Why your business needs to be on Google
When someone searches for a service near them, Google usually shows a map with three local businesses before any websites. Those places come from Google Business Profiles. Without one, you’re simply not in the running for those searches.
Your profile also gives customers what they need in one place: your number, your opening hours, directions and reviews. It’s free, and it’s often the first impression people get of you.
What is a Google Business Profile?
It’s your free business listing on Google, shown in Google Search and on Google Maps. You control what it says: your name, category, address or service area, phone number, website, hours, photos and services. Google uses it to decide when to show you to people searching nearby.
It used to be called Google My Business, so you’ll still hear both names.
Step by step: adding your business
1. Check you’re not already listed
Search for your business name and town on Google Maps. A previous owner, an old employee or Google itself may have created a listing already. If you find one, skip to claiming an existing listing below, so you don’t end up with two.
2. Start at business.google.com
Go to business.google.com and sign in. Use a Google account you’ll keep for the long term, ideally a business email rather than a personal one you might lose.
3. Enter your business name
Use your real trading name, exactly as it appears on your signs, vans and invoices. Adding extra keywords or town names to your name can get a listing suspended.
4. Pick your main category
Your category is one of the strongest signals Google uses. Choose the one that best describes your core service, such as “Plumber” rather than “Contractor”. You can add more categories later.
5. Add your location or service area
If customers visit you, add your address. If you visit them, choose the towns and areas you cover, and you can hide your home address. More on this below.
6. Add your contact details
Add the phone number you actually answer and your website, if you have one. No website yet? You can still create the profile and add one later.
7. Verify and complete your profile
Google will ask you to prove the business is yours, then your listing goes live. While you wait, finish everything else on your profile so it’s ready the day it appears.
Claiming an existing listing
If your business is already on Google Maps, open the listing and choose “Own this business?” or “Claim this business”. If someone else already manages it, Google lets you request access, and they’re asked to respond. If they don’t, Google may let you claim it yourself.
If you go to your customers
Trades, mobile services and home-based businesses can set up as a service-area business. You list the towns or areas you cover instead of showing an address. Keep the area realistic: the places you genuinely serve, not the whole country.
Verifying your business
Google needs to check that the business is real and that it’s yours. It chooses the method, and you may be offered one or more of:
- A short video showing your premises, signage, tools or van, and proof you run the business
- A phone call or text with a code
- An email with a code
- A postcard with a code, sent to your address
Some businesses are verified within minutes, while others take a few days while Google reviews them. If verification fails, check that your name, address and category match what’s on your signs and website, then try again.
Once you’re live: getting found more
Being listed is step one. Showing up near the top takes a complete, active profile.
- Write a clear description that says what you do and where
- Add your services, each with a short description
- Upload real photos of your work, your team and your premises
- Keep your hours right, including holidays
- Ask happy customers for reviews, and reply to every one
- Post updates regularly, so Google sees you’re active
Questions people ask
Is it free to add my business to Google?
Yes. A Google Business Profile is completely free to create and keep. Google doesn’t charge for your listing or for appearing on Maps.
How long does it take to show up on Google?
Once you’re verified, your listing usually appears within a few days. Ranking well for busy searches takes longer, and depends on how complete and active your profile is.
What if someone else has already claimed my business?
Open the listing and request access. The current manager is asked to respond, and if they don’t, Google may let you take it over after a few days.
Can I add my business if I work from home?
Yes. Set it up as a service-area business, list the areas you cover, and hide your home address so it isn’t shown.
Do I need a website?
No, but it helps. A website gives Google more to go on and gives customers somewhere to learn more. You can add one to your profile at any time.