How To Set Up Your Google Business Profile and Get Found on Google Maps
- Heather Pieczonka
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
Updated: May 6
If you're a small business owner and want more people to find you online, getting listed on Google Maps is a must - and the way to do that is with a Google Business Profile.
The best part? It’s a free tool from Google, and you don’t need to be a tech whiz to set it up.
If you can send an email and follow a few steps online, you can do this. Once it’s live, you’ll show up in local searches like “coffee near me” or “plumber in [your town],” which means more calls, visits, and customers.
Here’s how to set it up (plus a few pro tips to help you stand out).
Step 1: Start Here
Head over to https://www.google.com/business and click “Get Started” You’ll need to sign in with a Google account (your Gmail login works).
Step 2: Enter Your Business Info
Google will ask for your:
Business name
Business category (like “Hair Salon” or “Electrician”)
Location/address (or service area if you don’t have a storefront)
Service area (if you deliver or visit customers)
Phone number
Website (optional but helpful)
Home Based Business:
Home based businesses CAN have a Google Business Profile on Google Maps WITHOUT needing to show the address.
To do this, setup your business but select the options:
NO, I do not have a storefront for customers to visit
YES, I serve customers at their home or location
You will also have the chance to choose ‘Do not show my address’ in the setup process.
Pro Tips:
Choose the most accurate category - this helps you show up in the right search results. Not sure which category is best? Look at your competitors and see what makes sense for you.
Make sure your info (name, address, and phone number) matches exactly across your website, Facebook page, and other listings.
Step 3: Verify Your Business
Google wants to know you're real, so they’ll ask you to verify your business in one of 3 ways:
Phone code (get a code via text or voice call
Email code
Business video
Not everyone gets 3 choices, however you do need to verify with a method shown in this step to move forward and be shown on Google Maps.
Pro Tip:
If Google asks you to record a business video, it won’t be posted to the public. This is for their internal verification purposes. A few things to know about video verification:
It must be one video - no stopping and starting, no editing. You will login to Google Business Profile on your phone, then click the record video button to start streaming a video for verification.
You want to include:
your location - street signs, building numbers and storefront
equipment and proof of management. Your video is only used for verification and won't be shown publicly
Step 4: Add Photos and Details
Once verified, you can add:
Your logo and a cover photo
Photos of your location, team, products, or services
Business hours
A short business description
Services
Products
Pro Tips:
Businesses with photos get more clicks and calls. Add a few great shots of your space, your team, or your work.
Always fill out your business description. This is a great place to add keywords, talk about your specialties and mention why your business should be the go-to solution.
Products don’t exclude services. If you are a massage therapist, and your services include different types of massage therapy - those same massage therapies could also be listed as a product. The product section lets you give more information than the service area, so take advantage and include photos, descriptions and a link to that specific part of your website describing the product/service.
Step 5: Ask for Reviews
Your happy customers are your best marketing. Ask them to leave a review on your Google listing—it’s as simple as sending them a link. (You can find this in your Google Business dashboard under “Get More Reviews.”)
Pro Tips:
Respond to every review - yes, even the not-so-great ones. Google likes active, engaged business owners and it’s a great way to incorporate keywords. Did your home buyers forget to mention Scottsdale? Your reply might be “Thank you, we were so happy to help you find your dream home in Scottsdale!”
Poor review? Still respond, but don’t get defensive. Instead, offer a solution or empathy with their situation and offer to fix it (if applicable)
Never pay for reviews. Google will penalize business owners who do this. That includes gifts, freebies, or discounts on future services.
Never leave a review for your own business, and shy away from family members leaving reviews if they share your last name….yes, EVEN IF they used your service. Viewers find this practice sel-serving and off-putting.
Done.
But Wait, There’s More…
You can’t just set it and forget it (well, you can - but it’s best not to do that). Check back each week or at a minimum, once a month. If you are consistent with responding to client reviews, you might even be here more often.
Check on these items and keep things up to date:
If you have a giant red ! on your profile, that's Google telling you the listing needs attention. If you do, scan through your listing and approve/decline suggested updates.
Business details: check that your information is correct
Reviews: respond to reviews
Add new photos - consider this area your portfolio. Build pools? Add pictures of your latest projects. Sell homes? Add photos of your listings. Cut hair? Showcase new, stylish cuts.
Post updates every week or two - like a special offer or seasonal message. A Google Business Profile needs to not only exist, but be updated and optimized to increase visibility, credibility, and engagement with potential customers, ultimately helping to grow the business and attract more clients.
Consider turning on messaging so customers can reach out directly from your profile.
Look at your performance metrics. You'll find info like:
Number of phone calls
Number of website clicks
Number of bookings (if you do online booking from here)
Types of search keywords used to find your business.
Read more about optimizing your Google Business Profile.
Ready to Be Seen Online?
You’ve just taken a huge step toward getting more local visibility. Your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful free tools you can use to grow your business - and you’re now in control of it.
Need help getting it polished or want someone to double-check your listing? I’m just a message away. Let’s get your business the attention it deserves!