How to get your business on Google Maps: a simple guide

When someone searches for a “plumber near me” or “B&B in Tring”, Google often shows a map with three businesses under it. Those come from Google Business Profiles. For a local business, a good profile can bring in as many enquiries as your website.

Step 1: Create your profile

Go to Google Business Profile and sign in with a Google account you will keep. Enter your business name exactly as customers know it, choose the category that best describes what you do, and add your phone number and website.

Step 2: Choose how you show your location

If customers visit you, such as a salon or a guesthouse, add your address. If you travel to customers, as most trades do, you can hide your address and list the areas you serve instead.

Step 3: Verify your business

Google needs to check that your business is real before your profile goes live. It will show you the options available for your business. Often this means recording a short video showing your signage, van, tools or premises. Follow the instructions carefully, as a rejected verification can take time to sort out.

Step 4: Fill in everything

• Opening hours, including if you are available for emergencies.
• Every service you offer, with short descriptions.
• A clear description of your business, written for customers.
• Photos: your logo, your work, your van or premises, and you.

Step 5: Get reviews

Reviews make a big difference to where you appear. Ask happy customers for a review straight after a job, while they are pleased. Google lets you create a short link to send them. Reply to every review, good or bad, politely.

Step 6: Keep it active

Add new photos of your work, post updates, and keep your hours correct. An active profile shows Google, and customers, that you are open for business.