On The Map

What the series covers

Google Business Profile basics that actually cost a town money when they’re wrong: hours, claim status, descriptions, review replies, messaging. Written for the paper’s readers — owners and operators — not for SEO consultants.

Published editions

• Your Google hours are wrong, and you don’t know it Check and fix your Google Business hours — including seasonal and holiday hours — before travellers drive past.
• Outdated listings are costing your entire community Stale Google hours don’t just hurt one shop — visitors stop trusting the whole street.
• Your description says nothing and a stranger is trying to decide if you’re worth the turn How to write a Google Business Profile description that actually helps a traveller decide to stop.
• Google already made a listing for your business. It probably has the wrong information. Claim your Google Business Profile so you can fix hours, address, and ‘permanently closed’ mistakes.
• Your reviews are a conversation. Right now you’re the one not talking. How to respond to Google reviews — happy and harsh — without writing essays.
• Someone on the highway wants to ask if you have room. Make sure they get an answer. After Google’s chat button went away: make your listing, voicemail, and site answer travellers on the move.

Editors: email [email protected] for a plain-text pack. Credit line: Christopher Ross, shippedwords.com.