Google Business Profile Do's and Don'ts: Your 2025 Guide to Local SEO Success

Your business Google profile is the digital storefront that can make or break your local visibility. With Google’s recent updates prioritising authenticity and quality, leaving your local SEO Google Business strategy to chance is not an option. Whether you’re looking to create a Google My Business profile from scratch or wondering how to resolve Google Business listing issues, Techtio’s digital marketing team is ready to set you on the right path.

In 2025, Google Business Profile guidelines aren’t just best practices. They are critical rules every business owner must follow to stay visible. So, let us get started with the essential do’s and don’ts that will help your business thrive in local search results.

DON’T Stuff Keywords in Your Business Name

Google’s AI system has become very advanced in detecting keyword stuffing. Thus, any additional descriptions, slogans, or services added in the name field are grounds for suspension.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Adding location keywords to your business name
• Including promotional text or slogans
• Using special characters or excessive punctuation
• Making your business name longer than necessary
• Adding services or products to the name field

DO Complete Your Profile 100%

Your business Google profile should be complete and detailed. Google rewards complete profiles with better visibility in local search results.

Key actions to take:

• Fill out every available section, including business hours, contact information, and services
• Add your complete business address and ensure it matches your website
• Include multiple phone numbers if applicable (main line, mobile, etc.)
• Upload your business logo and cover photo in high resolution (minimum 720px)

DON’T Use Stock Photos or Misleading Images

Authenticity is paramount in 2025. Google’s enhanced verification protocols can detect inauthentic imagery.

Image pitfalls to avoid:

• Using generic stock photos instead of real business images
• Posting heavily edited or filtered photos
• Uploading images that don’t represent your current business appearance
• Including photos with promotional text overlays
• Using low-resolution or blurry images

DO Use High-Quality, Authentic Visuals

Google has updated its photo categories and now requires photos to depict the business as it appears in real life.  Stock images or misleading representations are being frowned upon.

For the Techtio digital marketing team, this is common sense, especially since now everyone has a phone with a powerful camera that can take high-resolution photos.

Here are the types of photos to post on your business profile on Google:

• Upload photos in 720p resolution or higher
• Include exterior shots showing your storefront and signage
• Add interior photos that showcase your space authentically
• Feature your products, services, or team in action
• Update photos seasonally to keep content fresh

DON’T Use Promotional Language in Descriptions

When you create a Google My Business profile, the description should be informative, not salesy. Google has prioritised clarity and simplicity, discouraging overly promotional language or redundant keywords.

Don’ts for your business profile on Google include:

• Adding calls-to-action like “Call now!” or “Best deals!”
• Repeating the same keywords multiple times
• Using excessive capitalisation or exclamation points
• Making untrue claims about your business and products or services
• Exceeding the 500-character limit with unnecessary fluff

DO Post Weekly Updates

Regular Google Posts keep your profile active and engaging. Posts that are older than 3 months will no longer appear prominently in search or Google Maps, pushing businesses to update content frequently.

Here’s a simple but effective posting strategy:

• Share weekly updates about your business, events, or promotions
• Include high-quality images or videos with each post
• Highlight seasonal offers or community involvement
• Use professional tone while avoiding over-promotional language
• Leverage new interactive elements like polls when available

DON’T Let Your Profile Become Stagnant

Inactive profiles lose visibility and credibility in local search results.

Avoid the following in your business profile on Google:

• Going months without posting updates
• Ignoring customer questions in the Q&A section
• Failing to update business hours during holidays or special events
• Not monitoring and correcting incorrect information
• Neglecting to add new photos or remove outdated ones

DO Respond to All Reviews Promptly

Review management is crucial for local SEO success. Businesses that reply to messages or reviews within 24 hours rank better in local search results.

Here are some best practices for responding to reviews:

• Reply to both positive and negative reviews professionally
• Respond within 24 hours for optimal ranking benefits
• Thank customers for positive feedback, specifically
• Address negative reviews constructively and offer solutions
• Use review insights to improve your business description and FAQ section

DON’T Ignore Verification Requirements

In 2024, Google introduced enhanced and stricter business verification protocols, including video verification as mandatory for some businesses.

These are the biggest Google Business Profile verification mistakes:

• Delaying the verification process
• Providing inconsistent business information across platforms
• Ignoring requests for additional documentation
• Failing to maintain updated business licenses or permits
• Not preparing for potential video verification requirements

DO Choose Specific Categories and Attributes

Google’s 2024 updates also directed businesses to choose precise categories rather than broad or misleading terms.

Category optimisation best practices include:

• Select the most specific primary category for your business
• Add relevant secondary categories that accurately describe your services
• Update attributes regularly (e.g., “Women-led,” “Pet-friendly,” “Outdoor seating”)
• Include sustainability and accessibility attributes when applicable
• Highlight important features like contactless payments or free Wi-Fi

Let Techtio Maximise your Google Business Profile’s Potential!

Don’t let your competitors steal your spotlight while you struggle with local SEO Google Profile optimisation. At Techtio, we know how to create and manage high-performing Google Business Profiles that drive real business results.

We know the latest Google rules and best practices. Thus, we make sure that your profile not only complies with current standards but also actively works to grow your business.

Contact us to get started with creating your Google Business Profile today – and watch your local visibility soar!