Your Google listing: 7 settings that actually move the needle

Why your listing matters more than your website

For a local business, most first contacts happen on the Google listing: hours, photos, reviews, directions. Customers often decide in under 20 seconds.

The 7 settings to check

1. Exact primary category — it decides which searches you show up for.
2. Up-to-date hours, including holidays.
3. Recent photos: storefront, interior, products, team. Aim for 15+.
4. Description covering your services and your city, without keyword stuffing.
5. Attributes (terrace, accessibility, booking, payment) feed search filters.
6. Booking or ordering link right inside the listing.
7. Replies to reviews, positive ones included.

How to measure

Track three numbers every month: calls, direction requests, website clicks. Whichever stalls is where the work is.

Tip: a sharp storefront photo lifts visit rates, because it proves the place is real and open.