Google Business Profile is one of the most effective ways to help customers find your business in local search. It shows your location, opening hours, services, photos, reviews and contact details directly on Google Search and Google Maps. With a complete and well maintained profile you can attract more local customers without needing technical skills.
This tutorial walks you through each step clearly so you can set up your profile, verify your business and optimise your listing for the best possible visibility.
What Google Business Profile does
Google Business Profile helps customers find you faster. It shows important information that helps people decide whether to contact you. This includes your location, phone number, website, opening hours, photos, services and reviews.
Google uses the quality and completeness of your profile to decide how often you appear in results. A well maintained profile can help you appear in both Google Search and the local map pack.
How to create your Google Business Profile
Step 1 Sign in
Visit Google.com/business and sign in with a Google account.
Step 2 Add your business
Select Add your business to Google and enter your business name exactly as it appears in real life.
Step 3 Choose your business category
Search for the category that best describes what you do. For example plumber, hair salon, digital marketing agency or restaurant. This helps Google understand when to show your business.
Step 4 Choose if customers visit your location
If your business has a physical address that customers visit, select Yes and enter your full address.
If you work from home or operate across several areas, select No and choose your service areas instead.
Step 5 Add your contact details
Add your business phone number and website. These help customers contact you quickly.
Step 6 Verify your business
Google will ask you to verify your business. You might receive:
• A postcard with a code
• An email
• A phone call
• A video recording request
• A live video call
Follow the instructions on screen. Your profile will not appear publicly until you complete verification.
How to complete your profile correctly
Add your business description
Write a short overview of your business. Explain who you are, what you offer and why customers choose you. Keep it clear and friendly.
Add your opening times
Enter your standard hours and update them during holidays, seasonal periods or special events. Keeping these accurate improves trust and reduces frustration for customers.
Add your services and products
Use the Services and Products sections to list what you offer. Add clear descriptions so customers understand what you provide. This also helps Google match your profile with relevant searches.
Add photos and videos
Photos are one of the strongest ways to increase engagement. Add:
• Exterior photos
• Interior photos
• Team photos
• Work examples
• Product photos
• Before and after examples if relevant
Use clear, bright images and avoid stock photos. Videos also help customers understand your business quickly.
Add business attributes
Attributes help customers find useful information such as wheelchair access, online appointments, women led, family friendly or veteran owned. Add any attributes that apply to your business.
How to manage customer reviews
Reviews are a major trust factor in Google Business Profile and strongly influence how often you appear in local search.
Encourage reviews
• Ask happy customers to leave a review
• Share your review link with them
• Request reviews after completing work or delivering services
Respond to reviews
Reply to every review.
Thank customers for positive comments.
If you receive a negative review respond politely and offer a solution. Google rewards businesses that stay active and professional.
How to use posts to stay active
Posts allow you to share updates that appear directly in your profile. You can post:
• News
• Offers
• Events
• New services
• Blog articles
• Seasonal updates
Regular posts keep your profile fresh and active which can increase visibility.
How to track your performance
Use the Insights section inside Google Business Profile to see how customers interact with your listing. You can track:
• Searches that lead to your profile
• Calls
• Website clicks
• Direction requests
• Photo views
• Messages
These insights help you understand what customers find most useful.
Common mistakes to avoid
• Adding keywords to your business name
• Leaving your opening hours incorrect
• Ignoring reviews
• Using low quality or stock photos
• Leaving your services empty
• Forgetting to verify your profile
• Allowing incorrect edits suggested by users to stay live
Check your profile monthly to keep everything accurate.
Quick ongoing checklist
• Update opening hours
• Add new photos
• Reply to all reviews
• Check for incorrect updates
• Add new posts
• Refresh services and products
A few minutes each month can help your business stay competitive in local search.
Final advice
Google Business Profile is a powerful tool that helps customers discover and trust your business. With complete information, regular updates and active engagement you can improve your visibility and attract more local clients.
If you want support improving your local search strategy, Hedgehog Digital can help you optimise your profile and build a stronger presence across search.
