How to Get Your Business on Google Maps

To get your business on Google Maps, create a free Google Business Profile at business.google.com, add your details, and verify that you own the business. Once verified, your profile can appear in Maps and in the local results at the top of Google Search. Here's how to do it properly, step by step.

Before you start: check if you're already listed

Search for your business name and town in Google Maps. If a listing already exists (Google sometimes creates them automatically), choose Claim this business instead of making a new one. Duplicate listings split your reviews and confuse customers.

Step 1: Add your business

Go to business.google.com/add and sign in with the Google account you want to manage the profile with. Ideally use a business account, not a personal one you might lose access to.

Step 2: Use your real business name

Enter your business name exactly as it appears on your signage, invoices and website. Google's guidelines say that adding extra keywords, like "Best Plumber London", isn't permitted and can get your profile suspended.

Step 3: Choose the right category

Pick the most specific primary category that describes what your business is, such as "Bakery" rather than "Food", and add only a few secondary categories if they're genuinely core services. Fewer, more accurate categories work better than a long list.

Step 4: Add a location or a service area

• Customers visit you (a shop, clinic or café): add your real street address. P.O. boxes aren't accepted.
• You visit customers (a plumber, cleaner or mobile service): remove your address and set a service area instead. You can add up to 20 areas, and Google asks that the overall area be no more than about two hours' drive from where you're based.

Step 5: Add your phone number and website

Use a number customers can actually reach, and link your website. A good website behind your profile gives customers somewhere to learn more before they call. If you don't have one yet, our checklist of 10 must-haves is a good place to start.

Step 6: Verify your business

Google will offer one or more verification methods: a phone call or text, email, a live video call, a recorded video of your business, or a postcard with a code. Which ones you get depends on your business. Google says verification reviews can take up to 5 business days, and postcards usually arrive within 14 days.

Step 7: Complete every section

Once verified, fill in everything: opening hours (including holidays), a short description of what you do, your services and prices, and photos of your real work, premises and team. Complete profiles look more trustworthy and give Google more to match against searches.

Step 8: Ask for reviews and reply to them

Reviews are one of the strongest signals for customers. Ask happy customers directly and send them the review link from your profile. Reply to every review, good or bad, politely and briefly.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Stuffing keywords into the business name.
• Using a virtual office or P.O. box as your address.
• Different phone numbers or addresses on your profile, website and social pages.
• Creating a new listing instead of claiming the existing one.
• Setting it up once and never updating hours, photos or posts.

Want it done for you?

Every GoWebRise plan includes Google Business Profile setup for free, alongside your new website. You see a free demo of the site before you pay anything. See what's included, or read our guide to what a website costs.