Google Business Profile: how to get your business on the map

When someone searches "coffee near me" or "dentist in Chalkida", the first thing they usually see is a map with three businesses. Those places come from Google Business Profile, Google's free business listing (formerly Google My Business). For a local business it often matters even more than the website.

Creating and verifying your profile

1. Search for your business on Google Maps. If a profile already exists, claim it rather than creating a new one.
2. If there is none, create it at business.google.com, with your business's Google account.
3. Fill in the name, category, address or service area, phone number and website.
4. Complete verification in the way Google offers you, for example by video, phone or email.

The details that count

• Name: your business's real name, as on your sign. Adding keywords to the name goes against Google's guidelines.
• Primary category: the most specific one that describes you. Add secondary categories only if they apply.
• Opening hours: always current, with special hours for holidays. Nothing loses a customer like a closed door that Google said was open.
• The same details everywhere: name, address and phone matching your website and social media.
• Description: what you do, for whom and where, in plain language.

Photos

Upload photos of the front of the building, so people recognise you from the street, plus the interior, your products or dishes and your team. Real, bright, high-resolution photos make a profile more convincing than the snapshots customers upload. Add new ones every few months.

Reviews

Ask happy customers for a review, for example with a link or a QR code at the till. Reply to every one, positive and negative, politely and specifically. Do not buy reviews or offer anything in return, as this goes against Google's policies and can get reviews removed.

Posts and updates

Your profile can carry posts with news, offers and events. A short update every few weeks shows the business is active. Also keep an eye on changes suggested to your details, because anyone can suggest edits.

Frequently asked questions

Does Google Business Profile cost anything?

No, the profile is free. You only pay if you choose to advertise on Google.

Can I have a profile without a physical shop?

Yes, as a service-area business: you list the areas where you serve customers and your address is not shown publicly.

Why does my business not appear on the map?

A common reason is a profile that is unverified or incomplete. According to Google, local ranking depends mainly on relevance, distance and how well known the business is.

Want help with your profile, your photos or your whole online presence? Talk to us.