When people search for a business on Google, the box with the map, hours, photos and reviews comes from a free Google Business Profile. Here's how to set yours up.
What a Google Business Profile is
A Google Business Profile is your free listing on Google Search and Google Maps. It shows your name, hours, phone number, address or service area, photos, reviews and a link to your website. For many local businesses, it's the first thing customers see.
Step 1: Check if you already have one
Search your business name and city on Google Maps. Sometimes Google or a customer already created a listing. If one exists, look for an option to claim or manage it instead of making a new one. Duplicate listings can confuse customers.
Step 2: Start your profile
- Go to Google's Business Profile page (google.com/business) and sign in with a Google account. Use an account you'll keep for the long term, ideally one for your business.
- Enter your exact business name, the way it appears on your sign.
- Choose the category that best fits, like "Mexican restaurant," "Barber shop" or "Lawn care service."
Step 3: Add where you are or where you serve
- If customers come to you (a shop, salon or restaurant), add your street address.
- If you go to customers (cleaning, detailing, lawn care, pressure washing), you can hide your home address and list the cities you serve instead.
- Food trucks: Google's rules for businesses without one regular location can be stricter. Check Google's current guidelines before you set up the listing.
Step 4: Add your phone and website
Add the number customers should call or text and a link to your website. A listing with a website link gives people a place to see your full menu, services and prices.
Step 5: Verify your business
Google needs to confirm the business is real before your listing goes fully live. Depending on your business, Google may offer options like a phone call, text, email, a short video of your business, or a postcard. Follow the steps Google gives you. This can take a few days.
Step 6: Fill out everything
- Hours, including holiday hours.
- Photos of your food, work, storefront or truck. Real photos help people trust you.
- A short description of what you do and who you serve.
- Services or menu items, if your category allows them.
Step 7: Keep it up to date
Wrong hours are one of the fastest ways to lose a customer. Update your listing when your hours, phone number or prices change. Reply to reviews, both good and bad, in a friendly way. It shows new customers that you care.
If you'd rather not deal with it yourself, a website care plan can include keeping your Google listing updated for you.