Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up A Google Business Profile
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you own or run a local business, it is essential that people can find you on Google. When people search for services like “plumber near me” or “best café in [city]”, they typically click on the businesses that appear at the top of the Google Maps results and in the search results. This data is from your Google Business Profile listing.
In this blog, I’m going to show you how to set up a Google Business Profile listing step by step with graphics and detailed information. You will learn how to create, verify and complete your profile so it shows up in Google Search and Maps. An optimised GMB profile can drive traffic, calls and customers to your business for free – that is, without paid advertising.
What is a Google Business Profile and Why You Need It?
A Google Business Profile listing is a free tool that allows you to create a profile for your business, which is basically everything you would include on your website, including your business name, address, phone number, website, hours, photos and reviews from your customers. You can have a robust and useful presence in search engine results, and it is one of the most valuable features of local SEO and online visibility.
Benefits of GBP for Local SEO
Be seen on Google Maps and Local Pack: Makes it easier for nearby customers to find you quickly.
Increase your Visibility: Even small businesses can beat big brands with a strong GMB profile.
Profile builds trust with reviews: Positive reviews provide a better chance for people to choose your business rather than one of the others.
Free Marketing Tool: It’s completely free to set up and maintain.
Google Business Profile vs. Other Local Listings
GBP is often confused with local directory listings like Yelp and Yellow Pages. Both GBP and local directory listings help with SEO, but serve different purposes.
Here is the difference:
Google Business Profile: Links your business directly to Google Search and Maps.
Local Listings: Appear as third-party directories and help provide consistent citations.
How to set up a Google Business Profile in 2025?
Setting up your Google Business Profile correctly is the cornerstone of business success and local SEO. This section will walk you through every step, and include practical tips and my advice about what to avoid, and answers to common questions.
Step 1: Claim or Add Your Business
Go to Google Business Profile Manager.
Click Manage Now.
Search for your business name.
If it appears: Click Claim this business link.
If it doesn’t appear: Click Add your business to Google.
What Mistake People Make Here? – If business owners are new to GBP and they do not know how to set up a Google Business Profile, they mistakenly create multiple profiles for the same business. It can confuse your customers and may hurt your SEO rankings.
What if you work from home? Or, if your business does not have a physical address, you can still create a listing. You can hide your physical address, and add your service areas same as shown in this picture.
Step 2: Enter Accurate NAP Details (Name, Address, Phone)
You’ll be asked to add:
Business Name (exactly as registered)
Then add your address (or service area if your customer visits you)
Add Phone Number
Pro Tip: This is called NAP consistency. Your Name, Address, and Phone must match exactly across your website, social media, and other local listings. Even small differences (like “Rd.” vs. “Road”) can hurt your local SEO
What Mistake People Make Here? – Using a personal mobile number or a fake address. Always use your official business contact details.
Can you use a P.O. Box? – No. Google requires a real physical address or service area for verification.
Step 3: Choose the Right Business Category
Google always uses your category to decide when to show your business.
Select the primary category that describes your business best.
Restaurant: Primary Category – Italian Restaurant
Add secondary categories for additional services.
Restaurant: Secondary Categories – Pizza Restaurant, Catering Service, Family Restaurant
If you are not sure which category to choose for your business, you can simply search for the competitors in your city and see what categories they have added.
What Mistake People Make Here? – If business owners are new to GBP and don’t know how to set up a Google Business Profile properly, they may end up choosing too many irrelevant categories. Always focus only on the products or services you offer.
Step 4: Save and Prepare for Verification
After adding your information, click the Next button. As you learned in the section on how to set up a Google Business Profile, now you can move on to verifying your profile, which we will talk about next.
How to Verify Your Google Business Profile?
After adding your business details, the next step is verification. Without it, your Google Business listing won’t show up in search or maps.
Why Verification Matters?
It prevents fake or duplicate listings.
Builds trust with customers and Google’s algorithm.
Unlocks full access to profile features like posts, insights, and reviews.
There are multiple Verification Methods available. Let’s explore it one by one.
1. Postcard Verification (Most Common)
Google sends a postcard with a 5-digit code to your business address.
It usually arrives within 5–14 days.
Enter the code in your GMB dashboard to complete verification.
TIP: Until you get verification from Google, do not make any big edits (like changing the address) while waiting for the postcard. It may reset the process.
What Mistake People Make Here? – Using a virtual office or P.O. Box. Google rejects these addresses.
2. Phone or Email Verification
Some businesses get the option to verify instantly by phone or email.
You’ll receive a code via SMS or email to enter on the dashboard.
Why don’t you see this option? – Google decides eligibility based on business type and location. Not all profiles can use this method.
3. Instant Verification (If You Have Google Search Console)
If your business website is already verified in Google Search Console, Google may verify your profile instantly. I mostly follow this method.
Only works for the same domain as your listing.
4. Video Verification (New Method)
You will need to upload a video showing your business location, signage, and workspace (a more detailed overview of your business).
Upload it through the GMB dashboard. Google reviews it in 3–5 days.
What if any Google Business Verification fails?
Double-check that your business details are correct.
Request a new postcard or contact Google Business Support.
If your business listing is suspended, you can fix the issue by updating the wrong address or name and submitting a request again.
Pro Tip: Always keep records or proof of your business address (i.e. utility bill, grant of registration).
How to Complete Your GMB Listing?
Till now, you have learned how to set up a Google Business Profile and how to verify your profile. The next step is to complete and optimise it. A completely filled-out Google My Business listing has been shown to have more visibility in search, more clicks, and increased trust in potential customers.
Step 1: Add Business Hours
Include your regular working hours.
If you have special hours (like holidays and weekends), update this section regularly.
Step 2: Add Your Website and Appointment Links
Link to your main website or specific service pages.
If you take bookings, add an appointment link. There is a separate section to add appointments.
SEO Tip: Implement UTM Tracking on your Website URL to Track Traffic from GMB profile in Google Analytics.
Step 3: Upload High-Quality Photos
Upload your logo, cover photo, and inside or outside photos of your business.
Businesses with photos receive more requests for directions and more clicks. (Source: SEL)
What Mistake People Make Here? – Using stock images. Always use real photos of your business.
Step 4: Write a Keyword-Rich Business Description
You are limited to 750 characters to describe your business.
Use natural language for your primary keywords – but from the customer’s perspective.
Example: “We are a family-owned pet store in Ahmedabad offering grooming, accessories, and premium pet food! Come visit our store today, or you can place your order online!
Pro Tip: Mention your city name naturally to boost local SEO.
Step 5: Add your Products/Services
List your business products/services with short descriptions and prices.
This helps you rank for specific searches (e.g., “pet grooming services in Ahmedabad”).
Step 6: Turn on Messaging (optional)
Allow customers to message you directly from your Google Business Profile listing.
Be quick to respond to each message. This helps build trust and convert leads faster.
Conclusion
Knowing how to set up a Google Business Profile is only the first step to boosting your position in Google Search and Google Maps. If your information is accurate, filled out correctly, and authenticated (not fake), you might just find even more local customers and build online trust without spending money on advertisements.
And, do not stop after the setup, be sure to keep your profile active with posted posts, photos, and updates from reviews to keep competitors behind you!
1. Is a Google Business Profile listing free to use?
Yes, it’s a product of Google. Creating a Google Business Profile is 100% free. You just need to register for a Google account before listing your GBP.
2. How long does GBP verification take?
Most postcard verifications arrive within 5–14 days. You will have your profile active as soon as you enter the code.
3. How to set up a Google Business Profile without a physical address?
If you are meeting customers at their location (e.g., plumbing, delivery services) you can hide your address and set a service area.
4. How soon will my business show in Google Maps after setup?
It usually appears within a few days after verification. However, ranking in the top results may take time depending on competition and optimisation.
5. Do I need a website to create a Google Business profile?
Not at all, Google My Business will work even if you only provide contact information. Adding a Link to your website will improve your credibility and SEO.
6. What mistakes should I avoid when learning how to set up a Google Business Profile?
It is natural to make small mistakes that may affect your visibility in the process of learning how to set up a Google Business Profile. Some people overthink and choose a variety of too many irrelevant categories, forget to choose the right contact details, or don’t select photos. Remember, simply be accurate and select as many of the key details as you can.
