Local SEO:Getting Found With Google Business Profile
Set up and maintain a Google Business Profile, keep your name, address and phone consistent across the web, earn reviews the legitimate way, and connect the profile to your website.
Table of Contents
A Google Business Profile is the free listing that shows your business on Google Maps and in local search results, with your address, hours, phone number, photos and reviews. For any business that serves customers in a particular area, it is one of the most important things to set up. The keys to doing well are an accurate, complete and verified profile, consistent business details everywhere, genuine reviews with responses, and a website that supports the profile.
Who should have one
Businesses that meet customers in person (a shop, office or clinic) or travel to customers within a service area (plumbers, cleaners, delivery services). Purely online businesses without a physical presence are generally not eligible under Google's guidelines.
Setting it up
- Go to Google Business Profile and sign in with a Google account the business controls (not a personal account of one employee).
- Enter the business name exactly as it appears on your signage and documents, without adding keywords.
- Choose the most accurate primary category, then a few relevant secondary categories.
- Add your address (or service areas if you visit customers instead), phone number and website.
- Verify the profile using the method Google offers (for example video, phone, email or postcard). Unverified profiles have limited visibility.
Complete every useful section
- Hours, including special hours for holidays.
- Description: what you do, who you serve, in plain language.
- Services or products, with prices where appropriate.
- Photos: storefront, interior, team, products, real work; keep them current.
- Attributes relevant to your business (for example accessibility, payment options).
- Website link to the most relevant page, plus booking or menu links if used.
Keep your NAP consistent
NAP stands for name, address, phone. Use exactly the same details on:
- your website (footer and contact page);
- your Google Business Profile;
- social profiles and directories.
Inconsistent details (old addresses, different phone numbers) confuse customers and search engines.
Reviews: earn them honestly
- Ask satisfied customers for a review after a successful job or purchase, with a direct link.
- Respond to reviews, positive and negative, politely and helpfully.
- Never buy reviews, write fake ones, or offer incentives in exchange for positive reviews; this violates Google's policies and can lead to reviews being removed or the profile being restricted.
- Do not pressure customers or filter requests to only happy customers.
Keep it active
- Update hours promptly when they change.
- Post updates, offers or events where relevant.
- Answer questions in the Q&A section if available.
- Watch for suggested edits from the public and correct inaccurate ones.
Connect it with your website
- The website should confirm the same details and explain your services in depth.
- A contact page with the address, a map and opening hours helps.
- Local landing pages for each location (if you have several) should contain unique, useful information, not copied text with the town name changed.
See SEO basics for small businesses.
Responding to reviews: examples
A positive review: "Thank you, Nasrin, for your kind words about the birthday cake. We're glad it was a hit with your family, and we hope to bake for you again soon!" Short, personal, specific.
A negative review: "Hello Karim, we're sorry your delivery arrived late on Saturday. That isn't the standard we aim for. Please call us on [number] so we can make it right, and we've reviewed our weekend delivery schedule." Acknowledge, apologise without arguing, offer a way to resolve it offline, and mention what you changed.
Avoid copying the same reply to every review, revealing customers' private details, or arguing publicly. Future customers read your replies as much as the reviews.
Common profile problems and fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Duplicate listings for the same business | Request removal or merging of the duplicate through the profile support options |
| Wrong pin location on the map | Edit the address and move the pin; reverify if asked |
| Suggested edits from the public changing your hours | Review and reject incorrect edits; keep information current |
| Keyword-stuffed name ("Best Cakes Dhaka Green Leaf") | Use only your real business name; stuffing can lead to suspension |
| Profile suspended | Check the guidelines, correct the issue and request reinstatement |
Measuring results
The profile's performance section shows searches, views, calls, direction requests and website clicks. Combine it with website analytics to see which actions turn into customers; see website analytics for small businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Creating and managing the profile is free.
Can I list a business run from home?
Yes, as a service-area business without showing your home address publicly, if you serve customers at their locations.
How long does it take to appear on Google Maps?
After verification it can appear quickly, though ranking in local results depends on relevance, distance and prominence.
Related reading
See online branding basics and how to take your business online. For a website that supports your local presence, see ServerNeed business website development.
Sources
Last updated 7 October 2026
