Google Business Profile for colleges and institutes
Students check a college's Google listing for more than directions. They look at the photos, read what other students say and call the number shown there. I make sure every campus and public-facing department has an accurate listing that points to the right pages.
What I set up on a college listing
Category
The education category that fits, chosen from Google's own options, with honest secondary categories.
Campuses and departments
One listing per campus, and separate ones for public-facing departments where Google allows.
Office hours
When the admissions and accounts offices are open, with special hours for vacations and exams.
Campus photos
Entrance, buildings, labs, library and hostels, so a visiting student recognises the place.
Links
The listing linked to your admissions page in season and your home page the rest of the year.
Reviews
A fair way to ask students and alumni, and a reply to each review.
Taking control of an old listing
Colleges often find several listings for themselves: one made by a student union, one for an old name, one pinned at a hostel. Some are owned by people who left years ago. I claim the ones that should be yours through Google's ownership process, merge or remove duplicates, and give the right staff manager access so the college never depends on one person again.
For the search work around the listings, see SEO for colleges, and for the site, college website design.
Questions about college listings
Can departments have their own listings?
Google allows separate listings for departments of universities and similar institutions when they are public-facing, with their own entrance, hours or contact details. A department that only exists inside the main office should stay part of the main listing.
Which category should a college use?
The one that describes what the institution is, such as a college, university, nursing school or business school, chosen from the options Google offers as you type. Use secondary categories only for things you genuinely are.
What can a college do about unfair reviews?
Reply calmly and specifically, without arguing or sharing private details. If a review breaks Google's policies, for example by being abusive or posted by someone who never attended, it can be reported. Asking current students and alumni for honest reviews is the best balance.
Is your college's listing in the right hands?
Send me your college's name and town. I'll find the listings Google shows for it and tell you which to claim, fix or merge.