How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile the Right Way

When someone searches for a local business on Google, the first thing they usually see isn't a website — it's a Google Business Profile. That box on the right side of the search results (or the listings in Google Maps) can make or break whether someone contacts you.

What is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Google Maps. It includes your business name, address, hours, photos, reviews, and more.

If you haven't claimed yours yet, that should be priority number one.

Setting it up right

Claim and verify your listing

Go to business.google.com and search for your business. If it exists, claim it. If not, create a new listing. Google will verify that you're the actual owner, usually by sending a postcard to your business address with a verification code.

Fill out every field

Don't skip anything. The more complete your profile is, the better Google understands your business, and the more likely it is to show you in relevant searches.

Key fields to complete: - Business name — Use your real business name, exactly as it appears in the real world - Category — Choose the most specific category that fits. You can add secondary categories too - Address and service area — Be precise - Phone number — Use a local number if possible - Website — Link to your website - Hours — Keep these updated, including holidays - Description — Write a clear, keyword-rich description of your business

Add quality photos

Businesses with photos get significantly more clicks than those without. Add photos of your storefront, interior, products, team, and anything else that gives people a sense of what to expect.

Update your photos regularly — it signals to Google that your business is active.

Get and respond to reviews

Reviews are one of the strongest ranking factors for local search. Ask happy customers to leave a review, and respond to every review you get — positive and negative.

When responding to negative reviews, stay professional and constructive. Other potential customers are reading your responses.

Keep it updated

Your Google Business Profile isn't a set-it-and-forget-it tool. Update your hours for holidays, post updates about your business, add new photos, and respond to reviews regularly.

A well-maintained profile tells Google — and your customers — that your business is active, professional, and trustworthy.