Basics you can’t skip
- Your real business name without keyword stuffing; stuffing can get the profile suspended.
- The most accurate primary category, then relevant secondary ones.
- Opening hours, including holiday hours.
- A phone number that actually gets answered, and your website or booking link.
- A clear description of what you offer and to whom.
Photos
Add real photos of your storefront, interior, products, and team if you like. Photos help people decide, and help them recognize the place when they arrive.
Reviews and replies
Ask for a review right after a good experience, with a short link or a QR code at the counter. Reply to every review, especially negative ones, calmly and with a practical fix. Don’t buy reviews or write them yourself; it violates Google’s policies and can get them removed.
Posts and questions
Publish offers and news from within the profile, and answer recurring questions such as parking, payment methods, and bookings on your site or profile.
Example
A beauty salon in Cairo changed its category from “store” to “beauty salon”, added its real hours and service photos, and started asking for a review after every visit. It began appearing more for searches like “salon near me” because its profile became clearer and more relevant.