Google Business Profile OptimiSation for Irish Businesses: A Step-by-Step Guide
Want More Customers? Get Your Google Business Profile Sorted!
Imagine this. Someone in Dublin is looking for a café. Someone in Galway needs a plumber. Someone in Cork just dropped their phone in a pint of Guinness and desperately needs a repair shop.
Where do they turn?
Google.
And if your business is not showing up in those local search results, you are basically invisible.
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is your digital shopfront. It decides whether people visit your business or scroll right past you to your competitors.
And the best part? It is free. You just need to set it up properly.
So, let’s walk through exactly how to optimise your Google Business Profile and make sure you are getting found, getting clicked, and getting more customers.
Why Your Google Business Profile Actually Matters
Here is the thing. Most Irish businesses are either:
Not even listed on Google
Showing up with half-filled profiles from 2017
Missing reviews, proper contact details, or decent photos
That means huge opportunities for businesses that take this seriously.
Here is why GBP is a game-changer:
More visibility – Your business appears in Google Search and Google Maps when locals are looking for what you offer
More trust – 88% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
More traffic – Listings with complete profiles get 35% more clicks and 42% more requests for directions
Less competition – Because, let’s be honest, most businesses are lazy about this stuff
If you run a business in Ireland, whether it is a pub in Kilkenny, a salon in Limerick, or a butcher shop in Belfast, your Google Business Profile needs to be fully optimised.
Let’s get to work.
Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile
First, Check If You Are Already Listed
Go to business.google.com and search for your business name.
If you find it, click Claim this business and follow the steps.
If you do not see it, click Add your business to Google and create a new listing.
Now, Verify Your Business
Google needs to confirm you are legit. Here is how you might have to verify:
Video Verification - Some businesses (especially new ones or those in competitive industries) must submit a video verification.
Postcard Verification – Google mails a postcard to your business address with a code (usually takes 5–7 days)
Phone Verification – Some businesses can verify via SMS or automated call
Email Verification – Less common, but available for some categories
Instant Verification – If your website is already verified in Google Search Console
Irish Tip: If you are waiting for a postcard, make sure your Eircode is correct. Irish post can sometimes be… a little unpredictable.
Step 2: Complete Your Business Information (Properly)
A half-filled profile looks dodgy. Google does not like it. Customers do not like it. So fill out everything.
Business Name, Address & Phone Number (NAP)
Business Name – Use your actual business name (not “Best Hairdresser Dublin” unless that is really your name)
Address – Full address with Eircode
Phone Number – Use an Irish number (+353)
Choose the Right Business Category
This one matters a lot. Google ranks you based on the category you pick.
Good examples for Irish businesses:
"Irish Pub" instead of just "Bar"
"Traditional Irish Restaurant" instead of just "Restaurant"
"Galway Bed and Breakfast" instead of just "Hotel"
You can add up to 9 extra categories, so be as specific as possible.
Write a Killer Business Description
This is your chance to tell people what makes your business great.
Mention how long you have been serving your community
Highlight any Irish specialities or unique offerings
Naturally include keywords people search for
Example:
"Serving the people of Dublin for over 20 years, we specialise in handcrafted Irish jewellery made with locally sourced materials. Whether you are looking for the perfect Claddagh ring or a custom Celtic design, we have got you covered."
Step 3: Upload High-Quality Photos (Because No One Trusts a Business Without Them)
Businesses with photos get way more clicks. And no, your blurry 2012 iPhone photo will not cut it.
Essential Photos to Upload
Cover Photo – Your best representation (1200x800 pixels)
Profile Photo – Your logo (250x250 pixels)
Exterior Photos – Show your storefront from different angles
Interior Photos – Make your space look inviting
Product or Service Photos – Show what you offer
Team Photos – People connect with people, not just logos
Pro tip: Upload new photos every month to keep your profile fresh.
Step 4: Add Your Products and Services
Depending on your business type, you will have different options here.
For Retail & Product-Based Businesses
List products with:
Name
Price
Description
Photo
Link to purchase (if available online)
For Service-Based Businesses
List services like:
Haircuts, facials, plumbing, legal advice—whatever you offer
Clear descriptions
Pricing (if applicable)
If you sell Irish-made or locally sourced products, mention it! People love that.
Step 5: Get More Google Reviews (And Respond to Them!)
Reviews boost trust. More trust = more customers. Simple.
How to Get More Reviews
Send customers a direct review link (g.page/yourbusinessname)
Ask in person after a great experience
Add it to email footers, receipts, or invoices
Respond to every review (yes, even the bad ones)
How to Respond to Reviews
Good Review? Say thanks! Make it personal.
Bad Review? Stay calm. Apologise if needed. Offer a solution.
Example response to a bad review:
"Hi [Name], we are really sorry you had this experience. We would love to make things right. Please reach out to us at [email] so we can fix this for you."
And if you need help with online reputation management, whether it is reviews, Google rankings, or cleaning up a messy online presence, reach out.
Let’s get your business looking its best online!
Step 6: Post Regular Google Updates
Google lets you post updates, just like a mini social media feed.
Promos – “50% off coffee every Monday!”
Events – “Live music every Friday night”
New products/services – “Now offering vegan options”
Posts stay up for 7 days, so post something new every week.
Step 7: Track Performance and Keep Improving
Your Google Business Profile has an Insights section where you can see:
How customers find you
How many people call you
How many ask for directions
Which photos get the most views
Check your stats monthly and keep optimising.
Final GBP Checklist for Irish Businesses
Profile fully completed
High-quality photos uploaded
Correct category chosen
Products/services listed
Weekly Google Posts published
Reviews gathered and responded to
Insights tracked and adjusted
Follow these steps, and your business will not just exist on Google. It will dominate local search.
Now, go claim your profile and get it optimised.
If you need help, book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about google business profile
Is Google Business Profile free for Irish businesses?
Yep, 100% free. No sneaky fees, no subscriptions, no “premium” version.
Google gives this tool away because it makes their search results better.
You get a digital shopfront, they get more accurate business info. Everyone wins.
All the good stuff, posting updates, adding photos, collecting reviews, messaging customers, it is all included for free.
If you are running a business in Ireland and you are not using this, you are leaving money on the table.
How long does it take to rank in the Google Map Pack?
There is no magic number.
Some businesses start showing up in a few weeks, others take months.
It depends on:
How much competition is in your area
How optimised your profile is
How many reviews and interactions you have
Most Irish businesses see movement within 30–90 days if they optimise their profile properly. That means filling out everything, getting reviews, and posting updates regularly.
Want to speed things up?
Keep your profile up-to-date, ask happy customers to leave reviews, and get listed in other directories too.
Can someone else manage my Google Business Profile for me?
Absolutely. If you are too busy running your business to worry about updating photos or replying to reviews, get someone else to do it.
You have options:
Assign a staff member to handle updates
Hire a freelancer with local SEO experience
Work with an agency that specialises in Google Business Profile optimisation
Just make sure they know what they are doing. Giving control of your GBP to the wrong person is like handing over your front door keys to a stranger. Choose wisely.
Need help ranking higher on Google?
Alessandro Boscolo-Conway
Hey, I'm Alessandro Boscolo-Conway! I'm an SEO and digital marketer and founder of Hello Digital. My mission is to help business owners like you grow your business with SEO and digital marketing!
