If your business isn’t showing up on Google Maps, you’re missing out on customers who are actively looking for what you offer, right in your area. The good news is that getting listed is free, and the process is simpler than most people expect.
Here’s how to do it, step by step.
What is Google business profile?
Google Business Profile (previously called Google My Business) is the free tool that lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Google Maps. When someone searches for a service near them, the businesses that show up in that map panel are all using Google Business Profile.
Setting yours up takes around 20 minutes, and the impact on your local visibility can be significant.
Before you start: what you’ll need
- A Google account (create one free at accounts.google.com if you don’t have one)
- Your business name, address, and phone number
- A business category (e.g. ‘Plumber’, ‘Accountant’, ‘Dog Groomer’)
- Access to your business address for a verification letter (or phone/email if available)
Step-by-step: setting up your listing
- Go to business.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
- Click ‘Add your business’ and type in your business name. If it appears in the dropdown, you can claim it. If not, select ‘Create a business with this name’.
- Choose the category that best matches what your business does. This affects when and where you appear in searches, so pick carefully.
- If customers visit your location, add your address. If you go to customers (e.g. a mobile service), you can choose a service area instead.
- Add your phone number and website if you have one.
- Choose a verification method. Most businesses will be asked to verify by postcard — Google sends a code to your address which arrives within 5 days. Some businesses can verify by phone or email instead.
- Once verified, your listing goes live. You’ll be able to see it on Google Maps within a few days.
Make your listing work harder
A basic listing is just the start. Here’s what separates a listing that gets clicks from one that gets ignored:
- Add photos — businesses with photos get significantly more engagement. Include a photo of your premises, your team, and examples of your work.
- Write a clear, keyword-rich description of what you do and where you serve.
- List your opening hours and keep them updated (including bank holidays).
- Add your services or products if the option is available for your category.
- Ask happy customers to leave a review — reviews are one of the biggest factors in local search rankings.
Keeping it up to date
Once your listing is live, log in every few months to check that everything is still accurate. If your hours change, your phone number moves, or you add a new service, update it straight away. Google also lets customers suggest edits, so it’s worth reviewing your profile regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Business Profile really free?
Yes, completely. There’s no charge to create or manage your listing. Google does offer paid advertising (Google Ads) separately, but the Business Profile itself costs nothing.
What if someone else has already claimed my business?
This happens sometimes, especially if the business has been around for a while. On the listing, click ‘Claim this business’ and follow the verification process to take ownership.
How long does it take to show up on Google Maps?
After verification, most listings appear within a few days. It can occasionally take up to two weeks for the listing to show consistently across all searches.
Got questions? We’re here to help. Get in touch and we’ll walk you through it.
