What are Google Business Profile attributes and which should I set?

What are Google Business Profile attributes?

Attributes are short details that tell customers what to expect from your business. Each one is a simple Yes or No choice. Google gives the examples of outdoor seats and Wi-Fi.

Attributes show on your profile in Search, Maps, and other Google platforms. Google also says that if you add certain attributes, your business might show up in searches for places with those attributes. That is a possible benefit, not a promise.

Which attributes should I set?

Set every attribute that is true today. Leave the others alone. The best rule is to describe your business as a customer will find it on the day they visit.

Google groups attributes into types. These are the ones most owners need to review:

• Accessibility. These cover hearing assistance and wheelchair access to the entrance, restrooms, seating, parking, and elevators.
• Amenities and payments. Google lists examples such as Wi-Fi and cash-only.
• Business identity. These describe who owns the business.
• Recycling. These apply to businesses that take recycling drop-offs.

Google may not offer every attribute for every business. Some attributes only work in certain locations, countries, or business categories. The attribute names can also change over time.

How do I know if an accessibility attribute is true?

Check the physical space first. Do not guess.

• For a wheelchair-accessible entrance, Google says to select Yes if the entrance is three feet or one meter wide and has no steps or stairs. If there are steps, there should be a permanent ramp or at least a movable ramp.
• If the entrance has only revolving doors, select No.
• For wheelchair-accessible seating, the main area needs no steps or stairs. There must be enough space to reach a table. If the tables are at standing height, select No.
• For wheelchair-accessible parking, select Yes only if you have a spot reserved for people with accessibility needs.

A wrong Yes can send a customer to a door they cannot use. That harms the customer, and it may also harm your reputation. If you are not sure, walk the route yourself or ask a customer who uses a wheelchair.

Should I add business identity attributes?

This is your choice. You can pick more than one. You can opt in or opt out at any time.

The options include Indigenous-owned, Women-owned, Veteran-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, Disabled-owned, and Small business. When you add one, you tell everyone that the business is owned by someone of that identity. Add only the ones that are true and that you are comfortable showing in public.

The Small business attribute has rules. A franchise cannot use it. A small business makes less than $10 million a year. Google may also mark your business as a small business automatically, based on the information it has.

Accurate claims also matter under Canadian law. The Competition Bureau expects business claims to be truthful.

How do I set my attributes?

1. Go to your Business Profile.
2. Select Edit profile, then More.
3. Next to the attribute category you want to change, select Edit. Examples are “Amenities” or “Payments”.
4. Next to each attribute, select Yes or No.
5. Select Save.

Then check your profile in Search or Maps. Confirm that the attributes show as you expect.

Why do I see attributes I did not set?

Google says you can edit some attributes directly. Other attributes may be filled in from customer input. Review your profile from time to time. If an attribute is wrong, change it where Google lets you.

What mistakes should I avoid?

• Do not add attributes just to look better. Accuracy matters more than volume.
• Do not put attribute details in your business name. Google’s guidelines say the name must reflect your real-world name. Hours, services, and location go in their own fields.
• Do not put prices or promotions in your business description. Google does not allow that content there.

Google also asks that you reflect your business accurately. A profile that breaks the guidelines can be suspended. Honest attributes keep your profile safe.