Having a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most effective ways to put your company on the digital map—literally. It helps your business appear in Google Search and Maps, making it easy for potential customers to discover, contact, and trust you.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to setting up and optimizing your profile for 2025:
✅ Step 1: Sign In or Create a Google Account
Use your existing Google account or create one—ideally with your business email domain (e.g., name@yourbusiness.com) for a more professional appearance and better organization.
✅ Step 2: Visit Google Business Profile
Go to google.com/business to start the process.
✅ Step 3: Enter Your Business Name
Type in your business name. If it’s already in Google’s system, claim it. If not, continue creating a new listing.
✅ Step 4: Choose Your Business Category
Pick the category that best describes your business. This is crucial for showing up in relevant search results.
✅ Step 5: Add Your Location or Service Area
- Have a physical store or office? Enter the address.
- Serve customers off-site? Specify your service area.
🚫 PO Boxes and virtual offices are not allowed.
✅ Step 6: Add Contact Details
Provide your phone number and website URL. These are essential touchpoints for customers.
✅ Step 7: Complete the Profile Setup
Follow the prompts and double-check everything before submitting.
✅ Step 8: Verify Your Business
Choose your verification method:
- Postcard (most common)
- Phone
- Video call
Without verification, your profile won’t go live—so don’t skip this step!
✅ Step 9: Optimize Your Profile
Now the real magic happens. Add:
- Business hours
- High-quality photos
- Detailed business description
- Services or products
- FAQs and posts
The more complete your profile, the better your visibility and customer trust.
📌 Quick Reference Checklist
- Google account signed in
- Go to google.com/business
- Business name + category
- Location or service area
- Contact info
- Complete setup
- Verify business
- Add hours, photos, and details
💡 Pro Tips for Success
- Use your real business name to avoid verification delays.
- Select the most accurate category to boost relevance.
- Keep your profile updated regularly with offers, events, or posts.
- Add engaging photos and reviews—they help drive conversions.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your Google Business Profile is completely free, and it’s one of the highest-ROI steps you can take to improve your business’s local SEO and customer reach.
If you’re ready to grow your digital presence even more, check out our full Website Preparation & Scaling Guide for pro tips on building and launching a powerful online business.