How to Add Attributes in Google My Business

Telling potential customers you exist is one thing, showing them exactly why they should choose you over the competition is another. Google Business Profile attributes are the small details that make a big difference, allowing you to highlight specific features like outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, or women-led directly in your profile. This article will walk you through exactly what attributes are, why they matter, and how to add them to your profile step-by-step.

What Are Google Business Profile Attributes, Anyway?

Think of attributes as digital storefront stickers or quick-reference tags. They are specific pieces of information that describe the features, services, and values of your business. When a user searches on Google or Google Maps for "coffee shops with outdoor seating," attributes are what help Google match your business with that very specific query.

These attributes fall into two main categories:

• Factual (or "Objective") Attributes: These are details you, the business owner, add and control directly. They are verifiable facts about your business, such as accessibility options, A/V equipment, payment methods, and special offerings. The specific attributes available to you are determined by your primary business category - a restaurant will have options for "delivery" and "happy hour," while a hair salon will have options like "accepts appointments."
• Subjective Attributes: These are attributes that you can't add yourself. They are based on the opinions and feedback of customers who have visited your business. Google gathers this information from user reviews and other online signals. Examples include "cozy," "good for groups," or "popular with locals." While you can't click a button to add these, you can certainly influence them by providing excellent service and encouraging detailed customer reviews.

Why You Can't Afford to Ignore GMB Attributes

Ignoring your GMB attributes is like leaving the most important parts of your business description blank. They are a free, powerful tool for standing out, building trust, and connecting with a highly specific audience. Here’s why filling them out should be a top priority.

Level Up Your Visibility in Niche Searches

Today's customers search with incredible specificity. They aren't just looking for a "restaurant", they're looking for a "pet-friendly restaurant with vegetarian options." Attributes are the data Google uses to rank businesses in these powerful long-tail searches. By adding attributes, you're raising your hand to tell Google, "Hey, that's me! I have exactly what this person is looking for." This helps you attract pre-qualified customers who are more likely to convert because you already meet their precise needs.

Answer Customer Questions Before They're Asked

Every attribute you add answers a potential question. Does this business take credit cards? Is there a wheelchair-accessible entrance? Is Wi-Fi available? Providing this information upfront removes friction from the customer journey. When a potential customer can see at a glance that your business has all the amenities they need, they are far more likely to visit or make a purchase without a second thought. It saves them time and builds confidence in your business.

Stand Out in a Crowded Local Market

Imagine two coffee shops appear side-by-side in Google Maps. One has a basic profile with just its name, address, and hours. The other has its profile fleshed out with attributes like "Free Wi-Fi," Outdoor seating, Great for working remotely, and Serves light bites. Which one seems more appealing and professional? The second one, hands down. Well-managed attributes show you're an active and attentive business owner, giving you a competitive edge over listings that haven't put in the effort.

Build Trust Through Transparency

Honesty and transparency are fundamental to building customer trust. By accurately representing your business through attributes, you set clear expectations. A family with a stroller will appreciate knowing in advance that you have a wheelchair-accessible entrance. A professional looking for a place to work will be grateful for the "free Wi-Fi" tag. This honesty prevents negative experiences (and potential bad reviews) that result from mismatched expectations.

How to Add Attributes to Your Google Business Profile: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to update your profile? The good news is that adding attributes is straightforward. Google has made it easier than ever to manage your profile directly from Search or Maps.

Step 1: Access Your Business Profile

Getting to your profile dashboard is simple. Make sure you are logged into the Google account associated with your business.

• On Google Search: Just search for your exact business name or type "my business" into the Google search bar. A management panel will appear at the top of the search results just for you.
• On Google Maps: Open the Google Maps app, tap on your profile picture or initial in the top-right corner, and then select "Your Business Profiles."

Step 2: Navigate to "Edit Profile"

In the management panel, you'll see a series of bubbles with different options. Click or tap on the one that says “Edit Profile”. This is your gateway to updating all your core business information.

Step 3: Locate the Attributes Section

After clicking "Edit Profile," you will see various categories like "About," "Contact," "Location," and so on. The location of attributes can vary slightly by business type, but it is typically found under the “More” tab. Scroll down this section until you find the area for Attributes. You might see categories like "Service options," "Accessibility," "Amenities," "Crowd," or "Planning."

Step 4: Select and Apply Your Attributes

Browse through the available attribute categories. Click on an attribute to answer "Yes" or "No." For example, under "Accessibility," you might see an option for "Wheelchair-accessible entrance?" You would select "Yes" or "No."

Go through each category and select all the attributes that accurately apply to your business. Some common categories include:

• Service Options: Do you offer delivery, takeaway, curbside pickup, dine-in, or in-store shopping?
• Accessibility: Do you have wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking lots, restrooms, or seating?
• Amenities: Is there a gender-neutral restroom? Do you offer free Wi-Fi?
• Payments: What forms of payment do you accept? Credit cards, debit cards, NFC mobile payments, checks?
• Identity Attributes: Let customers know if your business is women-led, veteran-led, Black-owned, or Latino-owned.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

Once you are done selecting all relevant attributes, simply click "Save." That’s it! The changes may take up to 24 hours to appear publicly on your profile as Google reviews them, but often they show up much faster.

Best Practices for Managing Your GMB Attributes

Adding your attributes isn't a "set it and forget it" task. To get the most out of them, keep these best practices in mind.

1. Be Scrupulously Honest: This is the golden rule. Do not mark "wheelchair accessible" if there are two steps to get inside. Misleading customers is the fastest way to get a one-star review and destroy trust. If someone drove across town because your profile said you had outdoor seating only to find out you didn't, they will not be happy.
2. Keep Them Up-to-Date: Business operations change. If you used to offer 24-hour service but no longer do, update that attribute immediately. If you've just installed a new wheelchair ramp, add that attribute! Reviewing your profile quarterly is a good practice to ensure all information is current.
3. Regularly Check for New Attributes: Google is constantly adding new attributes based on changing consumer behaviors and global events (the rise of contactless delivery is a perfect example). Make a habit of checking your profile for new options you can add. This keeps you ahead of competitors who might not be paying as close attention.
4. Confirm Your Primary Business Category is Correct: The list of available attributes is directly tied to your primary business category. If you’re a cafe but your category is set to “restaurant,” you might be missing some specific, relevant attributes. Double-check your category to make sure it's as accurate as possible.

Final Thoughts

In the end, Google Business Profile attributes are a simple yet powerful way to communicate your business's unique value. By taking just a few minutes to fill them out accurately and keep them updated, you can improve your local search visibility, answer key customer questions before they're even asked, and build the kind of trust that turns casual searchers into loyal patrons.

Keeping your digital storefront polished on Google while engaging with your community on social media is the winning combination for a strong local brand. For the social media side of things, we designed Postbase to make managing your online presence feel effortless. With a clear visual calendar to plan your content, a single inbox to handle all your customer messages and comments, and analytics that are easy to understand, you can manage your social media without the usual chaos.