Local shoppers start online. BrightLocal’s 2025 Local Consumer Review Survey found 77 per cent of people look for a local business at least once a week (brightlocal.com). Yet many Sudbury businesses lose potential customers because their Google Business Profile (GBP) is incomplete or stuck in Google’s admin system.
We have put together 5 straightforward tweaks to help you get found online.
Go tobusiness.google.com/add.
Search for your business name and address.
If your listing appears, click 'Request access'.
Complete verification by postcard, phone, email or video.
If only the video option appears, follow Google's step-by-step guide. Film your premises clearly, showing signage and the location (support.google.com).
Personal experience: When changing the Innovation Labs' business address, I placed a branded roller banner in the window and recorded it. Google approved the address change in five days.
Stuck on verification? Open Google's Help menu, select 'Contact us' and request a manual review (brightlocal.com, support.google.com).
Google states accurate images help match you with the right customers (support.google.com). Aim for nine clear photos:
Three exterior
Three interior
Three of products or team
Use your phone in daylight and upload via the Google Maps app.
Your description appears beneath your name in Search and Maps. Keep it under 250 characters:
Example: “Independent florist in Sudbury specialising in seasonal British flowers and same-day local delivery.”
Stick to facts, avoid emojis, and always include "Sudbury" to boost relevance (support.google.com).
Good reviews improve rankings and encourage customers to choose you (brightlocal.com).
Email your review link after a sale.
Offer a printed card with a QR code at the till.
Reply politely to all reviews within two days.
Caution: Avoid fake reviews. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority actively polices this, and businesses encouraging negative competitor reviews risk serious financial penalties.
In the Google Maps app:
Tap 'Add update' and select Update, Offer, or Event.
Add a clear photo, write 50-100 words.
Include a call-to-action such as 'Call now' or 'Book online'.
Posts appear in the 'Updates' tab and occasionally in map-pack results (localiq.com).
Google isn't always easy to deal with. Here are common issues, reasons they occur, and practical fixes. This isn't exhaustive, so please share your experiences and solutions.
|
Problem |
Reason |
What to try |
|
Address change stuck on 'Pending' |
Google needs more proof. |
Ensure your website and social profiles show the correct address. Raise a support ticket with screenshots (support.google.com, reddit.com). |
|
Video-only verification |
Google is testing stricter methods. |
Record your video clearly, showing signage, street, and premises control. Request a second review if initially rejected (support.google.com). |
|
Profile suspended after moving |
Sudden address changes trigger flags. |
Complete the reinstatement form with utility bills or lease agreements. Expect a response within 3-5 working days (support.google.com). |
|
Can't speak to a human |
Google discontinued phone support in 2021. |
Use Google's Help Centre 'Contact us' for email or chat support. Alternatively, tweet @GoogleBusinessProfile or seek help via the GBP Help Community (reddit.com, brightlocal.com). |
Setting up or updating your GBP can be frustrating, but it's important. Block out one hour weekly to manage your profile. It's time well spent.
