Module 11

Retail Shops

This quick-start guide covers Google Business Profile optimisation for retail shops of all kinds. Whether you're a boutique, hardware store, or specialty shop, here's how to attract customers through local search.

Your Setup Priorities

What to do

Focus on these elements first for retail shops.

Step by step

  1. Categories determine visibility. The right categories help you appear when people search for what you sell.
  2. Hours must be accurate. Nothing frustrates customers more than arriving to find you're closed.
  3. Photos show your range. What do you sell? Show it off. Products and store atmosphere.
  4. Reviews influence visits. Good reviews mentioning selection, service, and prices attract customers.
  5. Products feature. If relevant, use Google's product listings to showcase what you stock.

Choosing Your Categories

What to do

Select the most specific category for what you sell.

Step by step

  1. Be specific. "Gift Shop" is better than "Store". "Hardware Store" is better than "Shop".
  2. Common retail categories: Gift Shop, Clothing Store, Book Store, Hardware Store, Pet Store, Toy Store, Florist, Jewellery Store, Electronics Store, Furniture Store.
  3. Specialist categories: Vintage Store, Charity Shop, Bridal Shop, Children's Clothing Store, Sporting Goods Store, Art Supply Store.
  4. Add secondary categories. If you sell gifts and cards, add both Gift Shop and Greeting Card Shop.
  5. Think about what people search. "Toy shop near me" — will your categories make you appear?

Using Products Feature

What to do

Showcase your products directly on your listing.

Step by step

  1. Add your key products. GBP allows you to list products with photos, descriptions, and prices.
  2. Focus on popular items. Don't try to list everything — feature your bestsellers and specialties.
  3. Include prices. Helps customers know what to expect.
  4. Update regularly. Seasonal items, new arrivals, sale items.
  5. Categories products. Organise into logical categories for easy browsing.
  6. Good photos essential. Product photos should be clear, well-lit, and appealing.

Photos That Work for Retail

What to do

Show your shop and products appealingly.

Step by step

  1. Shop exterior. Shopfront, signage, window displays. Help customers recognise you.
  2. Interior/layout. The shopping experience. Well-organised, inviting, easy to browse.
  3. Product displays. Your merchandise attractively displayed. What you're known for.
  4. Individual products. Key products or categories. What makes you special.
  5. Team photos. Friendly, helpful staff. Shows personal service.
  6. Window displays. Seasonal or feature displays. Shows you're active and creative.
  7. Update seasonally. Christmas stock, summer range, sale displays. Keep it current.

Getting Hours Right

What to do

Accurate hours prevent frustration.

Step by step

  1. Set regular hours precisely. Every day, including weekends.
  2. Bank holidays. Set special hours for all bank holidays.
  3. Christmas period. Extended hours, closure dates — set these in advance.
  4. Any variations. Early closing days, late nights, any weekly variations.
  5. Update immediately. If hours change for any reason, update your listing immediately.

Key Attributes to Set

What to do

Enable all relevant attributes.

Step by step

  1. In-store shopping — Yes, you're a physical shop.
  2. Delivery / In-store pickup — If you offer these.
  3. Wheelchair accessible — Entrance and aisles.
  4. Payment options — Cards, contactless, cash.
  5. Women-owned / Veteran-owned — If applicable.
  6. LGBTQ+ friendly — If you want to signal inclusivity.

Getting Reviews for Retail

What to do

Turn happy customers into reviewers.

Step by step

  1. Counter display. Small sign with QR code at the till.
  2. Receipt mention. Print review link on receipts.
  3. Bag insert. Small card with review request in shopping bags.
  4. Staff ask. Train staff to ask satisfied customers: "If you've got a moment, we'd love a Google review."
  5. After special purchases. Big purchases, special orders — follow up with review request.

Q&A to Seed

What to do

Pre-populate these common questions.

Step by step

  1. "What are your opening hours?" — Even if shown, people ask.
  2. "Do you do gift wrapping?" — If applicable.
  3. "Can you order items in?" — Special order capability.
  4. "Do you offer refunds/exchanges?" — Return policy.
  5. "Is there parking nearby?" — Local parking info.
  6. "Do you have [specific product]?" — Common product questions.
  7. "Do you do online orders?" — E-commerce capability.

Post Ideas for Retail

What to do

Keep customers informed of what's new.

Step by step

  1. New arrivals. "Just in: [new product range]!"
  2. Sales and offers. "20% off this weekend!"
  3. Seasonal stock. "Christmas stock now in!" or "Summer collection arrives."
  4. Events. "Late night shopping this Thursday."
  5. Behind the scenes. "Unpacking new deliveries today!"
  6. Gift guides. "Perfect gifts for [occasion]."

Priority Citations for Retail

What to do

Get listed on relevant platforms.

Step by step

  1. Industry-specific directories. Book shops: Bookshop.org. Gift shops: The Giftware Association. Find your sector's directories.
  2. Local shopping directories. Your town's shopping guide or website.
  3. Facebook and Instagram. Essential for retail — where customers browse.
  4. Yelp — Review platform.
  5. Yell, Thomson Local — General directories.
  6. Your local BID. If you're in a Business Improvement District, their directory.

Retail shop GBP checklist: