Your Google Business Profile is the single most important free marketing tool for a local shop — it controls how you appear in Google Maps and local search results. Fill out every field including hours, services, photos, and the Q&A section to maximize visibility. Businesses with complete profiles receive 7x more clicks than those with incomplete listings.

Online reviews are social proof that converts browsers into buyers — 88% of consumers trust reviews as much as personal recommendations. Ask every satisfied customer for a Google review by sending a direct link via text or email immediately after purchase. Always respond to every review, positive or negative, within 24 hours to show future customers you are attentive.

Local SEO helps your shop appear when nearby customers search for what you sell — without paying for ads. Optimize your website with city and neighborhood keywords, add your address and hours to every page footer, and build citations on directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Apple Maps. Consistent business name, address, and phone number (NAP) across all platforms is critical for ranking.

Google Posts let you publish promotions, events, and updates directly on your Google Business Profile — they appear in search results for 7 days. Post at least once per week with a clear call to action like "Call now" or "Learn more." Shops that post regularly see up to 30% more profile interactions than those that never use this free feature.