How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile

01

Claiming or creating it

Search for your business name. If a listing already exists you can claim it, and if not you can create one from your Google account. It'll ask for your name, your category, and whether customers come to you or you go to them.

02

Picking a category

This one matters more than people think. Your main category tells Google what you are, so choose the most specific one that fits. "Italian restaurant" is better than "Restaurant". You can add a few secondary categories for other things you do.

03

Proving it's yours

Before your profile is fully visible, Google wants to confirm you're the owner. Depending on the business that could be a postcard, a phone call, an email or a short video. Just follow what your account asks for. Postcards can take a week or so, so do this early.

04

Filling it in properly

Add your opening hours (and update them for holidays), your phone number and website, and a short description written for customers rather than for Google. List your services, with prices if you can. If you travel to people, set your service area instead of showing a home address.

Then add photos. Your shopfront, your team, your work. Profiles with real photos get noticeably more attention than empty ones.

05

Reviews

Ask happy customers to leave one. Send them a direct link so it takes ten seconds. Reply to every review, including the grumpy ones, politely and without arguing. Please don't buy reviews or write your own. It's against the rules and people can tell.

Common questions