Google Business Profile and listings checklist

Local AI answers lean on the same listings people use: one vendor study found Google Business Profile was the most-cited source in AI answers for local businesses, ahead of Yelp. Keep your profile within Google's rules and your details identical everywhere.

The BrightLocal study (1,355 locations in the US, UK and Australia, published 2026-08-26) is from a software vendor and isn't peer reviewed; treat it as a pointer, not proof.

1. Google Business Profile: avoid the common suspension triggers

The business name is your real-world name. No taglines, hours or web addresses added to it.
The address is a real place customers can find. No virtual offices or P.O. boxes.
You've picked specific categories rather than a broad one.
The description contains no links, prices or promotions.
Nutritionists and supplement sellers: Google lists unapproved supplements among regulated categories it doesn't allow. Read the current policy before you list.
Hours, phone number and website address are current.
Restaurants: the website link goes to a page with your real, current menu as web text.

2. Vegan directories

Venues: your HappyCow listing is claimed. Claiming is free and gives you a dashboard to edit details, add photos and respond to reviews, according to HappyCow. Its paid Partner Program is optional: you don't need it to claim.
Your name, address, phone number and hours match your Google profile and website exactly.
Your listing says what's true: fully vegan, or vegan options. Don't claim more than you can stand behind.

3. Other listings people and AI tools read

Check the big general listings for your area (for example Yelp, Facebook and Tripadvisor): same details, same name.
Remove or correct duplicate or old listings (old addresses, closed branches).
Don't buy, trade or ask for links in return for help or products. Google's spam policy lists exchanging goods or services for links as link spam.

4. Keep it up

Set a monthly reminder to re-check hours (especially holidays) and menu changes.
Log how AI assistants describe you with the spot-check template.

Sources (accessed 2026-10-21):

Google Business Profile Help: guidelines for representing your business (no date shown)
HappyCow: business FAQ and claim a listing (no date shown)
BrightLocal: AI directory sources study (2026-08-26; vendor study)

Google's rules change; check the current guidelines before you act. This is general information, not legal advice. Want a hands-on listings check? See the free program.