If you run a local business in Gisborne, Woodend, or anywhere in the Macedon Ranges, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is probably more important than your website. It’s what people see when they search for you — and often the reason they call.
Here’s how to set it up properly.
What Is Google Business Profile?
It’s the free box that appears on the right side of Google when someone searches your business name — or when they search for what you do (“web design Gisborne”, “café Woodend”, etc.).
It shows:
- Your business name, address, phone number
- Opening hours
- Photos
- Reviews
- Website link
- Directions
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Go to business.google.com
Sign in with a Google account you’ll keep access to (not an employee’s personal Gmail).
2. Enter Your Business Name
If it already exists (someone else created it), you’ll need to claim it. If not, create a new listing.
3. Choose Your Category
Pick the closest match. You can add more specific services later. Examples:
- Web Designer
- Café
- Electrician
- Yoga Studio
4. Add Your Location
For businesses with a physical address customers visit, enter the full address. For service-area businesses (plumbers, mobile mechanics), you can hide your address and set a service area instead.
5. Add Contact Details
Phone number and website URL. Use a local number if possible — it signals you’re actually local.
6. Verify Your Business
Google will send a postcard to your address with a verification code. Takes 5–14 days. (Some businesses can verify by phone or email, but postcard is most common.)
Once You’re Verified: Fill Everything Out
Incomplete profiles rank lower. Add:
- Description: 750 characters describing what you do. Include “Macedon Ranges” naturally.
- Opening hours: Accurate and kept current
- Photos: Interior, exterior, products, team. High quality, well-lit.
- Services: List what you offer
- Attributes: Wheelchair accessible, parking, etc.
- Products: If relevant, add key items with prices
Post Regular Updates
Google likes active profiles. Post once a week:
- New products or services
- Events or special offers
- Business updates (“Now open Saturdays!”)
- Behind-the-scenes photos
Collect Reviews (This Is Huge)
Reviews are a major ranking factor. After completing a job or sale, ask happy customers:
“Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps other people find us.”
Make it easy — send them a direct link to your review page.
Common Mistakes
- Keyword stuffing: Don’t name your business “Best Web Design Gisborne Cheap Fast” — Google will penalise you
- Inconsistent NAP: Your Name, Address, Phone must match exactly across your website, GBP, and all directories
- Ignoring reviews: Reply to every review, good and bad
- Set and forget: Check your profile monthly for accuracy
Need Help?
We set up and optimise Google Business Profiles as part of our local SEO work. Get in touch if you’d rather someone else handle the technical bits.
