How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile in 15 Minutes

Google Business Profile is the single most important thing a local service business can do online — and it's completely free.

Step 1: Go to business.google.com

Click "Manage now" and sign in with a Google account you'll use for your business permanently.

Step 2: Enter Your Business Name

Search for your business first. Google sometimes creates listings automatically from public data — if yours exists, claim it. Otherwise, create a new one.

Step 3: Choose Your Business Category

Be specific. Not just "Contractor" — use "General Contractor," "Plumber," or "House Cleaning Service." Your primary category has the biggest impact on which searches you appear in.

Step 4: Add Your Service Area

If you travel to customers (plumber, electrician, cleaner, landscaper), select "I deliver goods and services to my customers" and add the cities or zip codes you serve.

Step 5: Add Your Phone Number and Website

Make sure these exactly match what's on your website. Even small differences (like "St." vs "Street") can hurt your rankings.

Step 6: Verify Your Listing

Google will mail a postcard with a 5-digit PIN to your business address (5–7 days). Enter it to verify. You can also verify by phone or email if those options are offered.

Step 7: Complete Your Profile

Don't stop at verification. A complete profile outranks an incomplete one:

• Add accurate business hours (including holiday hours)
• Upload 10+ photos: exterior, interior, work examples, team
• Write a keyword-rich description (750 characters max)
• Add all your services with descriptions
• Enable messaging if you want customers to text you

Next Steps

Ask your first 5 satisfied customers to leave a Google review using a direct link (find it in your GBP dashboard under "Get more reviews"). Respond to every review within 24 hours.