Getting found on Google: a guide to Google Business Profile and local SEO

When someone searches "pharmacy in Kaloum", "restaurant in Freetown" or "plumber near me", Google first shows a map with business listings. Appearing there is free. Here's how.

1. Create your Google Business Profile

Go to google.com/business with a Google account you'll keep for the long term (ideally the company's, not a provider's). Enter your exact business name and choose the most specific primary category possible: it's one of the factors that matter most.

If customers visit your premises, add the address. If you travel to customers or work remotely, set a service area instead and hide the address.

Google then asks you to verify the profile. Depending on the country and type of business it offers different methods (video, phone call, text, email or post). Follow the on-screen instructions: until the profile is verified it won't fully appear.

2. Fill it in properly

• Accurate opening hours, including holidays;
• Phone number (and WhatsApp if it's your main channel);
• Website;
• A clear description of what you do and for whom, using the words your customers use;
• Services or products listed one by one;
• Real photos: shopfront, interior, team, products, past work. Add new ones regularly.

Make sure your name, address and phone number are identical everywhere: Google profile, website, Facebook, directories. That consistency reassures both Google and customers.

3. Collect customer reviews

Reviews play a big role in local rankings and in customers' decisions. Simply ask satisfied customers to leave a review, sending them the direct link provided in your profile (WhatsApp works very well for this).

Reply to every review, positive or negative, politely and promptly. Never buy fake reviews or write them yourself: it breaks Google's rules and can get your profile suspended.

4. Connect the profile to your website

Your Google profile and website reinforce each other. Your site should:

• load quickly and display properly on phones;
• have one page per service with a clear title ("Website design in Conakry" rather than "Our services");
• show contact details identical to your profile;
• regularly publish useful content (like this article) that answers customers' questions.

5. Track your results

Your Google profile shows statistics: searches, calls, direction requests and website clicks. For your website, add it to Google Search Console: you'll see which searches bring visitors and which pages to improve. Review it once a month.

Need a hand?

We set up and optimise your Google Business Profile as part of our website design projects, and we can audit your current Google presence for free.