Your Google Business Profile (formerly “Google My Business”) is the panel that appears next to search results or on Google Maps when someone looks up your business. It’s free, and it matters a lot for being found locally.
Step 1: create or claim your profile
- Go to the Google Business Profile page and sign in with a Google account.
- Search for your business name. If a profile already exists, claim it; if not, create one.
- Pick the right primary category — it’s one of the most important choices you’ll make.
- Enter your address, or your service area if you travel to customers.
Step 2: verify your profile
Google needs proof that you run the business. The method varies: post, phone, email or video. Until your profile is verified, your changes may not show up.
Step 3: fill in everything
A complete profile inspires more trust. Add:
- your opening hours, including bank holidays;
- your phone number and your website address;
- a clear description of what you do, without stuffing it with keywords;
- your main services or products.
Step 4: add real photos
Photos of your shopfront, your team, your work or your products help customers picture themselves working with you. Real, recent photos beat stock images every time.
Step 5: keep it alive
- Ask happy customers for reviews — simply, after a job well done.
- Reply to every review, good or bad, calmly and politely.
- Keep your hours up to date and post the occasional update.
Never buy fake reviews: it’s against the rules, Google can remove them, and customers eventually notice.
Your profile and your website: a great pair
Your profile makes people want to get in touch; your website gives them the details and the reassurance. Link your website from your profile, and keep the same name, address and phone number everywhere.
No time to handle it? Setting up your Google profile is included in our Pro package.