Google Business Profile Guide
A step-by-step guide to setting up and optimising your garage's Google Business Profile — categories, photos, posts and reviews.
Last updated 6 July 2026 · 7 min read
Part of our guide to Garage Marketing for Independent Garages
Claim and verify your listing
Search for your garage on Google Maps. If a listing exists but you do not control it, claim it through Google Business Profile. Verification is usually by postcard or phone. Until you verify, you cannot edit hours, respond to reviews or add photos. This is the starting point for local SEO for garages.
Categories and services
- Choose the most accurate primary category — not the broadest
- Add secondary categories for tyres, diagnostics and servicing
- List individual services with descriptions (MOT test, interim service, etc.)
- Set your service area if you offer collection and delivery
Photos that build trust
Drivers judge garages by what they see. Upload real photos of your workshop, ramps, reception area and team — not stock images. Add new photos monthly. Garages with 20+ photos get significantly more profile views than those with a single logo.
Posts, hours and attributes
Keep opening hours accurate — including bank holidays. Use Google Posts for MOT slot availability, winter tyre fitting or a new team member. Enable attributes like 'women-led', 'accepts credit cards' or 'onsite services' where they apply. Wrong hours are one of the fastest ways to lose a new customer.
Reviews and responses
Ask every happy customer for a review at collection. Respond to every review — positive and negative — within a few days. A polite response to a complaint shows prospective customers you care. Never offer incentives for reviews; Google can penalise your listing.
Audit your profile regularly
Run the Google profile checker to spot missing categories, thin photo galleries or a broken booking link. Pair a strong profile with a website that matches your NAP details — see garage marketing for independent garages and AskMike Garage Websites.
Frequently asked questions
- What primary category should a garage choose?
- Most MOT testing stations should use 'MOT centre' or 'Vehicle inspection service' as the primary category. Add secondary categories like 'Car repair and maintenance service' and 'Tyre shop' if you offer those services.
- How often should I post on my Google profile?
- Aim for at least one post per month — MOT availability, a seasonal offer or a photo of a recent job. Profiles with recent activity signal to Google that the business is active.
- Can I add a booking link to my profile?
- Yes. Google supports appointment and booking links. Point it to your online booking page so drivers can book without calling.
Related guides
Garage Marketing for Independent Garages
Practical marketing for small garages — local SEO, Google visibility, referrals and tactics that work on a modest budget.
Local SEO for Garages
How to rank higher on Google for local searches like 'MOT near me' and 'garage in [your town]'.
Marketing Checklist
A practical marketing checklist for garages — Google, website, reviews, email and local presence in one audit list.
Facebook Marketing for Garages
How independent garages can use Facebook effectively — local reach, community groups and posts that actually bring work in.
Try a free tool
Ready to modernise your garage?
AskMike gives independent garages a professional website, online bookings and add-ons that reduce admin and win more work.