How to Set Up Your Business’ Google Business Profile & Google Maps Listing

BurkeMedia Blog • Services / Tutorials and Ideas

A Google Business Profile is one of the most important parts of a local business’s online presence. It is often what customers see before they ever reach the website: business name, hours, photos, reviews, directions, services, phone number and quick links.

For restaurants, repair shops, salons, contractors, home care companies, churches, gyms and almost every other local business, the Google listing can directly affect calls, direction requests and customer trust.

Step 1: Sign in with the right Google account

Start by signing into the Google account that should own or manage the business listing. This should be an account the business can keep access to long-term, not a random personal account that may be lost later.

Step 2: Search for the business first

Before creating a new listing, search Google and Google Maps for the business name, address and phone number. Sometimes a listing already exists. If it does, you may need to claim it instead of creating a duplicate.

Step 3: Claim or create the profile

Go through Google’s process to claim the listing or create a new one. Add the official business name, correct address or service area, phone number, website and primary business category.

Step 4: Choose the best categories

The primary category is important because it helps Google understand what kind of business you are. Add secondary categories when they are accurate, but avoid stuffing unrelated categories just because they might get attention.

Step 5: Add services, products or menu items

Businesses should fill out the sections that apply to them. Service businesses can add services. Restaurants can add menu details. Retail businesses can add products. The more accurate information Google has, the easier it is for customers to understand what you offer.

Step 6: Upload real photos

Real photos build trust. Add exterior photos, interior photos, team photos, product photos, food photos, service photos or project photos depending on the business. Avoid relying only on generic stock images.

Step 7: Keep hours and contact information accurate

Incorrect hours can frustrate customers fast. Keep regular hours, holiday hours, phone numbers, website links and appointment links current.

Step 8: Ask for reviews and respond professionally

Reviews help customers understand the business through real experiences. Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews, and respond with professionalism and gratitude. Even simple responses show that the business is active and listening.

Step 9: Post updates

Google Business posts can highlight specials, events, new services, seasonal updates, blog posts, videos or recent work. These updates help keep the profile alive and give customers more reasons to engage.

Step 10: Connect the listing to the rest of your online presence

A strong Google listing works best when it connects to a strong website, accurate social media profiles, consistent citations and useful service pages. BurkeMedia helps businesses align these pieces so local customers can find and trust them more easily.