Free Google Business Profile Checklist
The 3 most common GBP mistakes we find auditing Toronto small businesses, and exactly how to fix each one.
Your primary category is too broad
The problem: Listing yourself under a generic category like "Restaurant" or "Contractor" dilutes your ranking across the specific searches that actually bring customers in.
The fix: Set your primary category to the most specific option available (e.g. "Italian Restaurant" or "Kitchen Remodeler"), and add 2-3 relevant secondary categories.
Photos and posts haven't been updated recently
The problem: A GBP listing with stale photos and no recent activity signals to both Google and customers that the business may not be active or well-run.
The fix: Upload fresh photos monthly and publish a short GBP post at least every two weeks: new offers, projects, or seasonal updates all count.
Reviews are going unanswered
The problem: Review response rate and recency are ranking signals. Unanswered reviews also read poorly to anyone scrolling before they call.
The fix: Reply to every new review within 48 hours, positive or negative. A short, genuine response takes under a minute and compounds over time.
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