2026-09-15 · 5 min
Most local businesses lose customers on Google for boring reasons: wrong hours, a vague category, three old photos. The good news is that boring problems are quick to fix.
1. Choose the most specific category
Your primary category is one of the strongest signals Google uses. “Italian restaurant” beats “Restaurant”. “Pediatric dentist” beats “Dentist” — if that’s what you are.
2. Make your hours bulletproof
Add regular hours and special hours for holidays. “Open now” is one of the most used filters on Google Maps.
3. Add at least 10 good photos
Outside (so people recognise you), inside, your team and your work. Then add new ones every month.
4. List your services or products
Use the words your customers use. If people search for “balayage”, don’t just write “hair colouring”.
5. Ask for reviews — every time
Ask happy customers right after a good experience. A QR code at the counter makes it easy. Never buy reviews.
6. Reply to every review
Thank people for good reviews. Answer critical ones calmly. Reply in the language the review was written in.
7. Post something once a week
Offers, news, a new team member. Posts show Google — and customers — that you’re active.
Want to know which of these matter most for your business? Run the free audit.