviews" to get your unique link - Share via text, email, or QR code

3. Follow up - Send a thank-you message with review link - Don't offer incentives (against Google's terms)

Review Response Best Practices

For positive reviews: > "Thanks so much for the kind words, [Name]! It was a pleasure working with you. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review!"

For negative reviews: > "Hi [Name], we're sorry to hear about your experience. We take feedback seriously and would love the chance to make this right. Please contact us at [phone/email] so we can discuss further."

Key rules: - Respond to ALL reviews within 24-48 hours - Keep it professional, never defensive - Take issues offline - Thank people for feedback

Step 5: Use Google Posts

Posts are free mini-ads that appear on your profile. Types include:

• What's New - General updates, news
• Events - Promotions, open days
• Offers - Discounts, specials
• Products - Showcase what you sell

Post Best Practices

• Post at least weekly
• Include an image (minimum 720x540px)
• Add a call-to-action button
• Keep text under 300 words
• Posts expire after 7 days (events after event date)

Step 6: Add Products & Services

This section helps you appear for specific searches.

For Service Businesses

Add each service with: - Clear name - Price or price range - Description (include keywords naturally)

Example for Electrician: - Safety Switch Installation - From $250 - Professional installation of RCD safety switches for your home or business - Switchboard Upgrade - From $800 - Upgrade your old fuse box to a modern switchboard - Emergency Electrician - Call for quote - 24/7 emergency electrical repairs in Sydney

For Product Businesses

Add your products with: - Name - Category - Price - Description - Photo

Step 7: Monitor Insights

Google provides free analytics on how people find and interact with your profile.

Key Metrics to Track

• Search queries - What terms people use to find you
• Views - How many people see your profile
• Actions - Calls, direction requests, website clicks
• Photo views - How engaging your photos are

Using Insights

1. . Check monthly for trends
2. . Note which search terms bring traffic
3. . Update your profile based on what's working
4. . Compare against previous periods

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. . ❌ Keyword stuffing in business name
2. - Will get you suspended

2. ❌ Not responding to reviews - Shows you don't care about customers

3. ❌ Outdated information - Wrong hours = frustrated customers

4. ❌ No photos - Missing out on 42% more engagement

5. ❌ Not using posts - Free marketing you're leaving on the table

6. ❌ Ignoring negative reviews - Future customers will see your silence

Quick Win Checklist

Do these today to improve your local visibility:

• [ ] Claim your Google Business Profile
• [ ] Verify your business (may take 1-2 weeks)
• [ ] Complete ALL profile sections
• [ ] Add 10+ high-quality photos
• [ ] Write your business description (use keywords naturally)
• [ ] Add all services with prices
• [ ] Ask 5 happy customers for reviews
• [ ] Create your first Google Post
• [ ] Set correct business hours
• [ ] Check back weekly for new reviews

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