Google Business Profile: how to get your business on Google Maps

When someone searches for "physiotherapist near me" or "language school in Dublin", the first thing they see is not websites: it is a map with three businesses, their stars, their hours and a call button. That block comes from Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). It is free and, for a local business, it is often the most profitable source of clients there is.

Create or claim your Google Business Profile

Search for your business on Google Maps. If it already appears (sometimes Google or a customer creates it), tap "Own this business?" to claim it. If not, create it at business.google.com using a Google account belonging to the business, not an employee's personal one.

Choose the right category

In fact, the primary category is one of the most influential settings. Pick the most specific one ("Physiotherapy clinic" rather than "Health centre") and add secondary ones only if you genuinely cover them.

Set your address or service area

• If clients come to your premises, add the address.
• If you go to them (or work remotely), you can hide the address and set the area you serve.

What you should not do is invent an address to "be" in another city: it breaks the rules and Google suspends those profiles.

Verify your Google Business Profile

Google will ask you to prove the business is real: by video of the premises and something that identifies it, a call, a text or a postcard. It can take a few days. Until it is verified, the profile does not show properly.

Complete the profile 100%

• Hours, including holidays.
• Phone and website, the same as everywhere else.
• Description that clearly says what you do and for whom, without stuffing keywords.
• Services with descriptions and, if you like, prices.
• Real photos: exterior, interior, team, work. No stock photos.
• Attributes: wheelchair accessible, appointment only, online service…

Get reviews on your Google Business Profile

Reviews weigh heavily on the map and on what clients (and AI) decide. Ask happy clients for them and reply to all of them, including the bad ones. Ideas in how to get Google reviews.

Keep the profile alive

• Update hours when they change.
• Add photos now and then.
• Post news or offers if you have them.
• Answer questions people ask on the profile.

Your website and your profile, together

Your profile links to your website and the website strengthens the profile: Google cross-checks both. So identical name, address and phone on both helps. And a website that explains your services well converts people who arrive from the map. If you do not have one yet, check the cost with the cost calculator.

For everything else that helps people find you locally, see the local SEO guide.

What to post on your Google Business Profile each month

A profile with activity shows the business is alive. A short session each month is enough: upload two or three new photos, post an update or an offer and check the opening hours, especially before holidays. In addition, reply to any new reviews.

Posts do not need to be elaborate. For example, a hair salon can show a cut of the week and a clinic a short tip. Google explains every option in its Business Profile help, and from Google Business you can manage it without installing anything. And so the profile and the website reinforce each other, always link to the right page, as explained in the local SEO guide. An up-to-date profile is one of the most profitable things you can do.

Frequently asked questions

Does Google Business Profile cost money?

No. It is free. Be wary of calls charging you to "register you on Google".

Can I have a profile if I work from home?

Yes, as a service-area business, with the address hidden and the area you cover marked.

How long until I appear on Google Maps?

After verification it usually appears within days, although climbing the map takes longer and needs reviews.

Will my website link up with my Google Business Profile?

Yes. On Nueva Página websites the business details match the profile and are marked up for Google. See how I work.