Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing a potential customer sees when they search for your business. It appears in Google Search and Maps, shows your hours, reviews, photos, and contact information — and it is completely free. Despite this, most small business profiles are incomplete, outdated, or never claimed at all. Here is how to get yours working properly.
1. Claim and Verify Your Profile
Go to business.google.com and claim your listing. Google will send a verification postcard or offer phone or email verification. An unclaimed profile can be edited by anyone — do not leave it unattended.
2. Fill Out Every Field
Google rewards completeness. Add your business name exactly as it appears elsewhere online, your address, phone number, website, hours, and business category. The more complete your profile, the more signals Google has to rank you.
3. Write a Strong Business Description
You get 750 characters. Use them to describe what you do, who you serve, and what makes you different. Include relevant keywords naturally — but write for customers first, search engines second.
4. Add High-Quality Photos
Businesses with photos receive 42% more direction requests and 35% more website clicks than those without. Add photos of your storefront, your team, your work, and your products. Update them regularly.
5. Collect and Respond to Reviews
Reviews are one of the strongest local ranking signals. Ask satisfied customers to leave a review — most are happy to if you simply ask. Respond to every review, positive or negative. It shows you are engaged and builds trust.
6. Use Google Posts
Google Posts let you share updates, offers, and events directly on your profile. Posting regularly signals to Google that your business is active, which can positively affect your ranking.
7. Keep Your Information Current
Update your hours for holidays, add new photos seasonally, and respond to questions. An active, accurate profile consistently outperforms a stale one.