If you want more calls and leads from Google in Knoxville, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the highest-ROI assets you have. It’s also one of the easiest places to lose rankings when small details are off—wrong category, inconsistent hours, thin services, weak photos, or a review strategy that’s random. To maximize your potential, make sure your google business profile is fully optimized.
This google business profile checklist gives you a step-by-step system to tighten your profile so Google trusts it more and customers convert faster. Additionally, if you want even more information about improving your local SEO success, check out our Knoxville Local SEO Guide.
A well-maintained google business profile can significantly improve your visibility and customer engagement.
Pro tip: Bookmark this page and run the checklist once per quarter. Do a quick “maintenance pass” monthly.
Before You Start: Your Goal in One Sentence
Make your GBP the most complete, accurate, active, and trusted listing in your category in the Knoxville area.
That’s what Map Pack winners do.
Section 1: Core Setup (10 Points)
Your google business profile should reflect the latest information and adhere to Google’s guidelines for optimal ranking.
These are the “foundation” items. If these are wrong, everything else underperforms.
Claim and verify your GBP (obvious, but still missed).
A verified google business profile is essential for gaining trust from potential customers.
Use your real business name only (no keywords stuffed in).
Correct address (exact format you use everywhere online).
Correct phone number (use one primary number consistently).
Correct website link (use HTTPS, working page, no redirects if possible).
Set your service area (if you travel to customers).
Set your business hours accurately (and keep them updated).
Add holiday hours in advance (Google likes consistency).
Add an opening date (if applicable).
Choose your business attributes (wheelchair accessible, women-owned, etc. only if true).
Section 2: Categories + Services (10 Points)
This is where rankings often swing.
Primary category is correct (closest match to main revenue service).
Regularly updating your google business profile helps maintain its relevance.
Secondary categories support the primary (no unrelated categories).
Audit competitor categories (see what top 3 listings are using).
Fill out services completely (every service you truly provide).
Consider leveraging your google business profile for local promotions and events.
Use plain-language service names (not keyword-stuffed nonsense).
Add service descriptions (short, clear, benefit-focused).
Add products (if relevant) (for agencies: “Website Audit,” “SEO Strategy,” etc.).
Using high-quality images in your google business profile can enhance customer interest.
Avoid duplicate services with slight wording changes.
Include your most profitable services near the top of the list.
Make sure to showcase your best services in your google business profile for higher engagement.
Review categories quarterly (Google updates category options).
Quick Knoxville advantage: If you serve multiple nearby areas (Farragut, Powell, Hardin Valley, Fountain City, Oak Ridge), make sure your services + site content reflect that service area naturally.
Section 3: Business Description + Opening Hooks (6 Points)
Your description is not a direct ranking lever like categories, but it improves relevance and conversions.
Write for humans first (clear, confident, local).
Mention core services once (web design, local SEO, WordPress, etc.).
A comprehensive google business profile can significantly boost your local SEO efforts.
Mention your service area naturally (Knoxville + surrounding areas).
Include a trust point (years in business, awards, process, specialization).
Highlight your unique selling propositions in your google business profile to attract more customers.
Avoid ALL CAPS and keyword stuffing.
Update your description yearly (keep it current).
Simple formula:
An updated google business profile reflects your commitment to customer service.
Who you help + what you do + where you do it + proof + CTA
Section 4: Photos + Videos (8 Points)
Utilize your google business profile to share customer testimonials and build trust.
GBP media is a huge conversion driver and a strong “activity” signal.
Add a high-quality logo (correct dimensions, clean).
Add a cover photo that communicates what you do.
Add at least 10 real photos (not stock images).
Add team photos (people convert people).
Add proof photos (projects, before/after, screenshots, installs).
Add short videos (15–45 seconds works great).
Add new media weekly (minimum: 2–4 photos per week).
Geotagging isn’t required, but real location context helps (Knoxville landmarks, office, job sites).
For G Squared Studios-type businesses: Post screenshots of site launches, speed improvements, ranking wins (without revealing sensitive data), behind-the-scenes of builds, and local business spotlights.
Section 5: Reviews Strategy (8 Points)
A proactive approach to your google business profile can lead to more reviews and customer engagement.
Reviews are prominence. Prominence is Map Pack fuel.
Create a simple review request process (every client, every time).
Use one review link (short link + saved in notes).
Ask within 24–72 hours of delivering results.
Aim for consistency (ex: 4–8 reviews/month) vs. random bursts.
Be transparent in your google business profile to enhance customer trust and satisfaction.
Respond to every review within 48 hours.
Use natural service + area language in replies (no awkward keyword stuffing).
Have a plan for negative reviews (professional response + offline resolution).
Never incentivize reviews (can backfire).
Quick review request text (copy/paste):
“Hey [Name] — quick favor. If you were happy with our work, would you leave us a Google review? It really helps local Knoxville businesses find us. Here’s the link: [LINK]”
Section 6: Posts, Offers, and Updates (5 Points)
Engaging content on your google business profile can drive traffic and conversions.
GBP posts help activity + conversion. They’re easy wins.
Don’t underestimate the power of your google business profile in local marketing strategies.
Post at least 2x/week (consistent cadence beats bursts).
Mix post types: tips, proof, offers, FAQs, case studies.
Use a strong CTA button (Call, Learn More, Book, etc.).
Add a clean image/graphic (brand-consistent).
Link to a relevant landing page (not just your homepage).
Post format that works:
Hook → 1 actionable tip → proof → CTA
Section 7: Q&A + Messaging (3 Points)
Regularly review and optimize your google business profile for better results.
This section is underused and can win conversions.
Seed your Q&A with real questions customers ask (and answer them).
Turn on messaging (if you can respond quickly).
Add FAQs that match buyer intent (pricing, turnaround time, service area, process).
Examples for agencies:
“How much does a website cost in Knoxville?”
“How long does SEO take to work?”
“Do you work with businesses in Farragut / Oak Ridge / Maryville?”
Utilize insights from your google business profile to shape your marketing strategies.
The “90-Day Map Pack” Action Plan (Fast Implementation)
If you want to actually use this checklist instead of saving it forever:
Week 1
Fix categories, services, description, hours, and core info
Add 15–25 real photos + 2 short videos
Weeks 2–4
Start review flywheel (ask every client)
Publish 2 GBP posts per week
Seed Q&A with 5–7 questions
Months 2–3
Keep review velocity consistent
Continue posting + media updates weekly
Build citations + local links + strengthen location pages on your site
Common Mistakes That Kill Rankings
Keyword stuffing in the business name
Wrong primary category
Thin services list
Inconsistent NAP across directories
Old hours / missed holiday hours
Zero new photos for months
No review system (only “sometimes” asking)
Ready to Get the Most out of Your Google Business Profile?
Want us to score your Google Business Profile and hand you a prioritized fix list?
Request a Free Local SEO Audit.
Want us to handle all of your website design & SEO needs? Talk to G Squared Studios about Knoxville Web Design + SEO.