Google Business Profile Optimization: Every Field That Matters
A field-by-field walkthrough of what to fill in and how it affects ranking.
Local SEO
The fields that drive ranking
Primary category is the most important single field. Secondary categories extend relevance but dilute if overused. Business name must match your real-world signage; keyword stuffing here risks suspension. Address determines proximity weighting. Service areas extend reach for businesses without storefronts.
The fields that drive conversion
Photos increase engagement measurably; profiles with more images receive more direction requests and clicks. Hours must be accurate, including holidays. Attributes surface you in filtered searches most competitors never appear in. Products and services populate your profile with searchable detail.
Ongoing activity
Weekly Google Posts keep the profile active. Q&A can be seeded with genuine common questions and answered by you. Every review deserves a response within days, positive or negative.
Key takeaways
- Primary category is the single most important ranking field
- Never keyword-stuff the business name; suspension risk is real
- Attributes surface you in filtered searches competitors miss
- Weekly posting measurably increases profile views
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