By Thabo Mhlanga, founder of Northern Search Co. · 8 November 2026
Your business appears on Google Maps through a free Google Business Profile. It's the box that shows your phone number, opening hours, photos and reviews when someone searches for you. Here's how to set one up properly.
1. Check whether you're already listed
Search for your business name on Google Maps. Sometimes a listing already exists, created by Google or a customer. If it does, you can claim it instead of making a new one. Duplicate listings can confuse customers and Google.
2. Create or claim your profile
Go to google.com/business and sign in with a Google account. Use an account you'll keep long term, ideally one linked to your business email, and make sure it's in your name, not someone else's.
3. Use your real business name
Enter your name exactly as it appears on your signage, van or paperwork. Adding extra words like “Best Plumber Leeds” goes against Google's guidelines and can get your profile suspended.
4. Choose the right category
Your main category is one of the most important choices you'll make. Pick the one that best describes your business as a whole, such as “Electrician” or “Hair salon”, then add a few extra categories for other services you genuinely offer.
5. Add your address or service area
If customers visit you, add your address. If you visit them, like most trades, you can hide your address and set a service area instead, listing the towns you cover. Google doesn't allow virtual offices or mailbox addresses unless you're really there to serve customers.
6. Verify your business
Google needs to confirm you're a real business before your profile goes live. It will show you the options available to you. Often that means recording a short video of your business, tools or premises, but the method can vary.
7. Fill in everything
- Opening hours, including special hours for bank holidays and Christmas
- Phone number and website
- A clear description of what you do and where
- Your services, with short descriptions
- Real photos of your work, premises, team or vehicles
A complete profile gives Google more to go on, and gives customers more reasons to choose you.
8. Ask for reviews
Reviews are one of the main things people look at before they get in touch. Ask happy customers for an honest review, make it easy with a direct link, and reply to every review, good or bad. Don't buy reviews or offer rewards for them, as that's against Google's rules.
9. Keep it active
Add new photos, post updates and offers, and keep your hours accurate. An active, up-to-date profile looks trustworthy to customers.
10. Make your details match everywhere
Use exactly the same business name, phone number and website on your Google profile, your website and other listings like Bing Places, Apple Business Connect, Yell and Facebook. When everything matches, search engines and AI tools can be more confident about who you are.
How long until you show up?
Once you're verified, your profile can appear when people search for your business name. Showing up when people search for your service, like “electrician near me”, takes longer. Google says local results are based mainly on three things: how relevant you are to the search, how far you are from the person searching, and how well known and trusted your business is. That last part grows with reviews, links and activity over time.
Want a hand? We set up and manage Google Business Profiles for businesses across Leeds and Yorkshire, as part of every package. Find out more about our Google Business Profile service, or get a free audit of your current profile.
Common questions
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Creating and managing a Google Business Profile is completely free.
Do I need a shop or office to be on Google Maps?
No. If you visit your customers, you can set up as a service-area business and keep your home address hidden.
Why can't I find my business on Google Maps?
It may not be verified yet, or it may only appear when people search for your exact name while it's new. Showing up for general searches like your trade plus your town takes time, reviews and a complete profile.
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