To set up a Google Business Profile, go to business.google.com, add your business, pick your category, set your location or service areas, add your contact details, verify, then fill in your profile and ask for reviews. It's free, it takes about an afternoon, and once it's verified you show up on Google Search and Google Maps when locals look for what you do.
It's the first thing I check for every client, because for a lot of local businesses it gets seen more than their own website. Here's how to set yours up, step by step.
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Keep this post open beside you while you set it up. The seven steps are below, with a checklist to tick off as you go.
What's free
Everything inside your profile. Google makes its money when people search, so it wants your listing to be good. I go into the costs in more detail in Is a Google Business Profile free?
- Your listing on Search and Maps
- Photos, hours and services
- Reviews, and replying to them
- Posts and messages
- Your performance numbers
- Paying someone to set it up or manage it for you. That's a service, not a Google fee.
Most owners can do it themselves in an afternoon with the steps below.
The seven steps
Start at business.google.com
- Sign in with the Google account you want to manage it from
- Use your business email, so you never lose access to it
- Click to add your business and type your business name
The most important choice
Your category decides which searches you show up for.
- Pick the one that matches what people actually type when they're looking for you
- You can add a couple more categories later
Can customers visit you?
- Shopfront or studio: say yes and add your address
- Work from home, online, or go to your clients: say no
- Then add your service areas, the towns and regions you work in
- Your home address stays private, so online and home-based businesses can list safely
How people reach you
- Add your phone number and your website
- No website yet? Skip it and come back
Show Google you're real
Google shows you the ways you can verify. Depending on your business, that might be:
- A short video of your workspace
- A code sent by phone or email
- A postcard in the mail
Follow whatever it offers you. It can take a few days, and that's completely normal.
The more complete, the more it shows
- Write your description in plain words: what you do, who it's for and where you are
- Add your hours, and your services if you offer them
- Add real photos: you, your work, your space. No stock images.
Reply to every review
- Once you're verified, find the button to ask for reviews
- Google gives you a short link. Send it to your happy clients
- Reply to every review you get. Reviews help you move up
Profile complete. Search your business name on Google in a few days and see yourself on the right.
Your Google listing is Found
In the Digital Triangle, Found is being there when someone goes looking for exactly what you do. Your Google Business Profile is the quickest win on this point: built once, working always.
Your domain. Your rules.
Your website. Your profile sends people here, so it needs to say clearly what you do.
Built once. Working always.
Google and AI search. Today's seven steps live here.
One channel. Done well.
The one platform you enjoy. Your reviews and photos give you plenty to share.
New here? Take the free Triangle Check to see which point needs you first. Nine questions, under a minute.
Questions I get asked
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Setting it up, keeping it and updating it are all free. The only cost is if you choose to pay someone to set it up or manage it for you.
Do I need a website to have a Google Business Profile?
No. You can skip the website field and add it later. A website does help, because your profile sends people there to find out more.
Can I hide my home address on Google?
Yes. If customers don't visit you, choose no when Google asks, then add your service areas. Your home address isn't shown on your listing.
How long does Google Business Profile verification take?
It depends on the method Google offers you. A code by phone or email can be instant, and a postcard can take a week or two. A few days is completely normal.
How much does it cost to have someone set up my Google Business Profile?
Google charges nothing, so any cost is for the person's time. If you'd rather not do it yourself, ask what's included, such as category research, photos and a review plan, before you pay.
