What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool from Google that lets you manage how your business appears in Google Search and Google Maps.
When someone searches "plumber near me" or "bakery in Hartford," the businesses that show up on the map with reviews, hours, and phone numbers? That's Google Business Profile.
Why It Matters
This is the single most impactful free thing you can do for your local business online:
- You show up on Google Maps — People searching nearby can find you
- You appear in local search results — Often above regular website results
- Customers can see your hours, phone number, and reviews — Without even visiting your website
- It feeds into AI search results — Google's AI Overviews pull from business profiles when answering local queries
- It's completely free
How to Set It Up
1. Go to Google Business Profile
Visit business.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
2. Add your business
Enter your business name. If it already appears, claim it. If not, create a new listing.
3. Fill out EVERYTHING
The more complete your profile, the better you'll rank. Include:
- Business name (exactly as it appears in real life)
- Address (if you have a physical location)
- Phone number
- Website URL
- Hours of operation
- Business category (be specific — "Italian restaurant" not just "restaurant")
- Description of what you do
- Photos — businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions
4. Verify your business
Google will ask you to verify you own the business, usually by sending a postcard with a code to your address or through a phone call. Some businesses can verify instantly online.
5. Ask for reviews
Reviews are huge. After you serve a customer, ask them to leave a Google review. Even 5-10 reviews make a big difference. Google makes it easy — you can share a direct review link with customers.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
- Post updates regularly — Google lets you post news, offers, and events directly to your profile. Businesses that post get more visibility.
- Respond to every review — Both positive and negative. It shows you're active and care about customers. A thoughtful response to a negative review can actually win you new customers.
- Add photos often — Fresh photos signal that your business is active. Include photos of your work, your team, and your space.
- Keep your hours updated — Especially for holidays. Nothing frustrates a customer more than driving to a closed business.
- Use the Q&A section — People can ask questions on your profile. Answer them — or better yet, pre-populate common questions yourself.
Common Mistakes
- Wrong business category — Pick the most specific one that fits. You can add secondary categories too.
- Inconsistent name/address/phone — Make sure your info matches everywhere (website, Yelp, Facebook, etc.). Google cross-references these.
- Ignoring reviews — Even a simple "Thanks!" reply helps. No response makes you look disengaged.
- Not verifying — Your profile won't show up until you complete verification
- Set it and forget it — An inactive profile ranks lower than an active one. Post updates, add photos, respond to reviews.
Need Help Setting This Up?
We help small businesses set up and optimize their Google Business Profile. It takes about 30 minutes and it's one of the most valuable things you can do for free. Let's get you set up.