What is a Google Business Profile? (And Why You NEED One)
Everyone wants to Show Up on Google. Ever searched for a business on Google and seen a box on the right-hand side with their name, location, contact details, and reviews? That’s a Google Business Profile.
Or maybe you’ve typed in something like “coffee shop near me”, and Google showed you a list of businesses with a map full of red dots? That’s also thanks to Google Business Profiles.
How Does It Work?
Google automatically prioritizes businesses that are close to you—whether you’re searching on your phone or desktop. This means:
✔ If someone searches for your business name, they should see your profile on the right-hand side of Google search results.
✔ If they search for a service you offer (like “plumber near me”), and you’re nearby, you can show up on the list.
✔ If they browse Google Maps, your business can appear as a location pin for customers looking for what you offer.
The best part? Setting up a profile is completely free, and it gets your business in front of people actively looking for your services.
How to Get Your Business to Show Up on Google
If your business isn’t showing up, don’t stress! Here’s how to get listed properly so Google knows you exist.
Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile
Start by going to Google Business Profile and clicking “Manage Now.”
You’ll need a Google account (a Gmail address) to sign in.
Step 2: Add Your Business Name
Type in your business name exactly as it appears everywhere else—on your website, social media, and signage.
- If Google finds your business, you can claim it.
- If it doesn’t exist yet, click “Add your business to Google” and follow the steps.
Step 3: Choose Your Business Category
Google needs to know what type of business you run so it can show your profile to the right people.
Some examples:
- A pizza shop chooses “Pizza Restaurant.”
- A car repair shop selects “Auto Repair Service.”
- A hairdresser goes with “Hair Salon.”
You can add extra categories later if your business offers more than one service.
Step 4: Add Your Business Location (Or Service Area)
📍 Have a physical store or office? Add your address so customers can visit, and your location appears on Google Maps.
🚗 Go to customers instead? Select “I deliver goods and services to my customers” and add the areas you serve.
If you work from home and don’t want randoms knocking on your door, you can hide your exact address and just show the city.
Step 5: Add Contact Details that will Show Up on Google
Make it easy for customers to reach you by adding:
✔ Your business phone number
✔ Your website URL (If you don’t have one, Google can create a free basic site for you)
Step 6: Verify Your Business (This is a MUST!)
Google won’t show your business until you verify it.
Most businesses get a postcard with a verification code in the mail (yes, real mail, like the old days). It usually arrives within 5–10 days, so don’t ignore it.
💡 Some businesses qualify for instant verification via email or phone—Google will tell you if that’s an option.
Step 7: Make Your Profile Look Legit
Now that your business is verified, it’s officially on Google—but don’t stop there! A half-empty profile looks dodgy, and customers won’t trust it.
Here’s how to make it stand out:
- Add Photos – No one trusts a business without pictures. Upload high-quality images of your shop, products, or team.
- Set Your Hours – Let people know when you’re open (including public holidays).
- Write a Business Description – Explain what you do in simple words. Example: “We serve the best coffee in Cape Town, freshly roasted every day.”
- Collect Reviews – Ask happy customers to leave a Google review. Businesses with more reviews rank higher in search results.
How Long Until My Business Shows Up on Google?
If you’ve verified your business and completed your profile, it should appear within a few days.
To check, Google your exact business name and see if your profile pops up.
What If My Business Isn’t Showing Up?
If your business still isn’t appearing, here’s what to do:
❌ Not Verified Yet? Make sure you’ve entered your verification code.
❌ Profile Incomplete? Add missing details like hours, photos, and descriptions.
❌ Using the Wrong Name? Double-check that your name matches exactly across Google, your website, and social media.
❌ Not Enough Activity? Google prefers active businesses—post updates, reply to reviews, and keep things fresh.
Need Help Setting Up Your Google Profile? Let’s Do It for You!
Getting your business on Google is one of the easiest ways to bring in more customers—but only if you do it right. If you’re not sure where to start or don’t have time to figure it all out, we can set it up for you!
Contact us today, and we’ll make sure your business shows up on Google, Google Maps, and local searches—properly optimized and ready to attract customers.
