How to Create a Google Business Profile (and Get on Google Maps!)

Read how to create a Google Business Profile step-by-step to increase your local visibility. Get your business on Google Maps and start attracting more customers today!

Having a website is only one aspect of having your company noticed online. A Google Business Profile positions your business exactly where consumers are looking. Most consumers looking for local companies begin their search with Google; without a profile, one loses out on these possible clients.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your Google Business Profile

Creating your business profile calls for accuracy; following these basic guidelines will have you running in less than an hour.

1. Go to Google Business Profile Manager

Start by visiting google.com/business, your central hub for controlling your business information on Google Search and Maps. Here you’ll manage everything from business hours to customer reviews. Think of it as your digital business card showing up whenever someone searches for services similar to yours.

2. Sign in or Create a Google Account

You’ll need a Google account to manage your listing. If you use Gmail, you already have one. If not, sign up using any email address.

Tip

Use a business email rather than a personal one. This account will handle all your Google business tools, including Google Analytics and Google Ads if you decide to use them later.

3. Enter Your Business Name

Accuracy matters when you first begin your Google Business listing. Type your business’s name precisely as it shows on your business cards, storefront, and other marketing materials. Should Google display current listings, pay close attention. Someone might have previously listed your business’s name, maybe a customer or previous owner. Claiming an existing listing preserves the review history and ranking of your company instead of starting afresh.

4. Choose Your Business Category

Your primary category greatly influences your company’s showing in searches. A sports therapy clinic might decide, for instance, to have “Physical Therapist” as the main category and add “Sport Medicine Clinic” and “Massage Therapist” as additional categories.

Each additional category raises your possibility of showing up in relevant searches. Google provides hundreds of categories; thus, take some time to identify which are accurate ones for your business.

5. Add Your Business Location

To get on Google Maps, enter your exact street address. For service area businesses like plumbers or mobile pet groomers, you can hide your physical address and instead show areas you serve.

For example, specify if you serve within a 20-mile radius, or even better, mention specific neighborhoods. Physical businesses should include details that make finding you easier, like “Located in the red brick building next to City Park” or “Free parking available in the rear lot.”

6. Provide Contact Information

Consider adding more than just phone and email as communication methods. Include a cell phone for any urgent requests. Your business hours should match your actual availability. Many businesses use standard words such as “By appointment only” or “24/7 emergency service available.”

Tip

When integrating your Inita website, make sure all contact information is identical across all platforms for improved local search rankings.

7. Add Photos

Photos help your profile stand out. Include:

Your business logo
Product or service images
Team photos, if appropriate
Interior photos showing your space
Exterior photos of your building to help customers find you

8. Verify Your Business

Google requires you to prove that you own or manage the business. They usually send a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Some businesses might be eligible for phone or email verification.

9. Optimize Your Profile

Treat your profile as a living record that requires regular updates:

Write a business description focusing on what sets you apart
Add attributes that are important to customers: “Wheelchair accessible,” “Free WiFi,” or “Outdoor seating.”
Create weekly posts about new products, seasonal specials, or company news.
Respond to frequently asked inquiries from customers.
Respond to all reviews within 24 hours, positive or negative.

Update photos monthly to show that your business is active and thriving.

Make the Most of Your GBP With Inita

Your Google Business Profile works harder with a professional website backing it up. Setting up a website with Inita only takes a few minutes. The platform automatically optimizes your site for mobile devices, which is critical given that most Google Business Profile views are from phones.

Since most customers check your website after finding you on Google Maps, having a professional site matters. Inita analyzes successful businesses in your industry to create:

A fully optimized, ready-to-use site in under 90 seconds.
A complete website with professionally written content and layouts proven to convert visitors
Built-in SEO tools that ensure your website ranks well in local searches, amplifying the visibility you get from your GBP

Create a stunning website with Inita and see how seamlessly it works with your Google Business Profile.

Get Found, Get Customers

Creating a Google Business Profile puts your business on the digital map, literally. Regular updates and active management of your profile show potential customers you’re serious about your online presence. Remember, your GBP serves as a digital storefront, often giving customers their first impression of your business.

A comprehensive profile, paired with a polished website from Inita, establishes a solid base for your online identity.

Take control of how customers find and interact with your business today. Try Inita for free today and see how simple getting online can be.

How to Create a Google Business Profile (and Get on Google Maps!)