Skip to content

Checklist, from the video

20 checks

Your Google Business Profile, top to bottom. Tick what's done. Whatever's left is your list this week.

6 sectionsGoogle's own button namesThe exact words included

01 /

Fill in the profile

4 checks

Where the edit buttons are

1. Search your business name

2. Tap Edit profile

3. Change it, then tap Save

No Edit profile button? Check you're signed in to the right Google account. Still nothing? Someone else manages it, or it isn't claimed yet. Roughly what you'll see; Google moves things around.

02 /

Say what you do

3 checks

03 /

Show your real work

3 checks

04 /

Match it everywhere

3 checks

05 /

Search yourself

4 checks

06 /

Answer and ask

3 checks

Where your review link is

1. On your profile, tap Read reviews

2. Tap Get more reviews

3. Tap Copy

Replies work the same way: Read reviews, then Reply under the review. Roughly what you'll see; Google moves things around.

The words

Copy it. Change the blanks. Send it.

Change the blanks every time. The same reply ten times reads like a robot.

Replies to your reviews

A bad review with a fair point

Thanks for telling us, [name]. You're right about [the problem], and I'm sorry. We've [what you changed]. Ask for me next time. [your first name]

A bad review you can't place

[Name], I can't find your visit in our records and I want to make it right. Reach me at [your number or email] and ask for [your first name].

A good review

Thanks, [name]. Glad the [job] came out the way you wanted. See you next time.

Stars, no words

Thanks for the stars, [name]. That means a lot to a small business.

Your profile description

Fill the blanks, then paste

[Business] is a [what you do] in [your town], serving [the towns you cover] since [year]. We [your main services, in plain words]. [One true thing that makes you different, like who does the work or how fast you answer.]

Google allows 750 characters. No prices, no sales, no links.

The text to your last 3 customers

Trades

Hi [name], it's [you] from [business]. Thanks for trusting us with the [job]. If you have a minute, a Google review would really help a small business like ours: [link]. Thanks either way.

Restaurants and catering

Hi [name], it's [you] from [business]. Thanks for choosing us for [the occasion]. If you have a minute, would you tell people how it went on Google? It really helps a small place like ours: [link]. Thanks either way.

Google's rules, short

  • Ask every customer, not only the happy ones.
  • Nothing in return, ever.
  • Never write the review for them.
  • No reviews from staff, family or anyone you work with.

From Google's own review policy. Break them and reviews get removed.

Your list this week

20 checks left

One ring per section. Screenshot this part and work it this week.

Fill in the profile done

  • Pick your exact categories
  • Name it like your sign
  • Add your website and phone
  • Write the description

Say what you do done

  • List every service
  • Tick every true attribute
  • Set your service area

Show your real work done

  • Add your logo and cover image
  • Shoot where you work
  • Add 10 real photos

Match it everywhere done

  • Enter every day's hours
  • Copy them to your website
  • Claim Apple Maps too

Search yourself done

  • Search like a stranger
  • Search your service plus town
  • Call it from another phone
  • Check your map directions

Answer and ask done

  • Answer every review
  • Grab your review link
  • Ask your last 3 customers