SUGGESTED TIMING: Week 5
- Get your profile into a steady state
- State thinking about long-term growth
- Set a reminder for your monthly list of to-dos
If you made it this far, you’ve done the hard part already. You’ve claimed, verified, and customized your Google Business Profile. Great work. That alone puts you ahead of many small business owners.
But to stay visible, rank higher, and earn trust, you’ll need to keep it up.
What Makes a Google Profile “Great”?
You don’t need flashy design or constant promotion. Google rewards listings that are:
- Accurate: Hours, services, and info are always correct
- Active: Posts and photos are added regularly
- Engaged: Reviews are responded to (even briefly)
- Helpful: Common questions are answered in advance
Even simple activity once or twice a month signals to Google that you’re engaged, reliable, and worth showing in local results.
This is especially important if you're referring people to online ASI courses. A trusted, well-maintained profile gives visitors confidence to click your link, visit your website, and reach out to ask questions.
Monthly Checklist: Maintain and Grow Your Profile
Use this checklist once a month to keep your listing fresh and effective:
Post a new update
Ideas: New student success story, seasonal note (e.g., “Holiday hours”), reminder that online classes are available
Add 1-3 fresh photos
A classroom update, your trainer car, an instructor in action—simple phone pics are fine- Ask for 1 new review
From a happy student, parent, or online class referral - Respond to any new reviews
Keep it professional and positive, even if you receive critical feedback - Confirm your hours and service area
Especially around holidays, breaks, or weather-related changes - Add a new Q&A if needed
Examples: “Do you offer adult driving lessons?” or “Can I take defensive driving online?” - Check Google Insights
Look for trends: What’s bringing people in? What posts or searches are working? Add more of that to your to-do list
TIP: You can schedule a calendar reminder for this checklist monthly or assign it to a team member.
Building Trust Over Time
You don’t have to do everything at once. The goal is to build a habit. When customers see that your listing is active, accurate, and up to date, it sends a clear message: This business is legit. It’s current. And it’s worth checking out.
That’s what turns a Google search into a phone call or a click on your ASI referral link.
What’s Next
In the final article, we’ll cover helpful resources, define common terms, and walk you through how to fix common issues so your profile stays in great shape long-term.