Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
Your profile is the biggest single factor in local search, and the data source AI tools rely on most. Fill in every field: accurate categories, hours, services, service area, and photos. A thin or incomplete profile can be left out of AI answers entirely.
Build a steady flow of reviews
Recent, genuine reviews improve both your ranking and the confidence of people choosing you. AI tools now read the wording of reviews, not only the star count. The simplest system is to ask every happy customer, with an easy link.
Keep your details consistent everywhere
Your name, address, and phone number should match exactly across your website, your profile, and local directories. Small inconsistencies quietly hold your ranking back.
Publish a little local content
A few useful, genuinely local pages signal relevance better than a stream of generic posts.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Google Business Profile and why does it matter?
It is your free listing on Google Search and Maps. It controls how you show up for local searches and feeds the information AI assistants use when they recommend businesses.
How do I get more Google reviews without breaking the rules?
Ask every satisfied customer directly and make it easy with a short link. You can request reviews. You cannot offer rewards for them or hide negative ones.
Why isn't my business showing up on Google Maps?
Usually the profile is unverified or incomplete, the main category is wrong, or your business details are inconsistent across the web. All three are fixable.
Does my Google Business Profile affect ChatGPT and AI search?
Yes. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity draw heavily on Google Business Profile data when they recommend local businesses.