Every Google Business Profile Field Explained (With Examples)

When we audit Google Business Profiles, we still see the same pattern: almost 90% of local businesses leave critical fields incomplete. And when those fields aren’t filled properly, Google struggles to understand who you are, what you offer, and which customers should see you.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of every GBP field and exactly what you should be filling in to rank higher on Google Maps.

How to access your GBP dashboard:

1. Log in with the Google account connected to your business
This must be the same email you used to claim or verify your Google Business Profile.‍

2. Go to Google Search (google.com)

3. Type your exact business name
Example: BrightSide Plumbing
If you're logged into the right account, your full GBP dashboard will appear at the top of the results.

1. Categories

Your categories tell Google what you are - not what you want to rank for.

Primary Category

Your main service. This has the biggest impact on rankings, so choose the one that directly matches your core revenue driver.

Examples:

• Plumber → Plumber
• Bakery → Bakery
• Photographer → Wedding Photographer

Most businesses overthink this. Pick the one that aligns with the service that pays your bills. Google wants clarity, not creativity.

‍

Secondary Categories

Your related services or specializations. These help you show up for more searches.
We recommend adding at least 5 additional secondary categories.

Examples:
Primary: Painter
Secondary: Drywall Contractor, Interior Designer, Wallpaper Installer

Primary: Landscaper
Secondary: Tree Service, Lawn Care Service, Irrigation Equipment Supplier

Primary: Restaurant
Secondary: Indian Restaurant, Catering Service, Vegetarian Restaurant

Tips:

• Use the most specific option (Roof Cleaning Service > Cleaning Service)
• Add every relevant secondary category
• Use PlePer to explore the full list

2. Business Name

Use your exact legal business name - nothing added, nothing removed.
Businesses get suspended for keyword stuffing, and reinstatement takes weeks.

Correct: BrightSide Plumbing
Incorrect (suspension risk): BrightSide Plumbing • Best Emergency Plumber Dallas

Google is strict about business name accuracy. If you add keywords that aren’t part of your legal name, your profile can get suspended. You can confirm the rules directly in the official Google Business Profile guidelines

3. Business Description

Write this like you’re introducing yourself to a real person. Keep it natural but include:

• Your main keyword
• Your service area
• What makes you different

Example:
“We’re a family-run plumbing company serving Charlotte, specializing in water heater repairs, same-day leak fixes, and honest pricing.”

Avoid:
“AC repair Austin AC installer Austin best AC service Austin.”

4. Services

This section is massively underrated. Listing services individually helps you appear for dozens of niche searches.

Instead of one broad service like “Cleaning Service,” break it into specifics:

• Roof Cleaning
• Driveway Pressure Washing
• Window Cleaning
• Gutter Cleaning
• Patio Cleaning

This allows you to rank for searches like “gutter cleaning near me” or “roof cleaning service.”

Each service should include:

• A short, clear description
• Keywords used naturally
• A photo when possible

5. Products

Don’t overthink it. Productize your offer and list them here.
This is free ranking real estate, especially for physical goods or service packages.

Examples:

• Hair Salon → Keratin Treatment Package
• Restaurant → Family Meal Pack
• Gym → 12-Week Transformation Program

6. Attributes

Attributes show trust signals and features about your business.

Types & Examples:

Accessibility:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrance
• Accessible parking

Payments:

• Accepts credit cards
• Accepts UPI

Planning:

• Appointment required

Service Options:

• Online estimates
• On-site services

Example: A roofing company might select:

• Online estimates
• On-site services
• Appointment required

These help Google understand how customers can interact with you and also give you a major boost in click through rate.

7. Opening Hours

Use your real hours and update them whenever they change.

Example:
Mon–Sat: 9 AM–7 PM
Sun: Closed

Avoid fake “24/7” hours unless you truly operate 24/7.

8. Website Link

Your website reinforces your GBP strength. Google crawls it to confirm your business info, service areas, and relevance.

Always link to the most relevant landing page, not just your homepage.

Your landing page should clearly show:

• Primary service
• Phone number
• Service locations
• A Google Map of your location

9. Service Area

Don’t list only the main city. Add:

• Neighborhoods
• Suburbs
• Districts
• Smaller pockets of the city

This helps Google match you to hyper-local searches.

10. Q&A / FAQ Section

Don’t wait for customers to ask questions. Seed your own - this controls the narrative and the keywords.

Examples:
Q: Do you offer same-day plumbing service in Dallas?
A: Yes, we provide same-day repairs across Dallas–Fort Worth.

Q: Which areas do you serve?
A: We cover Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and Arcadia.

Questions with 3+ likes often appear higher.

11. Phone Number

Use a local number when possible.

Better for ranking:
(512) 555-8210 → Local
Not ideal: 1-800 number

12. Booking / Scheduling Links

Google prefers businesses that make taking action easy.

Examples:

• Calendly booking link
• Zenbooker scheduling page
• Website booking form

A salon linking directly to its booking calendar almost always gets more conversions than linking to its homepage.

More convenience = more conversions = stronger trust signals.

13. Photos

Photos help Google - and customers - trust you faster. Upload real, original images showing your:

• Storefront
• Team
• Work-in-progress
• Before/after results
• Branded vehicles

Before uploading, geo-tag your photos with your city/service area.

How to geo-tag:
Use GeoImgr to add location data before uploading.

14. Connect Social Media

Active social profiles signal real-world activity.
Google doesn’t check follower count - it checks consistency.

Link Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or whatever you use.

15. Google Posts & Offers

We tested weekly posting across dozens of profiles. Almost all saw increased discovery.

Post weekly using:

• Updates
• Offers
• Events

Keep them short, visual, and keyword-friendly.

Examples:
Update: “New AC tune-up plans now available for homeowners in Charlotte. Book your slot this week.”
Offer: “10% off Gutter Cleaning this month. Valid until June 30.”
Event: “Free dental check-up camp - March 12, 10 AM–2 PM.”

Always add a photo and CTA.

16. Reviews

Reviews are one of the strongest ranking + trust signals. They influence what Google shows and who customers choose.

1. Encourage reviews regularly

Aim for 5–10 new reviews per month.
Ask after completing a job.
Share a direct review link.

2. Use keywords naturally

Train customers (without forcing it) to mention:

• The service performed
• Your city
• The problem solved

Example:
“They fixed my leaking pipe within an hour. Best plumbing service in Austin.”

3. Respond to every review

Positive: “Thanks for choosing us for your window cleaning in Delhi!”
Negative: Stay calm, acknowledge, and explain the resolution.

Tip: You can ask for reviews from anyone who can vouch for your work - customers, suppliers, friends, family, team.

17. Messages / Chat

Enable messaging so customers can contact you instantly.
Just make sure you reply - ignoring messages can hurt rankings.

18. Business Highlights (if shown)

These appear directly in search and grab attention.

Examples:

• Free Estimates
• Same-Day Service
• Family Owned
• Locally Owned
• Veteran-Led

Ending Note

If you take the time to fill out each field properly, you give Google everything it needs to trust and recommend your business. Most competitors never do this, which is exactly why completeness becomes such a powerful advantageA simple next step is using the free GBP Optimizer. It generates a finished, Google-ready version of your profile that you can paste directly into your GBP dashboard