Google Business Profile · Optimisation

How to Write a Google Business Profile Description That Ranks

Your description is a small box that does a big job: helping customers choose you. Here is how to write a Google Business Profile description, what to include, how long it should be, what to avoid, and how it fits into local SEO.

Updated: July 2026
Written by: Andrew Odgers, Managing Director
Reading time: 8 minutes
The short answer

Write your description by clearly describing what you do, who you serve and what makes you a good choice, in natural language. Include main services, location or service area, and what sets you apart. Google allows up to 750 characters, so use the space well and front-load key details. Avoid keyword stuffing, promotional language, links and guideline breaches. The description is not a strong ranking factor; its job is persuasion.

Write for people

How to write it, and what to include

You write a Google Business Profile description by clearly describing what your business does, who you serve and what makes you a good choice, in natural, honest language. Clarity beats cleverness; because the description helps customers decide, writing for people rather than for keywords is the most effective approach. You should include your main services, your location or service area, what sets you apart, and the value you offer, using relevant terms naturally. Cover the essentials plainly; because customers scan quickly, leading with what matters most helps the description do its job, complementing your wider profile optimisation.

DE 01

Be clear

Plain, honest language.

DE 02

750 characters

Front-load key details.

DE 03

Stay compliant

No stuffing or links.

Length, pitfalls and its real role

How long, what to avoid, and how it fits local SEO

Google allows up to 750 characters, so aim to use that space well without padding, front-loading the most important information. Use the room, but do not waffle; because only the first part may show before a click, putting key details first makes the most of the limit. You should avoid keyword stuffing, promotional language, links, and anything against Google's guidelines, all of which can hurt rather than help. Restraint keeps you compliant; because Google can reject or ignore a description that breaks the rules, keeping it clean and natural is safest and helps you steer clear of a suspension. The description is not a strong direct ranking factor, but a clear, relevant one supports understanding and helps convert visitors into customers. Its main job is persuasion, not ranking; because it influences whether people choose you, a good description is worthwhile even though it will not single-handedly move rankings.

SEO done properly, from £350 a month

Words that
win customers.

We write clear, compliant profile descriptions that tell people exactly why to choose you, part of a fully optimised Google Business Profile that works hard for your local visibility.

Everything included in your plan:

Google Maps optimisation Full website management Local SEO campaign AI optimisation (GEO) Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Quarterly audits Monthly reporting
£350 per month

One clear retainer. No setup fee.

Frequently asked

Writing your description

How do you write a Google Business Profile description?
You write it by clearly describing what your business does, who you serve and what makes you a good choice, in natural, honest language. Clarity beats cleverness. Because the description helps customers decide, writing for people rather than for keywords is the most effective approach.
What should you include in the description?
You should include your main services, your location or service area, what sets you apart, and the value you offer, using relevant terms naturally. Cover the essentials plainly. Because customers scan quickly, leading with what matters most helps the description do its job.
How long should a Google Business Profile description be?
Google allows up to 750 characters, so aim to use that space well without padding, front-loading the most important information. Use the room, but do not waffle. Because only the first part may show before a click, putting key details first makes the most of the limit.
What should you avoid in the description?
You should avoid keyword stuffing, promotional language, links, and anything against Google's guidelines, all of which can hurt rather than help. Restraint keeps you compliant. Because Google can reject or ignore a description that breaks the rules, keeping it clean and natural is safest.
Does the description affect local rankings?
The description is not a strong direct ranking factor, but a clear, relevant one supports understanding and helps convert visitors into customers. Its main job is persuasion, not ranking. Because it influences whether people choose you, a good description is worthwhile even though it will not single-handedly move rankings.