Google Business Profile Checklist 2026
Every single thing you need to do to set up and optimize your Google Business Profile in 2026. Bookmark this page and work through it systematically.
Updated: February 2026•8 min read
🏗️ Initial Setup (One-Time)
☐ Complete verification (postcard, phone, email, or video)
☐ Set business type (storefront, SAB, or hybrid)
☐ Set up messaging (or explicitly disable it)
☐ Create short name / custom URL (if available)
☐ Add booking link (if applicable)
📋 Business Information
☐ Business name matches legal name exactly
☐ Address correct and consistent with website/directories
☐ Local phone number (not toll-free)
☐ Website URL points to correct page
☐ Map pin in correct location
☐ Opening date set (enables "X years in business" badge)
🏷️ Categories
☐ Best primary category selected
☐ All relevant secondary categories added (up to 9)
☐ Studied competitor categories for ideas
📝 Description
☐ Includes primary service + city
☐ Mentions 3-5 service keywords naturally
☐ Includes differentiators and social proof
☐ Ends with a call to action
📸 Photos & Videos
☐ Professional cover photo uploaded
☐ Logo uploaded (square, clear)
☐ Exterior photos (including storefront/signage)
☐ Interior photos
☐ Team/staff photos
☐ Product/service photos
☐ 20+ total photos uploaded
☐ At least 1 video (30-120 seconds)
🛍️ Products & Services
☐ All services listed with descriptions
☐ Products added with photos, prices, and descriptions
☐ Products organized into logical categories
☐ CTA buttons linked to relevant website pages
⏰ Hours & Attributes
☐ Regular business hours set accurately
☐ Special hours for upcoming holidays added
☐ All relevant attributes selected
☐ Payment methods specified
⭐ Reviews
☐ Review request process established
☐ Review link generated and shared with customers
☐ All existing reviews responded to
☐ Fake/spam reviews flagged for removal
📰 Posts
❓ Q&A
☐ Seeded 5-10 common questions with answers
☐ Monitoring for new questions
🔄 Ongoing (Monthly)
☐ Post at least 4 times per month
☐ Add 3-5 new photos
☐ Respond to all new reviews within 24 hours
☐ Update special hours for upcoming holidays
☐ Run a free profile audit to catch issues
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