Set Up Your Google Business Profile
As a small business owner, you already know how important word of mouth is. But in today’s world, the first place most people look for a product or service isn’t a friend or a phone book — it’s Google. That means if your business doesn’t show up on Google Search or Maps, you’re practically invisible to potential customers.
The good news? Google gives you a free tool to change that: the Google Business Profile (formerly called Google My Business). This powerful listing lets you share your business information, collect reviews, post updates, and appear in local searches when people are looking for exactly what you offer.
In this guide, I’ll walk you step-by-step through setting up your profile the right way — from choosing your business type, to verifying your account, to adding the details that make you stand out. I’ve also included my YouTube tutorial so you can watch me go through the process on screen if you prefer a visual walkthrough.
By the end, you’ll have a complete Google Business Profile that helps you get found, build trust, and attract more customers.
The Steps to Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Step 1: Go to google.com/business
Where to Start:
Open your browser and type in google.com/business. This is the official Google Business Profile Manager. Don’t Google random links — always go directly to this URL to avoid scams or third-party “setup services.”
Click “Manage Now” or “Start Now”:
On the homepage, you’ll see a blue button that says “Manage now” or “Start now.” Clicking this takes you to the setup process.
Sign In:
You’ll be asked to log in with a Google Account (Gmail).
- If you already have a business Gmail, use that one.
- If you don’t have one, create a free Gmail specifically for your business. (Example: info@yourbusinessname.com or yourbusiness@gmail.com).
Why It’s Important:
- This is the first and most official step in creating your Google Business Profile.
A Google Business Profile is what allows your business to show up on Google Search and Google Maps — when people type in things like “coffee near me” or “lawn care in Lake of the Ozarks.”
Customers can see your hours, phone number, website, reviews, and photos directly in search results.
This process is always free. If you come across websites or people asking for money to “get your business listed on Google,” it’s not necessary and often a scam.
Pro Tips:
Use a computer for the first setup (it’s easier than on mobile).
Bookmark the site — you’ll come back here often to update your hours, add posts, or reply to reviews.
Make sure you’re signed into the Google account you want tied to your business. Whoever owns this login controls the listing.
Step 2: Enter Your Business Name
What to Do:
- Type your business name into the search bar.
- If it appears in the dropdown → select it (Google already knows it exists from maps, reviews, or other sources).
- If it doesn’t → click “Create a business with this name.”
Why It Matters:
- Your business name should exactly match your real-world signage, website, and social media. Example: “Blush & Bloom Co.” not “Blush & Bloom Co. Jewelry Boutique Online Trendy Store.”
- Adding keywords into your business name (like “best,” “cheap,” or city names) can actually get you suspended by Google.
Pro Tips:
- Double-check spelling! Whatever you put here is how you’ll appear on Search and Maps.
- If you recently rebranded, decide whether to use your new name or keep the old one (consistency matters).
Step 3: Add Your Location
What to Do:
- If you have a storefront/office customers visit → select Yes and add your physical address.
- If you go to your customers (cleaning, landscaping, consulting, etc.) or are online-only → select No and add service areas (like “Lake of the Ozarks,” “Springfield, MO,” or “United States”).
Why It Matters:
- If you add an address, you’ll appear on Google Maps with a pin.
- If you add service areas, you’ll show up in “near me” searches in those locations.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t use a PO Box or UPS Store mailbox. Google doesn’t allow it.
- If you work from home but don’t want your address public, choose service areas only.
Step 4: Add Contact Info
What to Do:
- Enter your business phone number and website.
- If you don’t have a website, you can use Google’s free simple site for now.
Why It Matters:
- Most customers will call, text, or click your website directly from your profile.
- Missing contact info = lost business.
Pro Tips:
- Use a business phone number if possible, not your personal cell.
- If you don’t have a website, link to your most active platform (like Facebook or Instagram) until you build one.
- Make sure your phone number and website match exactly across all your online listings.
Step 5: Verify Your Business
What to Do:
- Google will require verification before your profile is visible.
- Options include: postcard to your address, phone call, email, or instant verification (if your website is already tied to Google).
Why It Matters:
- Without verification, your business won’t appear in search results.
- Verification proves to Google (and customers) that you are a legitimate business.
Pro Tips:
- If using postcard verification, it usually takes 5–10 days. Watch your mail carefully.
- Don’t share the verification code with anyone outside your business — scammers sometimes ask for it.
- Once verified, you’ll get access to full editing features and insights.
Step 6: Add Hours of Operation
What to Do:
- Select the days and times your business is open.
- If you’re an online shop, you can list “Open 24 hours” since customers can order anytime.
Why It Matters:
- Customers rely on this info. If they show up and you’re closed, they may leave a bad review.
- Accurate hours build trust.
Pro Tips:
- Update hours during holidays and seasonal changes. Google lets you add special hours.
- Service-based businesses can set “by appointment only” instead of specific hours.
Step 7: Write a Business Description
What to Do:
- Write up to 750 characters describing your business.
- Include:
- Keywords customers search for (like “online boutique,” “jewelry,” “stationery”)
- Your unique value (what makes you stand out)
- A call to action (invite people to shop, book, or call).
Why It Matters:
- This description helps Google decide when to show you in search results.
- It also helps customers quickly understand what you do.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t use all caps or excessive sales language.
- Example for online shop:
“Blush & Bloom Co. is an online boutique offering trendy jewelry, chic stationery, and cozy lifestyle finds with nationwide shipping. Shop small and discover pieces you’ll love.”
Step 8: Upload Photos
What to Do:
- Upload high-quality photos that represent your business.
- Good photos include:
- Storefront (if you have one)
- Interior (if customers visit)
- Team photos (great for service businesses)
- Products or services in action
- Logo and branding images
Why It Matters:
- Businesses with photos get 2x more clicks than those without.
- Photos help customers trust you before they ever visit or buy.
Pro Tips:
- Use bright, clear images — avoid blurry or dark shots.
- Update photos regularly (Google favors active profiles).
- Service-based businesses: post before-and-after shots, equipment, or happy customers (with permission).
Final Step: Maintain Your Google Business Profile
1. Post Regular Updates
- What to Do:
- Use the “Posts” feature in your dashboard to share news, promotions, events, or new products/services.
- Treat it like a mini social media post: add a photo, short text, and a link (like “Shop Now” or “Call Today”).
Why It Matters:
Regular posts show Google that your business is active → boosts your ranking.
Customers are more likely to engage with fresh, updated businesses.
Pro Tip:
Post at least once a week. Even something simple like “We just restocked our summer candles!” keeps your profile alive.
2. Ask for Reviews
What to Do:
After completing a job, sale, or service, politely ask your customer to leave a review on Google.
You can copy your unique review link from your dashboard and text/email it to customers.
Why It Matters:
Reviews build trust — 90% of customers read reviews before choosing a business.
More positive reviews help you rank higher in local searches.
Pro Tip:
Don’t be shy — people are usually happy to leave a review if you ask.
Respond to every review (positive or negative). A simple “Thank you!” or “We’re sorry, here’s how we’ll fix it” shows professionalism.
3. Keep Business Information Current
What to Do:
Update hours (especially holidays, seasonal changes, or unexpected closures).
Update services, products, or menus if they change.
Add new photos regularly (new team members, updated storefront, seasonal products).
Why It Matters:
Outdated info frustrates customers (imagine showing up to a “closed” store that says it’s open).
Google favors businesses that keep profiles fresh and accurate.
Pro Tip:
Set a monthly reminder to log in and review your profile details.
4. Use Insights to Track Performance
What to Do:
In your dashboard, check “Insights” (analytics) to see:
How many people searched for your business
How they found you (Maps, Search, keywords)
What actions they took (called, visited your site, requested directions)
Why It Matters:
This helps you understand what’s working — and where to improve.
Pro Tip:
Use these insights to guide your marketing. If most people find you via “coffee near me,” make sure your description and posts emphasize coffee.
5. Engage With Customers
What to Do:
Respond to messages if you enable the messaging feature.
Reply to Q&A that customers submit on your profile.
Why It Matters:
Engagement builds trust and shows customers you care.
Pro Tip:
Turn on notifications so you never miss a message or review.