Free guide
Google Business Profile & local directory checklist
Your listings are the fastest win in local search. Work through this checklist in order and use the exact same business name, address and phone number everywhere.
Part 1 — Google Business Profile
- 01Claim or create your profile at google.com/business and verify by video or postcard.
- 02Use your exact legal business name — no keyword stuffing, or Google can suspend the listing.
- 03Set one precise primary category, then add secondary categories for every service you offer.
- 04Add your address if customers visit you; otherwise hide it and set a service area covering the cities and towns you serve.
- 05Fill in hours, holiday hours, website, booking link and a phone number with a local area code.
- 06Write a 750-character description that names your city and main services in the first sentence.
- 07Upload at least 15 real photos: exterior, interior, team, vehicles and finished work.
- 08List every service with its own description and price range.
- 09Post weekly — offers, project photos, seasonal reminders.
- 10Ask for a review after every completed job and reply to all of them within 48 hours.
Part 2 — Directories to claim
Submit in this order. Consistency matters more than volume: one wrong suite number or old phone number can cost you map pack positions.
- Google Business ProfileHighest impact. Do this first.
- Bing Places for BusinessFeeds Bing Maps and Copilot answers.
- Apple Business ConnectPowers Apple Maps and Siri results.
- Yellow Pages (yellowpages.ca / yellowpages.com)Strongest directory citation in both countries.
- YelpFrequently surfaces for 'near me' searches.
- Facebook Business PageCounts as a citation and carries reviews.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)Trust signal plus a citation, US and Canada.
- Your local Board of TradeA local authority link for businesses in your city.
- Local Chamber of Commerce directoryJoin the chamber covering your area.
- HomeStars / Angi / TrustedProsEssential for trades and contractors.
- Nextdoor BusinessNeighbourhood-level visibility in your service area.
- Industry associationsAny state, provincial or trade body directory.
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