Google Business Profile: a complete setup guide for local businesses

For local businesses, the Google Business Profile is often seen before the website. It decides whether you appear in the map results and whether people call you or the next business.

1. Claim and verify the profile

Search for your business on Google Maps. If it exists, claim it; if not, create it. Complete Google's verification so you control the information.

2. Use your exact business name

Use the name you use on your signboard, website and invoices. Adding keywords to the name breaks Google's guidelines and can get the profile suspended.

3. Choose the right categories

Pick the primary category that best describes your main service, then add secondary categories for other services you genuinely provide.

4. Keep name, address and phone consistent

Your name, address and phone number should be identical on your website, Google, directories such as Justdial and IndiaMART, and social profiles. Inconsistent details confuse search engines and customers.

5. Add services, hours and a description

List each service with a short description. Keep opening hours accurate, including holidays. Write a clear description of what you do and where.

6. Upload real photos

Add photos of your premises, team at work, products and completed projects. Real photos build more trust than stock images.

7. Ask every happy customer for a review

Reviews strongly influence both rankings and decisions. Ask at the moment of satisfaction, make it easy with a direct review link, and reply to every review politely, including negative ones.

8. Post updates

Share offers, new projects and articles as posts. Regular activity shows customers the business is active.

9. Link it to your website

Make sure your website shows the same name, address and phone, embeds a map, and links back to the profile.

We set up and improve Google Business Profiles as part of our SEO and online growth service. Request a free audit to see how your local presence compares.