If your Welsh business isn't properly optimised on Google My Business (now Google Business Profile), you're invisible to 78% of local customers searching online. This comprehensive guide shows Welsh businesses exactly how to claim, optimise, and dominate local search results in 2025.
Why Google My Business is Critical for Welsh Businesses
When someone searches 'plumber near me' in Cardiff or 'restaurant Swansea', Google My Business listings appear before traditional website results. Welsh businesses with optimised GMB profiles receive 5x more calls, 7x more website visits, and 3x more direction requests than those without.
Step 1: Claiming Your Welsh Business Listing
Visit business.google.com and search for your business name and Welsh address. If it exists, claim it immediately. If not, create a new listing. Use your exact business name as registered with Companies House or HMRC - consistency is crucial for local SEO.
Verification Process for UK Businesses
- Postcard verification: 5-14 days to Welsh addresses
- Phone verification: Available for established businesses
- Email verification: For businesses with Google Workspace
- Video verification: New option for service area businesses
- Instant verification: If you have Search Console access
Step 2: Optimising Your Business Information
Business Name Optimization
Use your real business name only. While 'Cardiff's Best Plumber - 24/7 Emergency Services' might seem smart, Google penalises keyword stuffing. Stick to 'Jones Plumbing Ltd' or whatever your actual trading name is.
Selecting the Right Categories
Primary category is crucial - it determines which searches you appear for. Welsh restaurants should choose 'Restaurant' not 'Food' or 'Dining'. Add up to 9 secondary categories but ensure they're genuinely relevant to your Welsh business.
Step 3: Welsh-Specific Optimization Strategies
Bilingual Business Descriptions
While Google doesn't officially support Welsh language in GMB, you can include both English and Welsh in your description. Start with English for SEO, then add 'Rydym hefyd yn siarad Cymraeg' to appeal to Welsh speakers.
Local Area Targeting
Mention specific Welsh areas you serve. Instead of just 'Cardiff', include 'Canton, Pontcanna, Roath, Cardiff Bay'. This helps you appear in neighbourhood-specific searches throughout Wales.
Step 4: Photos That Convert Welsh Customers
Businesses with photos receive 42% more direction requests. Welsh businesses should showcase local elements - Welsh flags, local landmarks, or team members in Welsh rugby jerseys build local connection.
- Cover photo: 1080x608px minimum, showcase your best feature
- Profile photo: Your logo, 250x250px minimum
- Interior photos: Show 3-5 angles of your Welsh business
- Exterior photos: Include recognisable Welsh street views
- Product/service photos: Highlight your best offerings
- Team photos: Build trust with local faces
- Update monthly: Google favours fresh content
Step 5: Mastering Google Reviews for Welsh Businesses
Reviews are the #1 local ranking factor. Welsh customers particularly value local recommendations. Average Welsh businesses have 8 reviews - aim for 20+ to stand out.
Getting More Reviews from Welsh Customers
- Ask in-person after positive experiences
- Send follow-up emails with direct review links
- Create QR codes for physical locations
- Incentivise carefully (follow Google's guidelines)
- Respond to ALL reviews within 48 hours
- Thank reviewers in Welsh when appropriate
Step 6: Google Posts for Welsh Events and Offers
Google Posts appear directly in your listing and boost engagement by 30%. Welsh businesses should post about local events, Six Nations matches, St David's Day promotions, and Eisteddfod participation.
Post Types and Welsh Content Ideas
- What's New: Welsh language classes, local partnerships
- Events: Cardiff Blues matches, local festivals
- Offers: 'Dewi Sant Day 20% off' promotions
- Products: Feature Welsh-made items prominently
- COVID updates: Current Welsh Government guidelines
Step 7: Services and Products Sections
List every service with prices where possible. Welsh customers appreciate transparency. Include delivery to Welsh regions, Welsh language services, and any Welsh-specific offerings.
Step 8: Q&A Section Optimization
Monitor and answer questions quickly. Pre-emptively add FAQs about parking in Welsh town centres, Welsh language service availability, and delivery to rural Wales areas.
Advanced Welsh GMB Strategies
Local Link Building
Get listed on Welsh directories like Welshbiz.org, local council business directories, and Welsh tourism sites. These citations strengthen your local authority.
Competitor Analysis
Search your keywords in Welsh locations. Study the top 3 GMB listings - what categories, keywords, and features are they using? Match and exceed their optimization.
Common GMB Mistakes Welsh Businesses Make
- Using fake addresses or virtual offices
- Creating duplicate listings for the same location
- Keyword stuffing in business names
- Ignoring negative reviews
- Inconsistent NAP across Welsh directories
- Not updating holiday hours for Welsh bank holidays
- Missing service area settings for rural Wales
Measuring Your Welsh GMB Success
Use GMB Insights to track discovery searches, direct searches, and customer actions. Welsh businesses typically see 40% increase in calls within 3 months of optimization. Monitor which Welsh towns drive most views and adjust your content accordingly.
2025 GMB Updates for UK Businesses
Google's introducing AI-powered features including automated responses, enhanced local inventory, and video uploads. Welsh businesses should prepare for voice search optimization as 'Welsh accent' recognition improves.
Your 30-Day Welsh GMB Action Plan
- Week 1: Claim and verify your listing
- Week 2: Complete all information fields and add photos
- Week 3: Implement review generation strategy
- Week 4: Create first month of Google Posts
- Ongoing: Respond to reviews, update posts weekly, add fresh photos monthly
Dominating local search in Wales requires consistent GMB optimization. Follow this guide, stay active on your profile, and watch your Welsh business climb above competitors who neglect this free, powerful tool.
Need Help Implementing These Strategies?
If you're a Welsh business looking to improve your online presence, we're here to help. Contact WebDev Wales for expert guidance tailored to your specific needs and local market.
