Setting up a Google Business Profile is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business. Imagine your potential customers search for a service just like yours online, and your business appears at the top of Google (SERP) search engine result page and Maps, with glowing reviews, clear contact details, and high-quality images showcasing your work. That’s the power of a well-optimised Google Business Profile (GBP)—it builds trust, boosts your visibility, and attracts local customers effortlessly.

But how do you set up your profile correctly to maximise its impact? While you can follow a DIY approach after reading this guide, a lot more goes into setting up than simply filling out a form. Many details influence how well your business appears in local search results, so leaving it to professionals is a good idea.

Make Me Local takes care of every step, from local SEO to ensuring your profile is set up correctly and ranks well so you can focus on running your business. Want to stand out online and attract more local customers? Call us on 0800 772 0022 or email us at hello@makemelocal.com, to get started today!

“At Make Me Local, everything we do is about helping local businesses grow online and connect with local customers—expertly, seamlessly, honestly.”

Google Business Profile Setup In Simple Steps

Before we help you set up your Google Business Profile, you need to understand that a well-optimised Google Business Profile helps you:

Improve your local search rankings
Get featured in the Google Local 3-Pack
Enhance your business credibility with reviews and ratings
Provide customers with quick and clear contact information
Stand out on Google Maps and Search results.

Step 1: Sign In And Access Google Business Profile

To begin the Google Business Profile setup, follow these steps:

Go to Google Business Profile and click “Manage Now.”
Sign in using a Google account associated with your business.

Step 2: Enter Your Business Name

If your business is already listed, claim the existing profile by following the prompts.
If your business is not listed, enter your exact business name as it appears on your website and other directories to maintain NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone).

Maintaining NAP consistency is crucial for local SEO setup, as inconsistent details can affect your listing’s ranking in Google Maps results.

Step 3: Choose Your Business Category

Select a primary category that best represents your business (e.g., “Plumber,” “Marketing Agency,” ” dentists“).
You can add secondary categories later to describe additional services you offer.

Pro Tip: Your Google Business attributes and category selection influence how your business appears in local search results, impacting your Google search visibility.

Step 4: Add Your Business Location

If your business has a physical location, enter your complete address.
If you operate a service-area business, select the “I deliver goods and services to my customers” option and specify your service areas.

Ensuring correct service area business settings for businesses without a storefront is essential for appearing in relevant Google Maps listing setup searches.

Step 5: Enter Contact Details

Provide your business phone number (ensuring NAP consistency).
Add your website URL to give customers direct access to more information.

Step 6: Verify Your Business

Verification is required before your business profile becomes publicly visible. You do it using:

Postcard by mail – Google sends a verification code to your business address.
Phone or email verification – Available for select businesses.

Pro Tip: Your business will not appear in Google Search or Maps until verified, so complete the Google Business Profile verification as soon as possible.

Step 7: Add Business Hours, Description And Services

Set accurate business hours to inform customers when you’re open.
Write a compelling business description setup that highlights your services.
List all your services with clear descriptions for better Local Business SEO.

Step 8: Upload Photos And Videos

Add a high-quality logo and cover photo.
Upload images of your work, team, and premises.
Videos help to increase engagement and establish trust.

Pro Tip:Google says Listings with high-quality images receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks on their websites.

Step 9: Enable Messaging And FAQs

Turn on Google Business Profile messaging to allow customers to contact you directly.
Add FAQs to address common customer inquiries.

Step 10: Publish And Keep It Updated

Click “Publish” to make your Google Business Profile page live.
Regularly update your profile with new photos, offers, and customer reviews.

Congratulations! Your Google Business Profile is now live.

Best Practices To Optimise Your Google Business Profile

After setting up your Google Business profile, optimising it correctly following these expert strategies:

1. Maintain NAP Consistency (Name, Address, Phone)

To boost your local SEO setup, ensure your business details match across:

Your website
Social media pages
Online directories

Any inconsistency in NAP details can hurt your local 3-pack ranking and overall Google search visibility.

2. Choose The Right Categories And Attributes

Your Google Business attributes and categories determine where your business appears in search results.

Select the most relevant category for your business.
Add secondary categories to cover all your services.
Use relevant attributes (e.g., “Free Wi-Fi,” “Wheelchair Accessible”).

3. Get More Google Reviews

Reviews are a powerful ranking factor in Google Maps listing setup.

Ask satisfied customers to leave detailed, keyword-rich reviews.
Respond to every review—whether positive or negative.
Encourage customers to mention specific services you provided.

Pro Tip: Google rewards businesses that actively engage with reviews, improving their Local Business SEO.

4. Post Regular Google Updates And Offers

Google prioritises active business listings.

Post weekly updates about new services, discounts, and offers.
Use high-quality images and clear call-to-actions (CTAs).

5. Optimise For The Local 3-Pack Ranking

The local 3-pack ranking refers to the top three business listings displayed for local searches by:

Keeping NAP details accurate and updated.
Gain high-quality local backlinks from trusted sources.
Increase engagement with reviews, photos, and posts.

6. Use Google Business Profile Insights

Regularly monitor your Google Business Profile manager to track performance:

See how customers find you (Search vs. Maps).
Track actions like calls, website visits, and direction requests.
Adjust your strategy based on data trends.

Pro Tip: Businesses that actively monitor and adjust their Google My Business page rank better.

7. Keep Your Profile Updated

Update your business hours during holidays.
Regularly add new services, FAQs, and images.
Google favors active profiles, so stay consistent.

Rank Your Google Business Profile Higher With Make Me Local

Setting up a Google Business Profile is just the first step. To maximise results, you need ongoing optimisation to rank higher in your business listing in Google Maps, improve Local SEO setup, and stay ahead of competitors.

With years of expertise and a proven track record, Make Me Local has helped countless businesses enhance their Google Business Profile for maximum visibility. From setup to ongoing optimisation, we ensure you rank higher on SERP and Google Maps, strengthen your Local SEO, and stay ahead of competitors.

Call on 0800 772 0022 or email us at hello@makemelocal.com today to boost your Google search visibility and attract more local customers!

19th March 2025