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🟣 Step 2: Keep Your Google Business Profile Active

Step 2 of the Local SEO SetupZ Series

Updated this week

In this step, you’ll learn how to keep your Google Business Profile fresh, engaging, and active—so it continues to rank well and attract customers.

Expand each section below to follow the step-by-step instructions.

📸 Post: Add High-Quality Photos to Your Profile

What to do


Upload clear, real photos of your business, location, team, or services.

Why it matters


Photos improve engagement, build trust, and signal activity to Google. Profiles with recent, high-quality images tend to rank better in local search.

How to do it

  1. Open your Google Business Profile dashboard

  2. Go to the “Photos” section

  3. Upload:

    📍 A photo of your storefront or exterior (with signage if possible)

    🚪 An interior view of your space (showing ambiance or layout)

    👥 Your team in action or in uniform

    🔧 A few images showing services or final results (e.g., repairs, meals, installations)

  4. Name your image files clearly—ideally using keywords and locations.
    e.g., “hvac-truck-chicago.jpg” or “salon-exterior-miami.jpg”

Common mistakes to avoid

❌ Using stock photos or generic graphics

❌ Uploading blurry or outdated images

❌ Forgetting to update photos after renovations or branding changes

Pro Tip


Añadir nota sobre formato de nombre de archivo geolocalizado (opcional: “storefront-newyork.jpg” ayuda a contextualizar)

✅ Once done, your profile will look more trustworthy and visually active to new customers.

⭐ Collect: Get and Respond to Customer Reviews

What to do


Ask satisfied customers to leave a review, and respond to all feedback—especially in the early stage.

Why it matters


Reviews are a major local ranking factor and also influence customer decisions. Active review management shows you're listening and trustworthy.

How to do it

  1. Go to your GBP dashboard → click “Get more reviews”

  2. Copy your review link

  3. Share it by:

    📧 Adding it to your email signature

    💬 Sending a post-service text message

    🧾 Including it on a printed card or receipt

  4. Respond to every review—ideally within 24–48 hours:

    - Positive: thank them by name and mention a detail

    - Negative: stay calm, brief, and professional

💬 Example reply (positive):
“Thanks so much, Ashley! We’re glad the Saturday AC repair got you back up and running.”

💬 Example reply (negative):
“We’re sorry to hear that, Jon. We’ve messaged you to make it right.”

Common mistakes to avoid

❌ Asking for reviews in bulk or offering rewards

❌ Ignoring or deleting bad reviews

❌ Posting fake reviews

Pro Tip


Make reviews part of your customer follow-up process. A quick message after service increases response rate.

✅ Once done, your GBP will gain trust signals and Google will see you as more locally relevant.

🛠️ Add: Complete the “Services” Section

What to do


Use the “Services” section to list exactly what your business offers—using customer-friendly language.

Why it matters


Google uses this content to match your profile with relevant searches. It also helps customers immediately know if you offer what they need.

How to do it

  1. In your GBP dashboard → go to “Edit services”

  2. Add each service separately using natural phrases

  3. (Optional) Add a short description per service

  4. Save your updates

💬 Example:

  • Service: Drain Cleaning

  • Description: “Unclog kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor drains quickly and affordably.”

Common mistakes to avoid

❌ Listing internal terms like “Tier 2 Assessment”

❌ Leaving it blank or outdated

❌ Keyword stuffing

Pro Tip


Look at the words your customers use in emails, chats, or reviews. Add services exactly the way they describe them.

✅ Once done, your profile will match more search queries and convert more views into clicks.

🌀 Wrap-up

You’ve now completed Step 2 of your Local SEO setup. Your profile is no longer static—it’s active, trusted, and optimized for engagement.

📚 Useful Official Resources


📷 Add Photos & Visuals:

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