The Complete Google Business Profile Checklist for Dubai Businesses

As a seasoned SEO consultant in Dubai, I've audited hundreds of Google Business Profiles. The same few mistakes are consistently costing businesses valuable visibility in essential "near me" searches. This isn't just a list; it's a reliable, step-by-step checklist I use with my clients to make sure their GBP is an important, profit-driving asset.

This checklist is an essential part of a wider strategy. For a full details, read my comprehensive guide.

First Step: Claim & Verify Your Profile

• Claim Your Listing: If you haven't already, go to Google Business Profile and claim your business.

• Verify Your Location: Complete Google's verification process, which is essential for your profile to be visible in search results. For Dubai, this is often done via postcard or phone verification.

1. Core Information & Accuracy

You should keep in mind that inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details are a primary ranking killer.

• Business Name: Use only your correct, real-world business name and do not add keywords like "Best SEO Dubai" (that's against Google's guidelines).

• Address: Input your complete and accurate physical address in Dubai. Use the same format everywhere online.

• Phone Number: Use a local UAE landline number (+971) where possible. Always make sure its clickable on mobile devices.

• Primary Category: This is very important. Select the single most accurate category that describes your core business (e.g., "Internet Marketing Service" not just "Marketing Service").

• Additional Categories: Add all other relevant categories to tell Google the full scope of your services.

2. Optimization for Dubai Searchers

Here's how design or optimize your profile for the UAE local market.

• Business Description: Create a compelling, keyword-rich description (up to 750 characters). Naturally include your main services and location (e.g., "SEO expert in Dubai helping hotels and real estate agencies..."). Mention if you serve specific areas like "Dubai Marina, JLT, and Downtown."

• Attributes: Select all that apply. "Women-led," "Appointment required," "Free Wi-Fi," etc. These appear in filters and build searcher confidence.

• Service Areas & Locations: If you are a service-area business (e.g., a plumber serving all of Dubai), list the areas you cover. If you have a physical location, ensure its correctly pinned on the map.

3. Visual Content & Engagement

You should add relevant and high-quality photos because profiles with photos receive significantly more clicks and direction requests.

• Logo & Cover Image: Upload a high-resolution logo and an eye-catching cover photo that represents your brand.

• Business Photos: Add a gallery of high-quality images: your office/storefront, your team, your products, and your work in action. Tip: Name your image files with keywords (e.g., seo-expert-dubai-office.jpg).

• Google Posts: You must use this feature weekly and share offers, news, events, or new blog articles. This shows Google your profile is active and gives searchers a reason to click.

• Products/Services Menu: Fully populate the "Products" or "Services" section with detailed descriptions and prices.

4. Manage Your Reputation & Social Signals

• Review Generation: Actively encourage happy customers to leave reviews on your GBP, not just on Facebook or other platforms. You can also use standee to collect Google reviews.

• Review Responses: Respond professionally and promptly to every review, especially negative ones. This shows you are a trust-worthy business that values feedback.

• Q&A Section: Monitor and proactively answer questions here. Pre-populate it with common FAQs to provide a better user experience and control the narrative.

5. Insights & Continuous GBP Maintenance

• Google Business Profile Performance: Regularly check your insights to understand how customers find you (searches vs. maps) and what actions they take (interactions, website visits, calls).

• Messaging: Enable the messaging feature to allow potential customers to text you directly from your listing. Ensure you respond quickly.

• Information Accuracy: Perform a quarterly audit using this checklist to ensure all information, especially holiday timings during Ramadan or summer, is up to date.

An optimized GBP is your most important local SEO property. You can combine it with a strong citation profile, as discussed in my local citations guide.

What To Do After Implementing the Business Profile Checklist?

If you've ticked every box, you're miles ahead of most Dubai competitors. However, the true ranking of GBP lies in consistent, strategic management. Many business owners simply don't have the time.

Let a Premier Dubai SEO Expert Manage It for You

As a dedicated SEO specialist in Dubai, I offer results-driven GBP management as part of my Local SEO services. I don't just set it and forget it; I make sure your profile is actively working for you 24/7, giving you more calls, direction requests, and website visits.

My managed local SEO services include:

• Initial In-Depth Audit & Optimization (using this checklist and more).

• Weekly Google Posts to keep your profile fresh and engaging.

• Review Monitoring & Response Management to build your reputation.

• Monthly Performance Reporting so you see the direct impact.

👉 Get a Free, No-Obligation GBP Audit

I will analyze your latest Google Business Profile against this 20-point checklist and give you a personalized report showing exactly what are the issues and how to fix it.