When someone in Melbourne searches for "plumber near me" or "best café Brunswick," what do they see first? Not your website. They see the Google Local 3-Pack — that map at the top of the results with three business listings. And if your Google Business Profile (GBP) isn't set up properly, you're invisible to those customers. It doesn't matter how good your website is.

A Google Business Profile is free. That's right — it costs nothing to have one. But most Melbourne businesses either don't have one at all, or have one that's half-filled, out of date, and missing the details that actually drive calls and clicks. Wrong category. No photos. Old phone number. Hours that haven't been updated since 2023. And every one of those mistakes costs you customers.

At Same Day Studio, we set up and optimise your Google Business Profile properly. We handle the details that matter to Google's ranking algorithm — the stuff that determines whether you appear in the 3-Pack or buried on page 3 where nobody looks. And we include it in our website packages because a great website without a great Google Business Profile is like a shop with no sign on the street.

We service all Melbourne metro areas. Whether you're in the CBD, the northern suburbs, the south-east, or the western growth corridor — we make sure your business shows up on Google Maps for the searches that matter to you.

GBP Optimisation

What We Set Up

Business name, address & phone (NAP consistency): We ensure your name, address, and phone number are exactly the same across Google, your website, and every directory. NAP inconsistency is one of the biggest local SEO mistakes — Google punishes it.
Primary and secondary category selection: This is the single most important field for ranking. We pick the right primary category (e.g. "Plumber" not "Handyman") and add secondary categories that broaden your visibility — without diluting your primary ranking signal.
Business hours, holiday hours, and special openings: Accurate hours are essential. Customers who turn up to a closed business don't come back. We set your regular hours plus any seasonal variations.
Service areas defined: We set your service radius or list the specific suburbs you cover. Google uses this to determine which local searches you appear in.
Photos uploaded and optimised: Profile photo, cover photo, interior and exterior shots, team photos, work examples. Listings with photos get 42% more direction requests and 35% more website clicks.
Services listed with descriptions: We populate your services section with clear, keyword-rich descriptions. Each service becomes its own ranking opportunity.
Business description with keywords: We write a compelling 750-character description that includes your target keywords naturally — not stuffed, not spammy, just effective.
Website link & booking/contact links: We connect your website, add a booking link if you take online bookings, and ensure calls and messages reach the right place.
Q&A section populated: We pre-load common questions and answers so customers get instant information without you having to respond manually.

Why It Matters for Local Search

Here's something most business owners don't realise: for local searches in Melbourne, your Google Business Profile often matters more than your website's SEO. When someone searches "web designer near me" or "electrician Essendon," Google's first instinct is to show them the Local 3-Pack — those three map-based listings that sit right at the top of the page. They get clicked more than any organic result below them.

A verified, fully optimised GBP with the right categories, accurate NAP details, real photos, and regular updates will outperform a well-optimised website for local queries every time. Google trusts its own data. A neglected GBP with missing information, no photos, and an outdated category selection actively works against your rankings — even if the rest of your SEO is solid.

The good news? This is all fixable. And it doesn't take months. In most cases, we can have your GBP fully set up and optimised within a week of receiving your business details. The result is a listing that shows up in Google Maps, drives calls, and brings in customers who are ready to buy — not just browse.

GBP Setup & Packages

What's Included in Our Packages

Standard Website

$990

one-time

Multi-page website + full GBP setup and optimisation. Business name, categories, hours, photos, services, description — everything listed above.

Premium Website

$1,990

one-time

Everything in Standard + GBP setup + AI chatbot that answers customer questions and captures leads 24/7 on your website.

SEO Maintenance

$390

per month

Ongoing GBP management — we keep your listing updated, post regularly, respond to reviews, and monitor your local search performance.

Google Business Profile Questions

Do I need a GBP if I already have a website?

Yes — absolutely. They serve two different purposes. Your website ranks for specific search terms and is where customers go for detailed information. Your Google Business Profile ranks for local and map-based searches — "near me" queries, suburb-specific searches, and Google Maps lookups. A website without a GBP is missing about 40% of the local search traffic you could be getting. You need both, and they work together. We can audit yours and tell you exactly what's missing.

How long does GBP verification take?

Google usually verifies new or unverified profiles within 1–7 days. They may send a postcard to your business address with a verification code, or offer phone or video verification depending on your business type. We set everything up on your profile and then guide you through the verification step — you retain full ownership and control of the listing. We just do the setup and optimisation.

Can you manage my GBP ongoing?

Yes — as part of our SEO maintenance packages starting from $390/month. We keep your listing updated with accurate hours and services, post regular updates and offers, respond to reviews, upload fresh photos, and monitor your local search performance. A GBP that sits untouched for 12 months slowly loses ranking strength. Ongoing management keeps you visible.

What if I already have a GBP that's incomplete?

No problem at all. We'll audit your existing profile, identify what's missing or incorrect, and optimise it fully. The process is the same whether it's brand new or been sitting half-finished for two years. We fix the category, fill in all the fields, upload proper photos, write a keyword-rich description, and set up your services — same thorough process either way.

Google Business Profile Setup for Melbourne Businesses