Free Resource
5-Day Google Business Challenge
This 5-day challenge is designed to help you get your Google Business Profile set up and optimized. Start by gathering the necessary information using the checklist below, then follow the rest of the steps to complete and enhance your listing!
Printable PDF Version- 1
Day 1: Prepare Your Information
Before you dive into filling out your Google Business Profile, make sure you've gathered the following details. This will save you time and ensure your profile is complete.
Google Business Profile Information Checklist
- • Business Name
- • Business URL
- • Categories (choose 3 that best describe your business)
- • Opening Date
- • Business Address (do you want it to show on your listing?)
- • Business Phone Number (do you accept text messages?)
- • Business Email Address
- • Hours of Operation (include your time zone)
- • Special Hours (holiday hours or dates you're closed annually)
- • More Hours (breakfast, happy hour, pick-up times, online service hours, etc.)
- • Appointment Link (if applicable)
- • Menu Link (for restaurants or service-based businesses)
- • Reservation Link (if applicable)
- • Products and Services, with descriptions
- • FAQs
- • Social Media Links
- • Languages Spoken
- • Keywords for search optimization
- • Service Area(s)
- • Media: logos (250x250px), cover image (1024x576px), building photos
- • Q&A (any frequently asked questions to pre-fill)
- • Business Description (750 characters max)
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Day 2: Claim Your Google Business Listing
Already did this? Skip to Day 3! Goal: claim and verify your Google Business Profile.
- • Option 1: Search Google for your business name. Your GBP listing should appear on the right-hand side. Click “Own this business?” and follow the prompts to claim it.
- • Option 2: Visit google.com/business, click Manage Now, and follow the instructions to claim your business.
Troubleshooting
- • Can't find your business? Follow the steps to create a new listing.
- • No physical address? Google lets you specify if you don't want to show your address.
- • Photos showing as rejected? Give it a day or two, and reach out to us if they're still not approved.
- • Need video verification? We can't help with the video itself, but we have a free document explaining what to expect — contact us for it.
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Day 3: Review and Update Your Business Information
Goal: make sure your business information is accurate and up-to-date.
Review your details: check your address, phone number, hours, and website URL under Info and update anything that needs it.
Service Areas: if your business serves locations outside your primary address, add those cities under Service Areas.
Tip: Google will need to verify any edits — this can take anywhere from a few hours to over 30 days.
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Day 4: Add Photos and Update Your Services
Goal: enhance your profile with visuals and detailed service listings.
Add photos: upload high-quality images of your business, products, team, or interior/exterior shots under Photos.
Review/update your services: make sure you list all the services your business provides — the more detailed, the better.
Update your description: keep it under 750 characters and include relevant keywords to help customers find you.
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Day 5: Collect and Manage Reviews
Goal: start gathering Google reviews to improve your local ranking and build credibility.
Get your review link: in your GBP dashboard, find Get More Reviews and click Share Review Form to generate a direct link.
Share the link: post it on your website, social media, and email marketing.
Respond to reviews: reply promptly, thank customers for positive feedback, and address negative comments professionally.
Next Steps
By completing this 5-day challenge, your Google Business Profile will be set up and optimized for success. Keep your profile up-to-date, encourage reviews, and engage with customers to maintain a strong online presence. Set yourself apart by posting to your Google Business profile — you can use the same content you use for social media!
Shameless Promotion is not liable for any issues, losses, or damages arising from the use of these recommendations. Tools and advice are for informational purposes only. Results are not guaranteed, and users are responsible for their own actions. The information provided in this guide is accurate as of November 2024. Google Business features, procedures, and guidelines are subject to change — we recommend checking directly with Google Business for any updates that may occur after this date.
