How to Set Up Google Business Profile — Step by Step

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most important free tools for any local business. It puts your business on Google Maps and in search results when someone looks for services in your area. Setup is straightforward — and you can see results within days.

Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile

Open your browser and go to business.google.com. Sign in with your Google (Gmail) account. If you don't have a Google account — create one first. It's free and takes 2 minutes. Click "Manage now" or "Add your business".

Step 2: Enter Your Business Name

Enter the official name of your business — the one you use day to day. Google will check if a business with that name already exists in its database. If it finds a match, you can "claim" the existing listing. If not — you create a new one.

Step 3: Choose Your Business Category

The category is crucial — Google uses it to decide when to show your business. Be as specific as possible. "Carpenter" is better than "construction services". "Dental office" is better than "healthcare". You can add additional categories later.

Step 4: Provide Your Address and Service Area

If you have a physical location that customers visit — enter the full address. If you go to customers (e.g., plumber, electrician) — select "I deliver services at customers' locations" and enter the cities or regions where you operate.

Step 5: Add Contact Information

Enter your phone number and website address. If you don't have a website — that's even more reason to get one, because Google ranks businesses with websites higher. For now, you can enter your Facebook page link, but long-term, your own website is much better.

Step 6: Verify Your Business

Google needs to confirm your business actually exists at the given address. Most often it sends a postcard with a verification code — it arrives within 5–14 days. Sometimes phone or email verification is available. After entering the code, your listing becomes active.

Step 7: Complete Your Profile

After verification, fill in everything: opening hours, photos (of your location, work, team), business description, list of services. The more complete your profile, the higher Google will rank you. Add new photos regularly — Google likes that.