Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the most powerful free tool available to local businesses. A complete, verified, optimized profile is what puts you on the map — literally. Here's how to do it right from start to finish.
Step 1: Create Your Profile
Go to business.google.com and click "Manage now." Sign in with a Google account you use for your business. Search for your business name — if it already exists (sometimes customers or Google itself creates unverified listings), claim it. If not, create a new listing.
You'll need to provide:
- Your business name (exactly as you use it legally — no keyword stuffing)
- Your business category (the most specific option that matches your primary service)
- Whether you have a physical location customers visit, or you're a service-area business
Step 2: Add Your Location or Service Area
Physical location: Enter your full address. This will appear on Google Maps and in your listing. Only use an address where customers can actually visit; using a P.O. box or home address for a business with foot traffic can get your profile suspended.
Service-area business: If you travel to customers (plumber, landscaper, cleaning service), hide your address and instead define your service area by city, county, or zip code. You can list multiple areas.
Step 3: Add Contact Information and Website
Enter your local phone number and your website URL. These are the two most important contact details for converting profile views into calls and website visits. Make sure your phone number matches exactly what appears on your website and other directory listings — consistency is a local SEO signal.
Step 4: Verify Your Business
Google must verify that your business is real before your listing goes live. The most common verification method is by postcard — Google mails a card with a code to your business address. Enter the code in your dashboard when it arrives (usually within 5–14 days).
Some businesses are eligible for phone or email verification. If offered, these are faster options.
Step 5: Complete Your Profile
After verification, fill out every section:
- Business hours: Including special hours for holidays
- Business description: 750 characters describing what makes you stand out. Use your primary keywords naturally.
- Services/Products: Add every service you offer with descriptions
- Photos: Upload at least 10–15 high-quality photos — your team, your work, your location, your products
- Attributes: Answer every applicable attribute (veteran-owned, women-led, accessible, etc.)
Step 6: Start Getting Reviews
Ask every satisfied customer to leave a review directly on your Google Business Profile. Google provides a short review link you can text or email to customers. Reviews are the most powerful ranking signal after profile completeness — and they're what turns a profile view into a phone call.
Need Help Getting Your Profile to Rank?
Creating a profile is just the beginning. Contact Linear Web Solutions or use our free GBP audit tool to see how your current profile stacks up and what it would take to reach the top of local results.