Local SEO · 6 min read
Google Business Profile in 2026: a young marketer's checklist
How UK small businesses should set up and maintain Google Business Profile in 2026 - categories, photos, reviews and posts.
By Jack Frampton, Marketer at Queen's College, Taunton · Published 10 July 2026
Google Business Profile is the single highest-ROI marketing asset a UK local business has - and most under-use it dramatically.
Primary category is everything
Pick the narrowest accurate primary category. Add up to 9 secondary ones. Wrong categories under-rank permanently.
Photos weekly
Businesses that add 5+ photos a month rank higher than those that don't. Founder-shot, unfiltered, high resolution.
Reviews drive the algorithm
Ask every happy customer. Respond within 24 hours to every review, positive or negative.
Posts and Q&A
Post weekly (offers, events, news). Answer every Q&A in the panel - otherwise competitors will.
Frequently asked questions
- How long until GBP improvements show?
- 2–8 weeks for most local businesses. Category changes can show in days.
- How many photos should I have?
- 50+ minimum, and add 5–10 new ones every month.
- Do posts on GBP help ranking?
- Marginally - but they help conversion from the map pack listing.
- Can I have multiple GBP listings?
- Only for genuinely separate locations. Duplicates get suspended.
Explore more on this site
- Apprenticeship Hub →Free mentoring, vacancy help and guides for school leavers, parents and employers.
- Marketing Portfolio →Campaign design, sports graphics, editorial work and photography from Queen's College, Taunton.
- Video →Behind the scenes video and short-form apprenticeship content.
- About Jack Frampton →Marketer, apprenticeship advocate and Taunton keynote speaker.
About the author
Marketer at Queen's College, Taunton · Apprenticeship advocate
Jack Frampton is a marketer at Queen's College, Taunton, working across digital marketing, SEO, design, content and photography. He came through the apprenticeship route himself, founded the Taunton Apprenticeship Evening and speaks in schools across Somerset and the South West about apprenticeships as a route into marketing. He offers free mentoring for school leavers, parents and employers.
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