Your Google Business Profile is the panel that appears when someone searches your business name or looks for businesses like yours on Maps. It's free, and it's worth doing properly.
1. Check whether a profile already exists
Search your business name and city on Google Maps. If a profile exists, you can request to claim it instead of creating a duplicate.
2. Create or claim it
Sign in with a Google account you'll keep long term — ideally one tied to your business email — and follow the steps to add your business.
3. Verify it
Google asks you to prove you run the business. The method varies (for example a video, a phone call or a code by post). Until you're verified, many features stay hidden.
4. Fill in everything
- Primary category — the most specific one that fits what you do.
- Hours, including holidays.
- Service area if you visit customers instead of them visiting you.
- Services or products with short descriptions.
- Photos: outside, inside, your work, your team.
- Website and booking links.
5. Ask for reviews the right way
Ask real customers after a good experience, with a direct link. Never buy reviews or offer something in exchange — it breaks Google's rules and can get your profile restricted.
6. Keep it alive
Post an update now and then, add new photos and reply to reviews. An active profile looks open for business.
Prefer to hand it off? Setup is $79 and management is $49 a month.