Who can have a Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profiles are for businesses that meet customers in person, either at their own premises or by visiting customers, such as plumbers, cleaners and mobile hairdressers. Google’s eligibility guidelines say online-only businesses are not eligible, and a rented mailbox or virtual office you don’t work from cannot be used as your address.
How do you add your business to Google Maps?
- Go to Google Business Profile and sign in with a Google account you’ll keep for the business.
- Enter your business name exactly as customers see it on your van, signage or invoices. Don’t add keywords or town names that aren’t part of the real name.
- Choose your main category. Pick the one that best describes what you do, for example “Plumber” or “Hair salon”.
- Add your location or service area. If customers visit you, add your address. If you travel to them, set a service area and hide your address.
- Add your phone number and website so people can call or find out more.
- Verify your business. Google will ask you to verify. The method depends on your business, and it can take a few days.
- Complete your profile with opening hours, services, a description and real photos.
Want us to set up your Google Business Profile?
We’ll set up and optimise your listing, help you get more reviews and get you showing on Google Maps.
How do you show up higher on Google Maps?
Google says local results are based mainly on relevance, distance and prominence (Google’s tips to improve local ranking). You can’t change how far a customer is from you, but you can work on the rest:
- Fill in every section of your profile, including services and attributes.
- Get genuine reviews and reply to every one, good or bad.
- Add photos regularly, especially of real jobs.
- Keep your details consistent across your website and directories: same name, phone number and address.
- Have a website with a page for each service and the areas you cover. See our local SEO service.
Read Google’s own guidelines for representing your business before you make changes. Breaking them can get a profile suspended.
FAQs
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Creating and managing a Google Business Profile is free.
Can I use my home address?
Yes, if you run the business from home. If customers don’t visit you there, set a service area and hide the address.
Why isn’t my business showing on Google Maps?
Common reasons are an unverified profile, a suspended profile, an incomplete listing or strong competition nearby. Check your profile status first.
Want help showing up on Google Maps?
We set up and optimise Google Business Profiles as part of our local SEO service. Get a free quote or read what a website costs.
