When people search for a local business, the map results with hours, reviews and a "Call" button often appear before the normal search results. Those come from a Google Business Profile. Here's how to get one, and how to check you qualify first.
Step 0: check that you qualify
Google's guidelines say a Business Profile is for businesses that make in-person contact with customers during their stated hours. That includes:
- Shops, salons, restaurants and offices that customers visit
- "Service-area" businesses that travel to customers, like plumbers, cleaners and mobile mechanics
Businesses that only work online, with no in-person contact, generally aren't eligible. If that's you, focus on a website and getting it into Google Search instead (see our website vs Facebook page guide).
Step 1: create the profile
- Go to Google Business Profile (business.google.com) and sign in with the Google account you want to manage it with.
- Search for your business name. If it already exists, request access instead of creating a duplicate.
- Choose your primary category carefully. It's one of the most important settings.
- If customers visit you, add your address. If you travel to customers, choose no location and add a service area instead. Your home address stays hidden.
- Add your phone number and website.
Step 2: verify it
Google chooses the verification method. Common ones are a short video of your business (location, equipment and proof you manage it), a phone or email code, or a postcard. Reviews can take a few days or longer, and nobody can speed them up.
Step 3: complete every section
- Business name: exactly as it appears on your signage. Don't add keywords ("Joe's Plumbing Best Plumber Springfield"); it can get your profile suspended.
- Hours, including holiday hours
- Description: what you do and the area you serve, in plain language
- Services and prices, if relevant
- Photos: logo, cover, and real photos of your work or premises
Step 4: keep details consistent everywhere
Your name, address (or service area) and phone should match exactly on your website, Facebook, Apple Maps, Bing Places and directories like Yelp. Inconsistent details confuse customers and search engines.
Step 5: ask for genuine reviews
Share your review link with real customers after a job. Never buy, write or offer rewards for reviews; it breaks Google's rules.
Want it done for you?
Our Business Listing Setup creates or claims up to 3 listings with consistent details, and our Google Review Kit gives you a review link, printable QR card and polite request templates. See the dental practice demo for an example.