Want to get your business noticed on Google Maps and local search results? Setting up a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the easiest and most effective ways to drive local traffic to your doorstep.
Whether you are a local storefront or a service-based provider, this step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the entire process from initial setup to going live.
Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile
The first step is to get onto Google’s official platform.
Open your web browser and navigate to
business.google.com .Click the blue "Manage now" button.
Sign in using your Gmail account.
💡 Quick Tip: Use a Gmail account that you plan to keep forever. Your customers may eventually be able to see the email address associated with your profile, so make sure it looks professional.
Step 2: Enter Your Business Name
Next, you need to tell Google who you are.
Type your exact business name into the search box.
If your business already exists: Google will display it in a dropdown. If you see yours, click "Claim this business".
If it’s not found: Click "Add your business to Google".
💡 Quick Tip: Use your exact legal or trading name. Avoid stuffing the title with promotional keywords like "best" or "cheap", as Google may reject your listing for violating terms.
Step 3: Choose Your Business Category
Your category tells Google exactly what you do, mapping your profile to relevant customer searches.
Start typing your industry or type of business (e.g., "restaurant", "pharmacy", "salon").
Select the most specific matching category from the dropdown menu.
Don't sweat it too much—you can always add more secondary categories later in your settings.
💡 Quick Tip: Your primary category is the most important element here—it directly affects which search queries you will show up for.
Step 4: Add Your Location
Now, let's make sure customers can actually find you.
If you have a physical shop or office: Select "Yes, I have a location" and enter your full street address including the area, city, and state.
If you serve customers at their location: (e.g., you are a plumber, electrician, or delivery service), select the service area option instead.
Confirm your location on the map by dragging the pin to your exact spot.
💡 Quick Tip: Make sure the map pin is placed exactly at your physical entrance. This is what customers will rely on for GPS directions.
Step 5: Add Contact Details
Make it seamless for potential clients to get in touch with you.
Enter your business phone number (remember to include your country code, e.g., +234 for Nigeria).
Add your website URL if you have one. If you don't have a website yet, just leave it blank for now.
Set your operating business hours for each day of the week.
💡 Quick Tip: Using a phone number connected to WhatsApp increases customer trust significantly. Additionally, keep your operating hours accurate—wrong hours are the #1 complaint customers leave in negative reviews!
Step 6: Verify Your Business
To protect listings from fraud, Google requires you to prove you actually own or manage the business. Depending on your business type and region, you will be offered one or more of these methods:
| Verification Method | How It Works |
| Postcard by mail | Google sends a physical card with a 5-digit code to your address (takes 1–2 weeks). This is the most common method. |
| Phone call or SMS | Google calls or texts your listed number with a quick code. |
| Google sends a verification link directly to your inbox. | |
| Video call | For specific categories, a Google agent will hop on a video call to verify your physical setup. |
Once you receive your code, simply enter it when prompted by the portal.
💡 Quick Tip: Do not skip this step! Until your business is verified, your listing will have severely limited visibility on Google search and maps.
Step 7: Complete Your Profile
An incomplete profile looks abandoned. Make yours stand out by adding visual flair and context.
Write a clear business description: Explain what you offer and why customers should choose you (Maximum 750 characters).
Upload high-quality imagery: Add a crisp cover photo (recommended size: 1332 × 750px) and your business logo.
Showcase your space: Add interior/exterior photos of your location, as well as pictures of your products or services.
Set your opening date if it’s a relatively new or upcoming launch.
💡 Quick Tip: First impressions matter! Listings with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites than those without.
Step 8: Go Live and Maintain!
Congratulations, your listing is officially live! However, a Google Business Profile isn’t a "set it and forget it" tool. To rank higher than your competitors, you need to keep it active:
Ask for reviews: Encourage your first batch of customers to leave a review—and make sure you reply to every single one!
Utilize Google Posts: Share updates, special offers, upcoming events, or company news directly to your profile.
Proactively use the Q&A section: Answer common questions before customers even have to ask them.
Monitor your data: Check your Insights tab regularly to see exactly how customers are finding you.
Keep it current: Remember to update your operating hours explicitly for public holidays.
