When someone in Wembley searches “dentist near me”, “jewellers on Ealing Road” or “plumber Wembley”, Google shows three businesses on the map first. Those three get most of the calls. This checklist covers what decides who they are.
The 12-point checklist
| # | Check | Why it matters |
| 1 | Business name matches your signage | Keyword-stuffed names can get a profile suspended. |
| 2 | Primary category is exact | The single biggest Maps ranking factor you control. |
| 3 | Address and postcode correct (HA0 or HA9) | Must match your website and directories. |
| 4 | Phone number tracked | Use a number you answer; track calls in your reports. |
| 5 | Hours, including holidays and event days | Wrong hours cost visits and reviews. |
| 6 | Services or products listed | Helps Google match you to specific searches. |
| 7 | At least 10 real photos | Shopfront, inside, team and work. Update monthly. |
| 8 | Description mentions Wembley | Say what you do and the areas you serve. |
| 9 | A post every week or two | Offers, news and events keep the profile active. |
| 10 | Steady flow of reviews | Ask every happy customer. Never buy reviews. |
| 11 | Reply to every review | Shows care and builds trust with new customers. |
| 12 | Website page for Wembley | A local landing page supports your Maps ranking. |
The review request that works
Keep it short and personal, and send it the same day:
“Thanks for visiting us today! If you were happy with the service, a quick Google review would really help our small Wembley business: [your review link]”
Score yourself
Ten or more ticks and you’re ahead of most local competitors. Below eight, fix the gaps before spending on ads: paid clicks convert better when your profile already looks trustworthy.
Want this done for your business?
I can audit and optimise your Google Business Profile and local SEO. I work online with businesses across Wembley and north-west London. See my digital marketing services in Wembley, or start with a free website audit.
About the author
Pranav Veerani
Digital marketing consultant and trainer in Ahmedabad with 10+ years of experience, 150+ brands served and 78,000+ leads generated. Founder of FSIDM and Unity Sangam, and guest faculty at Gujarat Technological University.
