How to get your business on Google Maps

When someone searches for "bakery near me", the businesses in the map at the top of Google come from Google Business Profile. It is free, and setting it up is one of the most useful things a local business can do.

Step by step

• Go to google.com/business and sign in with a Google account you will keep using for the business.
• Search for your business name. If it already appears, claim it. If not, add it.
• Choose the category that best describes what you do, for example "Hair salon" or "Café".
• Add your location so it shows on the map, or the areas you serve if you visit customers.
• Add your phone number, WhatsApp number and website.
• Verify the business. Google will offer one or more ways, such as a phone call, a text message, a short video or a postcard. Follow its instructions.

Make the profile work for you

• Set accurate opening hours, including holidays.
• Add real photos of your shop, your team and your work. Profiles with photos look more trustworthy.
• Write a short description in plain words: what you do, where, and for whom.
• Ask happy customers to leave a review, and reply to every review, good or bad.
• Keep the details the same everywhere: on your website, social pages and Google.

How a website helps your Google listing

Google cross-checks your profile against your website. A fast website with your name, address, phone number and services on it, plus structured data that tells Google what kind of business you are, helps it trust your listing. That is why we include this setup in every website we build.