Your Google Business Profile, set up right

Claim and verify it

Search your business name on Google. If a listing already exists, claim it; if not, create one at business.google.com. Google verifies that you own it (by phone, email, or a mailed postcard). Until it's verified, your edits won't go live.

Pick the most accurate primary category

Your primary category is one of the strongest signals Google uses to decide which searches you appear in. Choose the one that matches what you actually do most — not a broad guess — and add secondary categories for the rest.

Fill in every field

A complete profile beats an empty one. Don't leave gaps:

• Hours, including special holiday hours
• Service area or street address
• A clear list of your services
• A short, plain description of what you do
• Phone number and a link to your website

Add real photos

Listings with genuine photos get noticeably more clicks and calls. Add your storefront, your team, and your actual work — not stock images — and refresh them now and then.

Ask for reviews, and reply to them

Reviews affect both your ranking and whether someone picks you. Ask happy customers, make it easy with a direct review link, and reply to every review — good or bad — like a professional. It shows you're paying attention.

Post the occasional update

Active profiles look alive and trustworthy. A quick post about a new service, a seasonal offer, or a finished job every few weeks is plenty.

The short version

• Claim and verify the listing
• Choose the most accurate primary category
• Fill in every field completely
• Add real photos of your work
• Collect and reply to reviews
• Post an update now and then

Set up well once and kept active a little, your profile quietly works for you year-round. Want it handled alongside your site? Just ask.