Google Business Profile guide: get found on Google Maps
A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the free listing that shows your business in Google Maps and in local results when people search for things like “dentist near me” or “bakery in Rohini”. For local businesses it is often the most valuable piece of online marketing they have.
Who needs one
- Businesses with a location customers visit, such as shops, clinics, restaurants and institutes.
- Service-area businesses that visit customers, such as plumbers, electricians and pest control, which can hide their address and show a service area instead.
A business needs real contact with customers to be eligible. Virtual offices and fake addresses break Google’s guidelines and can get profiles suspended.
Setting it up
- Search for your business on Google Maps first. If a profile already exists, claim it rather than creating a duplicate.
- Use your real business name, exactly as it appears on your signboard and documents. Adding keywords to the name breaks the guidelines.
- Choose the most accurate primary category, then add relevant secondary categories.
- Enter your address or service area, phone number, website and opening hours.
- Complete verification. Google chooses the method, which may be a short video, phone, email or post.
Making the profile stronger
- Photos: real photos of the outside, inside, team and work. Update them regularly.
- Services and products: list what you offer with short descriptions.
- Description: a clear, honest summary of what you do and who you serve.
- Posts: share updates, offers and events.
- Questions and answers: answer common questions clearly.
- Accurate hours: including holiday hours, so customers do not arrive to a closed door.
Reviews
Reviews influence both rankings and customer decisions. Ask every happy customer, make it easy with a direct review link, and reply to every review, positive or negative, politely and specifically. Never buy reviews, offer rewards for positive ones, or post reviews for yourself. These break Google’s policies and can lead to removed reviews or restrictions on the profile.
Consistency across the web
Keep your name, address and phone number identical on your website, social profiles and business directories. Inconsistent details confuse both customers and search engines.
Common problems
- Duplicate listings: request removal or merging through Google’s support options.
- Suspended profile: fix the guideline issue first, then submit an appeal with evidence such as business documents and photos.
- Unwanted edits: check the profile regularly, because anyone can suggest changes.
Learn local search, profile optimisation and review management in our Google Business Profile Course.