Step 1: Claiming Your Profile
Check If You're Already Listed
Search for your business on Google. If a profile exists, you'll see it in search results or on Google Maps. Look for "Own this business?" to claim it.
Create a New Profile
If no profile exists, go to business.google.com and click "Manage now" to create one. You'll need a Google account.
Verification Options
- Postcard: Google mails a code to your address (5-14 days)
- Phone: Receive a code via call or text (instant, not always available)
- Email: Code sent to business email (instant, limited availability)
- Video: Record your business exterior and interior (few days review)
Important Tips
- Use your actual business address—fake addresses get suspended
- Don't request multiple postcards; each request cancels the previous code
- Video verification requires showing your address visible from outside
Step 2: Basic Information
Business Name
Use your exact legal business name. Don't add keywords, locations, or descriptors that aren't part of your real name—this violates guidelines.
Correct: "Joe's Pizza"
Wrong: "Joe's Pizza - Best Pizza in Chicago | Fast Delivery"
Address
- Enter your complete, accurate address
- Use suite/unit numbers if applicable
- For service-area businesses without storefronts, hide your address but define service areas
Phone Number
- Use a local phone number (not toll-free) for better local signals
- Ensure this number is tracked and answered professionally
- The same number should appear on your website
Website
- Link to your website homepage or location-specific page
- Ensure your site is mobile-friendly
- Use HTTPS (secure connection)
Hours
- Set accurate regular hours
- Add special hours for holidays
- Use "More hours" for specific services (delivery, pickup, etc.)
Step 3: Categories & Services
Primary Category
Your primary category is the most important ranking factor you control. Choose the category that most specifically describes your core business.
- Be specific: "Italian Restaurant" beats "Restaurant"
- Match customer searches: What would customers search for?
- One primary category only: Choose wisely
Additional Categories
- Add up to 9 additional categories
- Only add relevant categories you actually serve
- Don't add aspirational categories for services you plan to offer
Services
- Add all services you offer
- Include prices where possible
- Write clear descriptions
- Use the language customers use
Step 4: Business Description
You have 750 characters to describe your business. Make them count:
What to Include
- What you do (core services/products)
- What makes you different
- Who you serve
- Your history or values (briefly)
- Service areas (if relevant)
Best Practices
- Include relevant keywords naturally
- Write for humans first, search engines second
- Lead with your most important information
- Use complete sentences, not keyword lists
- Don't include URLs, phone numbers, or promotional language
Step 5: Photos & Videos
Photos are among the highest-impact profile elements:
Essential Photos
- Logo: Clear, high-resolution company logo
- Cover photo: Best represents your business
- Exterior: Multiple angles, helps customers find you
- Interior: Show your space and atmosphere
- Products/Services: What you sell or do
- Team: Real people build trust
- At work: Action shots of your team working
Photo Guidelines
- Minimum 720x720 pixels, prefer larger
- JPG or PNG format
- No stock photos—use real photos
- No text or watermarks on images
- Keep photos current and seasonal
Quantity Goals
Businesses with 100+ photos get 520% more calls than average. Aim for at least 25-50 photos to start, adding more over time.
Step 6: Final Optimization
Attributes
- Set all relevant attributes (accessibility, amenities, etc.)
- Review available attributes—Google adds new ones regularly
- Attributes help you appear in filtered searches
Products
- Add products with photos, descriptions, and prices
- Products can appear directly in search results
- Keep product listings current
Q&A
- Seed common questions and answer them
- Monitor for new customer questions
- Upvote helpful questions to keep them visible
Enable Messaging
- Allow customers to message you directly
- Set up quick replies for common questions
- Respond within 24 hours to maintain the feature
Ongoing Maintenance
- Post at least weekly
- Respond to all reviews
- Add new photos monthly
- Update hours for holidays and special events
- Review all information quarterly