How to Create a Google Business Profile: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025 Edition)

If you want your business to show up on Google Search and Maps, setting up a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most effective things you can do. Whether you’re a local shop owner, service provider, or managing multiple locations, a Google Business Profile helps customers find and choose your business.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make a Google Business Profile step by step — no tech experience required.

If you feel stuck in the marketing process, contact me, I am happy to help you make your marketing bucks go further.

What Is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool from Google that allows you to manage how your business appears in Google Search and Maps. With a fully set-up and optimized profile, you can:

• Show up in local search results

• Display your contact info, hours, and location

• Collect and respond to reviews

• Post updates and promotions

• Drive traffic to your website or storefront

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Google Business Profile

Step 1: Go to the Google Business Profile Manager

Visit https://www.google.com/business and click “Manage now.”

You’ll need to sign in with a Google account. Use the one associated with your business — ideally the same one you use for Gmail, YouTube, or Google Ads.

Step 2: Enter Your Business Name

Start typing your business name. If it appears, you may already have a listing — great! You can claim it.

If not, click “Add your business to Google” and type your business name as you want it to appear publicly.

SEO Tip: Make sure your business name matches how it appears on your website and other directories. Consistency helps local SEO.

Step 3: Choose Your Business Category

Google will prompt you to choose a business category (e.g., “Wedding Dress Shop,” “Coffee Shop,” “Marketing Agency”).

This is critical for helping Google understand what you do. Be specific. You can add more categories later, but choose your primary one carefully.

Step 4: Add Your Location (If Applicable)

If you have a physical storefront or office customers can visit, choose “Yes” to add your location. Then enter your full address.

If you don’t have a physical location but offer services locally (like a plumber or digital consultant), choose “No,” then specify your service area (cities, ZIP codes, etc.).

Step 5: Add Contact Info

Enter your phone number and website URL (if you have one). This is how potential customers will reach you.

Make sure this information is consistent with what's listed on your website and across other platforms — this boosts local SEO and helps build trust.

Step 6: Verify Your Business

Google will ask you to verify your business to prove you’re the rightful owner. Most businesses will receive a postcard by mail with a verification code (this can take 5–7 business days). Some businesses qualify for phone, email, or instant verification.

Don’t skip this — your profile won’t go live until it's verified.

Step 7: Complete and Optimize Your Profile

Once verified, log back into your profile and fill in the rest of your information, including:

• Business hours

• Photos of your business or products

• Business description (include keywords!)

• FAQs or services list

The more complete your profile is, the more likely it is to appear in search results.

SEO Tip: Upload high-quality images, ask for reviews, and post weekly updates to stay active — all of which boost visibility.

Bonus Tips to Optimize Your Google Business Profile

• Get reviews: Ask happy customers to leave a Google review. Respond to all reviews promptly.

• Post updates: Use the “Posts” feature to share promotions, events, or blog posts.

• Monitor insights: Google provides analytics on how people find your listing — use that data to improve.

• Use keywords wisely: Include local keywords like “wedding dresses in Belleville” or “digital marketing agency Toronto” in your business description and posts.

Learning how to make a Google Business Profile is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take for better local SEO and online visibility. Whether you're just getting started or optimizing an existing listing, following these steps will help your business stand out in Google search results.

Need Help With Your Google Business Profile?

If you’d like personalized help setting up or optimizing your Google Business listing, Contact Me or check out our Digital Marketing services. We’ve helped dozens of businesses rank higher and get more local customers through smart Google strategies.