Google Business Profile Best Practices for Your Business

1. Why Getting the Google Business Profile Correct Matters

·GBP Best Practices: Follow Google’s GBP guidelines

A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a cornerstone of local SEO it determines how your dispensary appears in Google Search and Maps. For your business, a properly optimized GBP ensures:

• High visibility in local search results for related queries (“restaurants near me,” “Your business name,” etc.).

• Accurate information across every location.

• Seamless customer discovery and trust-building through reviews, photos, and updates.

2. One Location vs. Multiple Location Profiles

As Your business grows, you’ll need to distinguish between a Parent Company GBP and Individual Store GBPs. If your business has multiple store locations it is not necessary to have a Parent Company GBP, in fact if you do it incorrectly it can get your profiles suspended.

A. Corporate (Brand Headquarters) Profile

• Purpose: Serves as the core representing the business entity, and if it is your only location, it is a must have.

• Best Practice:

  • Do not Use “Your business name” as the name for this profile if you have branded store locations.

  • Use the Business’s address as the business location. Getting verified is important but if you do not have a commercial address and are only a service area business and working from home it is very hard to get verified by Google.

  • Add “Corporate Office” or “Headquarters” if needed for compliance.

  • Include the corporate phone number, website, and full description of the brand’s mission and services.

• Why it matters: This acts as the SEO and authority hub that connects through structured data, backlinks, and consistent brand naming.

B. Store (Unit) Profiles

Each physical location must have its own GBP with unique location data:

·Multi-Unit Locations: Google Guidelines

Use the business name followed by the location descriptor only when necessary to distinguish branches.

✅ Correct: Your business name
❌ Incorrect: Your business name #1 or Your business name LLC –Street Location

• Address: Each GBP must correspond to a real, publicly accessible storefront.

• Phone: Use a unique local phone number for each unit. (Do not reuse the same number across multiple listings.)

• Website: Each location should link to its dedicated location page (e.g., yourbusiness.com/locations/castle-street)—not the homepage.

3. Why Each Location Address Needs Its Own GBP

Each store’s address represents a unique customer touchpoint.
Here’s why each needs its own profile:

1. Local Search Optimization: Google Maps results are driven by proximity. Each store’s profile allows customers to find the nearest location.

2. Review Management: Each profile builds its own reputation and review base—critical for local trust.

3. Performance Tracking: Individual analytics (calls, direction requests, clicks) per location.

4. Regulatory Accuracy: Cannabis-related businesses must maintain compliant listings; separating GBPs helps manage this per jurisdiction.

4. How to Optimize Each GBP for Maximum Impact

Optimization Area

Best Practice

Name

Use “Your business name” (Consistently across all locations)

Address

Exactly match signage and business registration (consistency is key).

Phone

Use a unique, local number per unit.

Website

Link each to its corresponding local landing page.

Categories

Primary and add secondary as needed

Attributes

Add details such as accessibility, payment methods, parking, etc.

Photos/Videos

Include branded exterior/interior shots, staff photos, and promotional visuals.

Posts

Publish updates, promotions, and events regularly using Google Posts.

Reviews

Request and respond to customer reviews per location.

Hours

Keep accurate hours updated for each location.