Visit google.com/business and select "Get Started." Sign in using your Google account—ideally the one connected to your business—to begin the setup process.

Begin typing your business name into the search field. If it appears, that means Google may already have a listing—often created when customers leave reviews. In that case, you can request ownership of the profile. If nothing comes up, simply continue by creating a brand-new listing.

Pro Tip: Keep your name uniform everywhere. Use the same business name that appears on your signage, website, and online directories—consistency helps customers (and Google) recognize you instantly.

Think about how customers reach you and choose the category that fits:

Brick-and-Mortar Location – For businesses with a physical address customers can walk into. This option places you on Google Maps.

Service-Based Business – Perfect if you go to your clients, such as a landscaper, cleaner, or mobile groomer. You'll highlight the areas you serve rather than a storefront.

Online Retailer – For e-commerce shops, select this option and connect your profile to your website domain.

Your category choice is what tells Google which searches you should appear in—so it's one of the most important steps.

Begin typing the service or industry you belong to (like "restaurant," "dentist," or "auto glass repair") and pick the closest match from the list. You can always add secondary categories later, but your main category carries the most influence.

The key: don't guess. Choose the label your ideal customer would actually type in when searching for a business like yours.

Add your address (if you have one).

Add your phone number and website URL (if you have one). This will make it easy for customers to call or click directly from your Google Business Profile.

Google needs proof your business is legit, and the method depends on your location and industry. You may be asked to verify by:

• Video – Record a quick walkthrough of your business (see our tutorial).
• Postcard – Receive a code by mail at your business address.
• Phone – Confirm instantly through a call or text.
• Email – Occasionally offered as an option.

Once you enter the code, your profile is officially live.

Getting verified puts you on the map—literally—but filling out the rest of your profile is what makes you stand out. Add the details that customers care about most:

• Accurate business hours, including holidays
• Photos that showcase your location, products, or team
• A concise description that highlights what you offer
• Key features such as accessibility, seating, or amenities
• Answers to common questions in the Q&A section
• Reviews from satisfied customers

A polished profile does more than appear in searches—it convinces people to choose you over the competition.

In today's search landscape, customers often see your Google Business Profile before they ever reach your website. It's where decisions are made quickly: to call, visit, or place an order. Setting it up thoroughly gives you a clear edge in local search.