Google Business Profile

Go to google.com/business and sign in with the Google account you will keep long term. Type your business name. If a profile already exists, claim it instead of creating a new one. Two profiles for one business split your reviews and confuse customers.

If you find a duplicate you did not create, claim it, then request to remove the extra one. If no profile exists, start a fresh listing and enter your real name.

Tip: Use a shared team account or a manager email, not a personal login tied to one employee who might leave.

Google will ask you to prove you are the owner. The method depends on your category and location — usually a postcard by mail, phone, email, or video. Follow whatever option it offers, because you cannot skip this step.

If you get a postcard, do not edit your name or address until it arrives. Any change can reset the process. Once verified, you can manage the profile fully.

Check first: Video verification is now common. Have your signage, equipment, and access to the space ready before you start recording.

The primary category is the single biggest factor in which searches you appear for. Choose the one that matches what you actually sell, not the fanciest option. A coffee shop should pick "Coffee shop," not "Cafe" if that is what most customers search.

Add secondary categories only if they truly describe your business. Too many categories can water down your relevance. Start tight and expand later if needed.

Use your real business name exactly. Do not stuff keywords like "Best Plumber Dallas" into the name field. That is the fastest way to get suspended.

Enter your full address, including suite number. If you serve customers at their location and have no storefront, hide your address and set a service area. Then list the cities or regions you cover.

Tip: Make sure your name, address, and phone match your website and other directories word for word. Consistency builds trust with Google.

Set your regular weekly hours. Add special hours for holidays and one-off closures. Wrong hours frustrate customers and can hurt your ranking because people report the profile as inaccurate.

Set more than one time block if you close for lunch. This is common for restaurants, clinics, and repair shops.

Write a 750-character description. Lead with what you do and who you serve. Mention your city naturally. Skip fluff and hype; Google and customers both want clarity.

Add each service or product as its own line with a short description. This helps you show up for specific searches like "emergency drain cleaning" instead of only broad ones.

Tip: Front-load the most important words. The first 250 characters often show in search results.

Add a logo and a cover photo first. Then upload real photos of the exterior, interior, team, and work. Aim for at least 10 photos at the start and add new ones monthly.

Use your own photos, not stock images. Google can tell, and customers trust real ones more. Name files with plain words like "storefront-dallas.jpg" before uploading.

Turn on messaging only if someone will actually reply within a day. Slow replies hurt more than no messaging option. If you use a booking tool, connect it so customers can schedule without leaving the profile.

Add your website link to the appointment or menu button where it fits your category.

Ask happy customers for a review right after a good experience. Send them the short review link from your profile. Never buy reviews or offer discounts for them — that violates Google's rules and can get you penalized.

Reply to every review, good or bad. Thank the positive ones and respond calmly to negative ones with a fix. Replies show future customers you pay attention.

Tip: Review text that mentions what you do and where you are helps you rank for those terms.

Add posts for offers, events, and news. Posts expire, so refresh them about once a week if you want steady visibility. Use the Q&A section to answer common questions yourself before customers ask.

Check the profile once a month for suggested edits from Google or users. Approve the correct ones and reject the wrong ones.