Google Business Profile Optimisation: Melbourne Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Google Business Profile Optimisation: Melbourne Guide

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the single most important factor for appearing in Google Maps and local search results. A fully optimised GBP can put your Melbourne business in front of thousands of local searchers every month — for free.

Last Updated: February 2026

Why GBP Matters

• **42% of local search clicks** go to businesses in the Map Pack
• **Businesses with photos** get 42% more direction requests
• **Businesses with 20+ reviews** rank significantly higher
• **GBP is free** — no monthly cost, no ads budget needed

Step-by-Step Optimisation

Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Listing

1. Go to business.google.com
2. Search for your business name
3. Claim the listing or create a new one
4. Verify via postcard, phone, or email

Step 2: Complete Every Field

• **Business name:** Use your real business name (no keyword stuffing)
• **Category:** Choose the most specific primary category. Add 2-3 secondary categories.
• **Address:** Use your actual business address. Service-area businesses can hide the address.
• **Phone:** Use a local Australian number (not 1800)
• **Website:** Link to your homepage
• **Hours:** Keep accurate. Update for public holidays.
• **Description:** 750 characters. Include your location, services, and what makes you different.

Step 3: Add Photos (Critical)

Google says businesses with photos receive:

• 42% more requests for directions
• 35% more click-throughs to websites

Upload at least:

• 5 exterior photos (different angles, day and night)
• 5 interior photos
• 3 team photos
• 5+ work examples (before/after for tradies)
• Your logo

Update photos monthly. Stale profiles rank lower.

Step 4: Get Google Reviews

This is the #1 ranking factor for the Map Pack.

How to get reviews:

1. After every job, send a text with your Google review link
2. Make it easy — provide a direct link (search "Google review link generator")
3. Respond to EVERY review — positive and negative
4. Never buy fake reviews — Google detects and penalises this

Target: 20+ reviews to compete in Melbourne for most industries.

Step 5: Post Weekly Updates

Google Business posts appear in your listing and signal activity:

• Share project photos
• Announce offers or seasonal specials
• Share blog posts
• Post customer testimonials

Aim for 1-2 posts per week.

Step 6: Add Services and Products

List every service you offer with descriptions and pricing. This helps Google match you to specific searches.

Step 7: Q&A Section

Answer common questions on your listing before customers ask. This content appears in search results.

Common GBP Mistakes

1. **Keyword stuffing the business name** — Google will suspend your listing
2. **Wrong category** — This is the biggest ranking factor. Research competitors.
3. **Ignoring reviews** — Not responding signals you don not care
4. **Stale photos** — Update at least quarterly
5. **Wrong hours** — Customers who show up when you are closed leave bad reviews

Melbourne-Specific Tips

• Add Melbourne suburbs you serve in your description
• Use "Melbourne" in your website title tags
• Get listed in Melbourne-specific directories (True Local, Yellow Pages)
• Join local business networks for citations
• Attend and get tagged at Melbourne business events

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Need help optimising your Google Business Profile? Contact CoreWebHub — we include GBP guidance with every website project. Call 0432 405 388.