Google Business Profile for Local SEO: Set It Up Right From Day One

If you’re a small business owner wondering how to get your company to show up on Google — especially on the map — you’re in the right place.

Setting up your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the first and most important steps in local SEO. But most business owners either skip steps or assume it’s just “fill in your info and wait.” It’s more than that — and the good news is, you can do it in under an hour with the right guidance.

Don’t want to do it alone? We can help with our free SEO market analysis — including GBP optimization advice tailored to your industry.

Step 1: Create or Claim Your Google Business Profile

Before we talk about ranking, you need to make sure your business is visible to Google in the first place.

Start here:

1. Go to google.com/business.
2. Click “Manage Now”.
3. Sign in with a Google account (create one if you don’t have one).
4. Search for your business name. If it’s already listed, claim it. If not, create a new listing.

Pro Tip: Make sure your business name matches your signage and legal documents. Don’t add keywords into your name — it can get you flagged.

Step 2: Add Your Core Business Details

This is where most people rush — and miss key ranking opportunities. One of the biggest mistakes? Choosing the wrong business category.

• Business Name: Use your real-world name. Avoid adding extra keywords like city names or services — it can get you flagged.
• Business Category: This is what tells Google who to show your business to. Pick the wrong one, and you might not show up at all.

Pro tip: Don’t guess. Instead, research what your top local competitors are using for their category.

Just Google one of your main services — like “electrician near me” — and look at the businesses that show up in the map results. Then use the free Chrome extension GMB Everywhere to see what categories those competitors are using on their listings.

Choose your primary category carefully. For example, if you’re a roofer, pick “Roofing Contractor” — not “Home Services” or “Construction Company.” You can also add secondary categories later for related services.

• Address: If you serve customers at a physical location, use your full address. If you go to them (like a mobile service), you can hide your address and list your service areas instead.
• Phone Number: Use a local phone number. Avoid toll-free numbers when possible.
• Website: Link to your main site. If you don’t have one, check out our web design services.
• Hours: Keep them up to date — especially holidays and seasonal changes.

Step 3: Verify Your Business (Google Now Uses Video — Not Postcards)

Google no longer sends postcards to verify most new business listings. Instead, they’ve moved to a video verification process using your phone — no app download required.

Here’s how the process works:

1. After you’ve entered your business details on desktop, Google will show you a QR code.
2. Open your phone’s camera, scan the QR code, and follow the link to begin recording.
3. Using your phone, record a single, unedited video that shows:
   • Your business location from a nearby cross street or recognizable landmark
   • Your storefront or office with visible signage
   • The inside of your workspace (if applicable)
   • Official documentation (like a utility bill, lease, or business license) that shows your business name and address

Why does Google need this? They’re trying to confirm that your business physically exists where you say it does — and that it’s real, not fake or spam.

After you submit your video: Google will review it, which can take a few hours to a few days. You’ll get an email notification when your business is verified.

Tip: If you don’t have signage yet, or you work from a home office or shared space, make sure you clearly show official documents in the video to avoid delays.

Step 4: Add Photos (And Keep Adding Them)

Photos help Google trust your business is real. And they help customers trust you, too.

• Logo: Upload a high-res logo to help with branding.
• Cover Photo: Use a landscape image that represents your shop, staff, or services.
• Interior & Exterior: Show people what to expect when visiting you.
• Team photos: Humanize your business. People trust faces more than stock images.

Step 5: Write a Strong Business Description

You get 750 characters to describe what you do. Use this space wisely.

Tips:

• Lead with what you offer and who you serve. Example: “We provide residential and commercial plumbing services in city, state and surrounding areas.”
• Include your specialties and service areas naturally.
• Don’t keyword stuff — keep it conversational and clear.

This is huge!

Pro Tip – include your primary business category in the first sentence. Then the other category keywords throughout the description.

Also keep in mind that each of these keywords must ALSO be on the home page of your website!

Step 6: Ask for Google Reviews Early

Reviews are one of the biggest ranking factors in local SEO.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Text or email a review link to your happy customers
• Ask for reviews as part of your checkout or service process
• Respond to every review — even the bad ones — with professionalism

If you have no reviews, Google is far less likely to show your listing near the top — even if it’s fully optimized.

Step 7: Post Weekly Updates

Think of your GBP like a mini social media page. Use posts to stay active and show Google you’re maintaining your listing.

Post ideas: Announce a seasonal deal, show a new project, answer a common question, or highlight a 5-star review.

Need help optimizing your profile beyond the basics? Our SEO team specializes in local search optimization — including Google Business Profile management.

Frequently Asked Questions