When people search for a local service, Google often shows a map and a short list of businesses before any websites. That listing comes from Google Business Profile, and it’s free.
Claim and verify it
Search for your business name on Google. If a listing appears, use the option to claim it. If not, create one at business.google.com. Google will ask you to verify that the business is yours, usually by phone, email, video or a postcard.
Fill in everything
- Business name exactly as customers know it, without extra keywords.
- Primary category that matches your main service, plus a few secondary ones.
- Phone, website, hours, and holiday hours when they change.
- Service area if you go to customers, or address if they come to you.
- A short, plain description of what you do and for whom.
Add real photos
Photos of your team, your work and your premises help people trust you before they call. Add a few new ones every month or two.
Keep it current
Wrong hours are one of the quickest ways to lose a customer’s trust. Update them whenever they change. Answer questions people post, and reply to reviews.
Match your website
Your name, address and phone number should be written the same way on your listing, your website and other directories. Consistency helps search engines trust the details.
Check what it’s doing
Your profile shows how many people found you, called you and asked for directions. Glance at it monthly. It’s a simple way to see whether your local presence is growing.