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Setting Up a Google Business Profile
Creating your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the first step toward showing up in local search results. This guide walks you through how to claim your business, choose the right categories, and enter accurate details that help customers find and trust you. Whether you’re opening your first location or moving an existing one online, setup only takes a few minutes, but the impact lasts for years.
1. Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager
Visit business.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
If you don’t have one yet, create an account using your business email address, ideally tied to your domain name.
2. Search for Your Business
Type your business name into the search bar.
- If Google already has a listing, you’ll see it appear in the dropdown.
- If it’s not listed, select “Add your business to Google.”
This step ensures duplicate listings don’t appear, which can confuse customers and hurt your rankings.
3. Enter Your Business Information
You’ll be prompted to fill in essential details:
- Business name — Use your official registered name.
- Category — Choose the most accurate primary category (e.g., “Plumber,” “Hair Salon,” “Marketing Agency”).
- Location — Add your storefront address or choose “I deliver goods and services to customers” if you operate as a service-area business.
- Contact details — Include your phone number and website.
- Business hours — Set your regular operating hours, and keep them updated.
Tip: Google uses your chosen category to match your profile with relevant searches, so be precise. You can add secondary categories later for supporting services.
4. Add Your Service Area (if applicable)
If you travel to customers, define your service area by city, ZIP code, or region.
Avoid setting overly large areas, Google prefers realistic ranges that match your actual coverage.
5. Verify Your Business
Verification proves you’re the legitimate owner. You can verify by:
- Postcard (by mail)
- Phone (call or text)
- Email (available for some categories)
- Video verification (quickest option for most new profiles)
Verification is required before your profile appears publicly in Search or Maps.
6. Complete Your Profile
Once verified, strengthen your profile with:
- Photos & videos of your business, team, or products.
- Services & products with short, keyword-rich descriptions.
- Business description (750 characters max) that clearly communicates what you do and who you serve.
- Attributes such as “Women-owned,” “LGBTQ+ friendly,” or “Free Wi-Fi.”
A complete profile helps Google connect you with more qualified local leads.
7. Publish and Monitor
After setup, search your business name in Google Search or Maps, you’ll now see your profile live.
Use the in-Search editing panel to add updates, respond to reviews, and track performance under the “Performance” section.
Why This Matters
Businesses with complete profiles are 2.7× more likely to be viewed as reputable and 70 % more likely to attract visits.
Setting up your GBP correctly ensures your business can be found, trusted, and chosen over competitors.
Next Article → Verifying a Google Business Profile
Learn how to verify your new listing so it appears in Google Search and Maps results.