You're Invisible Without This
Right now, when someone searches "best [your business type] near me," they're finding your competitors. Not because they're better—because they control their Google Business Profile and you don't.
Here's what you'll be able to do after following this guide:
This isn't about learning Google's features. This is about taking control of your local visibility so customers find you first.
Let's get you set up.
Step 1: Claim Your Profile (10 minutes)
What you'll accomplish: Establish ownership of your business on Google.
Go to Google Business Profile
Visit [business.google.com](https://business.google.com) and sign in with the Google account you want to manage your business with.
Pro tip: Use a company email (like owner@yourbusiness.com), not your personal Gmail. You can always add team members later.
Search for Your Business
Type your business name in the search bar. Three scenarios:
1. Your business shows up = Good! Someone already created it (maybe you, years ago). Click "Claim this business."
2. Similar businesses show up, but not yours = Click "Add your business to Google."
3. Nothing shows up = Click "Add your business to Google."
Enter Your Basic Information
Google will ask:
- Business name: Use your real business name, not keywords (e.g., "Smith Plumbing" not "Smith Plumbing Best Emergency Plumber Seattle")
- Business category: Choose the single most accurate category (you can add more later)
- Location: Your actual business address or service area
Important: Use your real information. Google verifies this. Fake addresses get you delisted.
Verification
Google will mail you a postcard with a verification code to your business address. This takes 5-7 days.
Can't wait? Some businesses qualify for instant verification via phone, email, or video. Check if you're eligible when you sign up.
What you've accomplished: You now own your Google Business Profile. Once verified, you control what customers see.
Step 2: Complete Your Profile (20 minutes)
What you'll accomplish: Give customers all the information they need to choose you.
Business Hours
Add your real hours. Include:
Why this matters: AI models check if you're currently open when making recommendations. Customers hate showing up to closed businesses.
Phone Number
Use a real, monitored phone number. Google will verify this.
Pro tip: Use a number that tracks incoming calls so you can see how many customers found you through Google.
Website
Add your website URL. Don't have one? You can create a free Google website directly in your profile (it's basic but functional).
Business Description
You have 750 characters to tell customers what you do and why you're the right choice.
Bad description (product-focused):
"We offer plumbing services including repairs, installations, and maintenance. 20 years in business. Licensed and insured."
Good description (customer transformation):
"You'll get your plumbing emergency fixed fast—usually same-day—by licensed plumbers who show up on time and explain everything in plain English. No surprise charges. We've helped 2,000+ Seattle homeowners sleep better knowing their plumbing works."
See the difference? The second one tells customers what they'll GET, not what you DO.
Services
Add every service you offer. Each service:
Why this matters: When someone searches "emergency plumber near me," Google shows businesses that list "emergency plumbing" as a service.
Photos
Upload at least 10 photos:
- Exterior: 3 photos of your storefront/building (helps customers find you)
- Interior: 3 photos if you have a location customers visit
- At work: 3 photos of you/your team doing the actual work
- Results: 3 photos of completed projects
Photo tip: Use your phone. Natural, authentic photos outperform professional stock photos. Customers want to see the real you.
Step 3: Get Your First 10 Reviews (Ongoing)
What you'll accomplish: Build social proof that makes you the obvious choice.
Reviews are the #1 factor in local rankings and AI recommendations. You need at least 10 to be taken seriously.
Create Your Review Link
In your Google Business Profile dashboard:
1. Click "Get more reviews"
2. Copy the short link (it looks like: g.page/yourbusiness)
3. Save this link—you'll use it constantly
Ask Your Best Customers First
Identify 10 customers who had great experiences. Text or email them:
"Hi [Name]! I'm working to get more visibility on Google. Would you mind leaving a quick review? Here's the direct link: [your review link]. I really appreciate it!"
That's it. Keep it simple. Most people are happy to help if you make it easy.
Respond to Every Review
Good reviews: Thank them specifically for what they mentioned.
Bad reviews: Address the issue professionally and offer to make it right.
Why this matters: Google (and AI) see that you care about customers. Response rate signals active, attentive business.
[Read our complete guide](/learn/get-100-reviews) on building review flow that works on autopilot.
Step 4: Use Google Posts (5 minutes weekly)
What you'll accomplish: Stay visible and show you're active.
Google Posts are mini-updates that appear directly in your profile. Think of them as free advertising space.
Post weekly about:
Example post:
"Furnace acting up? Don't wait until it's 20° outside. We're offering free furnace inspections this week. Book now: [link]"
Keep posts short (150-300 words), add a photo, include a call-to-action button.
Why this matters: Active profiles rank higher. Plus, AI models note that you're currently operating (not abandoned).
Step 5: Enable Messaging
What you'll accomplish: Make it ridiculously easy for customers to reach you.
Turn on messaging in your profile settings. Customers can text your business directly from Google Search or Maps.
Download the Google Business app on your phone so you get notifications.
Why enable this: Some customers prefer texting over calling. Don't lose them by forcing phone calls only.
Step 6: Add Q&A Proactively
What you'll accomplish: Answer customer questions before they ask.
The Q&A section lets anyone ask questions publicly. Most businesses ignore this until someone asks a question.
Better approach: Write the questions yourself, then answer them.
Add 5-10 common questions:
Answer each one clearly and completely.
Why this works: You control the narrative. Plus, Google often pulls these answers into search results.
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Visibility
Inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone): If your address on Google doesn't match your website, you'll rank lower. Keep everything identical.
Choosing wrong category: Your primary category determines when you show up. "Plumber" shows up for plumbing searches. "Contractor" doesn't.
Ignoring reviews: Businesses that don't respond to reviews get fewer reviews over time. Respond to every single one.
Never posting: Profiles that haven't posted in 3+ months look abandoned. Post something every week, even if it's just a helpful tip.
No photos: Profiles with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their website. Add photos.
The Timeline: What to Expect
Week 1: Profile claimed and verified. Basic info complete.
Week 2-4: First 10 reviews collected. Starting to show up in local searches.
Month 2-3: 25+ reviews. Showing up consistently for your main services.
Month 6+: 50+ reviews. Dominating local search. AI models recommend you regularly.
This is a marathon, not a sprint. But every week you wait is a week your competitors are getting customers that should be yours.
You're Now in Control
With your Google Business Profile properly set up, you control your local visibility. No more wondering why competitors show up and you don't.
You'll start getting:
Next steps:
- [Learn how to get your first 100 reviews](/learn/get-100-reviews) to solidify your authority
- [Understand how AI uses reviews](/learn/how-ai-reviews-recommendations) to recommend businesses
- [Track your AI visibility](/learn/tracking-ai-visibility) to measure your impact
Ready to track your visibility automatically? [Join our waitlist](/waitlist) for monitoring that shows exactly how customers find you in AI search.