How to get your business on Google Maps
To appear on Google Maps, create a free Google Business Profile, verify it, and fill in every section: your category, hours, service area, photos and website. It costs nothing, and it is often the first thing a local customer sees.
Below is how to set it up, how verification usually works, and the things that help a profile show up higher in local results.
Set up your profile
Five steps, about 20 minutes, not counting verification.
Search for your business first
Search your business name on Google Maps. If a listing already exists, claim it instead of making a new one. Duplicate listings confuse Google and customers.
Create or claim it in Google Business Profile
Sign in with a Google account you will keep, ideally a business account rather than an employee’s personal one, and follow the steps to add or claim your business.
Pick the most specific category
Your primary category matters more than almost anything else. Choose "Plumber" rather than "Contractor," or "Hair salon" rather than "Beauty." You can add a few secondary categories.
Address or service area
If customers come to you, show your address. If you go to them, as most trades do, hide your address and list the towns or areas you serve instead.
Hours, phone and website
Add accurate hours, including holiday hours, your main phone number and a link to your website.
Verification
Google decides how you verify, and it can vary by business and location.
Video is now common
Many new profiles are asked to record a short, continuous video showing where you are, signs of your business such as signage, a work vehicle or tools, and proof you manage it. Follow the on-screen checklist closely.
Other methods
Some businesses get a phone call, text, email or postcard code instead. Use whichever option Google offers you.
Match your details everywhere
The name, address and phone you enter should match your website, signage and other listings exactly. Mismatches are a common reason verification stalls.
Be patient with reviews
After you submit, review can take a few days. Avoid editing your name or address while it is pending.
What helps you show up higher
Google looks at how relevant, how close and how well known a business is. You control a lot of that.
A complete profile
Fill in every field: services with descriptions, attributes, opening date and a description of what you do and where. Complete profiles get more views.
Real photos, added regularly
Your team, vehicles, storefront and finished work. Add new photos every month or two so the profile looks active.
Reviews, and replies to them
Ask every happy customer for a review, and reply to every review, good or bad, politely. Never buy reviews or offer rewards for them; that breaks Google’s rules.
A website that agrees with your profile
Your website should list the same name, phone, services and areas. A fast site that loads well on phones helps people who tap through to it.
Your real business name only
Do not add keywords or cities to your business name on the profile. Google treats that as spam and can suspend the listing.
Posts and updates
Short posts about offers, seasonal services or new work keep the profile fresh and give customers a reason to call now.
Questions
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Creating and managing a Google Business Profile is free.
Can I get on Google Maps without a storefront?
Yes. Service businesses can hide their address and show a service area instead, as long as they meet customers in person.
How long does verification take?
It varies. Some profiles verify the same day; others take several days after a video or code is submitted.
Do I need a website for a Google Business Profile?
No, but it helps. Many customers tap through to your website before they call, and a site that matches your profile builds trust.
How do I get more Google reviews?
Ask every happy customer, right after the job, with a direct link to your review form. A QR code on a card or invoice makes it easy. Our Review Booster sets this up for you.
Related guides: Google Review Booster · What pages does a small business website need? · Free website speed test
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