1. Claim and complete your Google Business Profile

Think of your Google Business Profile as your digital storefront. It is often one of the first things a potential customer sees when searching for your business.

If you have not already done so, search for your business on Google and make sure you have claimed and verified your profile. Once verified, you can manage important information directly through Google Search and Maps.

Start with the basics:

Business name; Address or service area; Phone number; Website; Business hours; Special or holiday hours; Business category; Business description; Products or services; Photos and videos.

Google says businesses with complete and accurate information are more likely to appear in relevant local search results.

Downtown tip: Take five minutes to search for your business as if you were a customer. Is the information correct? Does the map pin appear in the right place? Can someone quickly tell what you sell or what services you provide?

2. Keep your hours updated

Few things frustrate a customer more than showing up at a closed business. Make sure your regular hours are accurate, but also update special hours for holidays, events, temporary closures or changes in your schedule. Google allows businesses to manage these details through their Business Profile.

This is especially important for downtown businesses participating in events, operating seasonally or adjusting hours around holidays.

Quick check: Before every holiday weekend or major downtown event, search your business on Google and confirm the hours customers see are correct.

3. Add photos that show the experience

Your Google listing is more than a name, address and phone number. Photos can help potential customers understand what to expect before they visit. Add current photos of your storefront, interior, products, services, team and the experiences you offer. Google specifically recommends using photos and videos to help customers learn about a business.

You do not need professional photography. A well-lit photo taken on a phone can be useful, particularly when it shows something customers want to see.

Try this: Add a few new photos each month. Showcase a new product, seasonal display, special event or what your business looks like from the street.

4. Make your website work harder

Your Google Business Profile should point customers to your website, but the two should work together. Make sure your website clearly explains what you do, where you are and what makes your business different. Use straightforward language that reflects how customers actually search.

For example, instead of relying only on a phrase such as “Our Services,” use specific descriptions such as “Downtown Spokane floral delivery,” “women’s clothing in downtown Spokane” or “Spokane event catering” when those descriptions accurately reflect your business.

Simple SEO checklist:

• Clearly state your business name and location.
• Give each important service or product its own useful description.
• Use descriptive page titles and headings.
• Keep contact information easy to find.
• Make sure your website works well on a phone.
• Link to your Google Business Profile and other relevant online resources.

Google Search Central SEO Starter Guide

5. Ask for reviews and respond to them

Reviews can help customers decide where to shop, eat, visit or do business. Google recommends responding to customer reviews, noting that helpful responses can help a business stand out. Make it easy for satisfied customers to leave a review, and take time to respond professionally to both positive and negative feedback. The goal is not simply to collect five-star reviews. It is to demonstrate that your business is active, responsive and engaged with its customers.

Google’s guide to managing customer reviews