How long does it take to verify my Google Business Profile?

Verification typically takes 5-14 days if done by postcard. Some businesses qualify for phone or email verification, which is instant. Video verification is also available for some businesses. Be patient—you can't make major edits until verification completes.

Why doesn't my business show up in Google Maps?

If your profile is verified but not appearing, it could be due to: incomplete profile information, lack of reviews, inconsistent business information across the web, or strong competition. Focus on completing every profile field, gathering reviews, and ensuring your NAP (name, address, phone) is consistent everywhere online.

How often should I post on Google Business Profile?

Post at least weekly to show Google your business is active. Posts expire after 7 days anyway, so regular posting keeps content fresh. Even a simple update with a photo of recent work or a quick tip can help. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Can I have multiple categories on my Google Business Profile?

Yes, you can add secondary categories in addition to your primary category. Your primary category is the most important for rankings—choose carefully. Add secondary categories for other services you offer, but only if they're relevant. Don't add categories just because you could technically offer that service.

How do I get more Google reviews?

Ask satisfied customers directly, ideally right after providing good service. Make it easy—send them a direct link to your review page. Consider adding review requests to your follow-up process (email signatures, thank-you messages, receipts). Never offer incentives for reviews—that violates Google's policies and can get your profile penalized.

Google Business Profile Guide (2026) | GBP Optimization Tips

Why Google Business Profile Matters

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the single most important marketing asset for a local business. When someone searches "restaurant near me" or "plumber in Knoxville," Google shows a map with local businesses. Your GBP determines whether you appear—and how you look when you do.

Unlike your website, which might appear in organic results, your GBP appears in the coveted "Map Pack"—the first thing searchers see for local queries. If you're not optimized here, you're invisible for your most valuable searches. For Knoxville businesses, this is especially important—local customers frequently search with terms like "near me," "in Knoxville," or specific neighborhoods like "Farragut," "Maryville," or "West Knoxville."

Setting Up Your Profile

Claiming Your Business

Go to business.google.com and search for your business. If it exists, claim it. If not, create a new listing.

You'll need to verify your business—usually via postcard, phone, or email. This proves you're the actual business owner.

Basic Information

Complete these fields accurately:

Business Name: Use your real business name—no keyword stuffing
Address: Exact address (or set service areas if you don't have a storefront)
Phone: Local phone number preferred
Website: Link to your main website
Hours: Keep these accurate, including holidays

Optimization Essentials

Business Description

You get 750 characters. Use them wisely:

Describe what you do and who you serve
Include your location and service areas naturally
Highlight what makes you different
Don't stuff keywords—write for humans

Services

Add all your services with descriptions. This helps Google understand what you offer and can help you appear for specific service searches.

Attributes

Fill out all relevant attributes—things like "wheelchair accessible," "free WiFi," "veteran-owned," etc. These appear on your profile and can influence searches.

Photos That Matter

Businesses with photos get 42% more direction requests and 35% more website clicks. Add:

Logo: Square, clear, recognizable
Cover photo: Represents your business
Exterior photos: Help customers find you
Interior photos: Show your space
Product/service photos: Show your work
Team photos: Put faces to the business

Quality matters. Bright, clear, professional-looking photos outperform dark or blurry images.

Reviews: Your Reputation Engine

Reviews are crucial for both rankings and conversions.

Getting Reviews

Ask happy customers directly
Make it easy—send a direct link to your review page
Ask at the right moment (after successful delivery of service)
Never offer incentives for reviews (violates Google's policies)

Responding to Reviews

Respond to every review, positive and negative
Thank positive reviewers specifically
Handle negative reviews professionally—take it offline when needed
Never get defensive or argumentative

Google Posts

Google Posts let you share updates directly on your profile. They appear in search results and can influence click-through rates. Think of them as social media posts that show up in Google search—a free way to add fresh content to your listing.

Post types:

Updates: General business news
Events: Upcoming happenings
Offers: Sales and promotions

Best practices:

Post at least weekly
Include images
Add a call-to-action
Keep text concise

Q&A Section

Anyone can ask and answer questions on your profile. Monitor this section and:

Answer questions promptly and accurately
Pre-populate common questions with your own Q&As
Upvote helpful answers

Insights: Measuring Performance

Google provides analytics for your profile:

How customers find you (direct vs. discovery)
What searches you appear in
Customer actions (website clicks, calls, directions)
Photo views compared to competitors

Review these monthly to understand what's working and identify opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keyword stuffing your business name: "John's Plumbing | Best Plumber Knoxville | Emergency Plumbing" will get you suspended
Inconsistent NAP: Your name, address, and phone should match everywhere online
Ignoring reviews: Especially negative ones—silence looks bad
Set it and forget it: Regular activity signals to Google that you're an active business
Fake reviews: Google is good at detecting them, and penalties are severe

Your GBP Checklist

Profile claimed and verified
All basic information accurate and complete
Primary category carefully chosen
Secondary categories added where relevant
Business description written
Services listed with descriptions
All relevant attributes selected
At least 10 high-quality photos
Review response system in place
Regular posting schedule (weekly minimum)
Q&A section monitored

Related Resources

Continue learning with these related guides:

SEO Basics — The complete picture of local search optimization
Social Media Guide — Build visibility on social platforms
Content Marketing Guide — Create website content that supports your SEO

Need Help?

Google Business Profile optimization can make a dramatic difference in your local visibility. Our local SEO services include comprehensive GBP optimization for Knoxville businesses. Let's talk about getting your business found.

Google Business Profile Guide