What it is and why it matters
A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your free entry in Google's local search results and Maps. When done well, it shows up prominently above many websites, with your phone, hours, photos and reviews. For local services and shops, it often outperforms a website for inquiries.
Step 1: Claim and verify your profile
Search your business on Google and follow the prompts to claim it. Google verifies you by post, phone or video. Verification is essential; until then your profile stays half-dormant.
Step 2: Fill in every relevant field
Address (or service area for businesses that travel to clients), categories, hours, services, attributes, photos and description. The more complete and accurate, the better you rank locally. Choose your primary category carefully; it is one of the strongest ranking signals.
Step 3: Get reviews, respond to all of them
Reviews are the most visible trust signal. Politely ask happy customers to leave one. Respond to every review, positive or negative, professionally. A thoughtful response to a critical review often impresses readers more than the review itself.
Step 4: Post and add photos regularly
Google rewards active profiles. Add fresh photos, offers and short posts about news or services. Active profiles tend to rank higher and look more alive to potential customers.
Step 5: Keep it accurate
Wrong hours, outdated photos, or a dead phone number cost real customers. Review and update your profile every few months, and especially around holidays or any change.
Read next
Further along the same line: Advertising on Google and Meta for Starters, SEO for Starters and Choosing Social Media That Suits Your Business.