Work through this in order. Most businesses fix at least three of these in a single sitting, and that's usually enough to start moving up the Local Pack.
Before you start: you'll need access to your Google Business Profile at business.google.com, signed in with the Google account that manages it. If you don't have one yet, search your business name on Google Maps first, it may already exist unclaimed.
An unverified profile barely shows up, no matter how complete it is. In Kenya, the postcard method fails often. Video verification is now the most reliable route: record one continuous, unedited clip showing your street sign from outside, you unlocking the door, and your stock or equipment inside.
Choose the most specific primary category for what you actually do, "web design company" outperforms "software company." Add secondary categories for everything else you offer.
You get 750 characters. The first 250 matter most. State what you do, who you serve, and where, naturally including your area and service. Skip words like "best" or "#1" since they read as spam and can get your profile flagged.
Your name, address, and phone number should be identical on your Google profile, your website, and any directory listing. Mismatches quietly erode your ranking.
A profile showing "open" when you're actually closed on a public holiday generates bad reviews and hurts trust. Update hours ahead of Kenyan public holidays.
Businesses ranking in the top three typically have 30 or more recent reviews and a 4.5+ rating, with consistent owner replies. Aim for 3–5 new reviews a month.
Upload photos monthly: your storefront, your team, your work. Profiles with recent activity are treated as more trustworthy than static ones.
Stuck on any of these, or don't have the time? Tell us what you're working with and we'll connect you with a vetted local partner who can help, free to you. Get matched →