How to Set Up a Google Business Profile So Customers Actually Find You
January 17
7-minute read
KEY INISGHTS:
Most businesses are invisible on Google simply because their profile is incomplete or set up wrong.
A Google Business Profile is free and one of the highest ROI marketing assets you can create.
Small setup decisions like your category, services, and photos directly impact rankings.
Done is better than perfect. A live profile beats a “someday” profile every time.
You search for a business near you, click the first one that looks legit, and move on with your day. No deep research. No comparison spreadsheet. Just trust, convenience, and timing.
That is exactly how your customers are behaving too.
If you have ever felt frustrated that people cannot find your business online, or worse, they find your competitors instead, you are not behind. You are normal. Most small business owners never get taught how local search actually works, even though it quietly drives some of the most ready to buy traffic on the internet.
Today we are fixing that.
This tutorial walks through how to set up a Google Business Profile in 2026 step by step, why each part matters, and how to avoid the mistakes that keep great businesses invisible.
Why Google Business Profiles Matter More Than Ever
When someone searches “dentist near me” or “plumber in Austin,” Google is not guessing. It is pulling from Google Business Profiles first.
According to Google, businesses with complete profiles are considered 2.7 times more reputable by consumers. Profiles with photos get 42 percent more direction requests and 35 percent more website clicks.
This is not about vanity. This is about being found at the exact moment someone needs what you offer.
As an author example, think of how James Clear built trust by showing up consistently where his readers already were. Visibility compounds when systems are in place.
Who Qualifies for A Google Business Profile?
Before we get excited, let us ground this in reality.
You qualify if:
You meet customers in person, either at your location or by traveling to them
You have a real address. Home addresses are allowed. PO boxes and virtual offices are not
You have a valid phone number that is answered during business hours
If this is you, you are good to go. If not, pause here. Creating a profile that violates guidelines is a waste of time and can get suspended.
STEP 1: Create a Dedicated Google Account
We want clean systems, not digital clutter.
Yes, you can use a personal Gmail. We should not.
Create a new Google account just for your business. Choose “for my personal use” because it is free and works perfectly. Create a Gmail that matches your business name so it is easy to remember and easy to hand off later if needed.
Momentum is clarity, systems, and synchronized strategy. This is clarity.
STEP 2: Claim or Create Your Business Profile
Go to google.com/business and sign in.
Type your business name. If Google already created a listing, claim it. If not, create a new one.
Here is a critical ranking insight.
Your business name impacts visibility. If your real world business name includes your service and location, you will naturally rank better. For example, “Allstar Pest Control Boca Raton” has an advantage over a vague brand name.
Do not stuff keywords. Match reality. But if you are still naming your business, this is your moment to be strategic.
STEP 3: Choose the Right Business Type or Category
This part quietly makes or breaks rankings.
Physical location businesses show up with a pin. Service area businesses show where you operate without revealing your address.
Choose the category that best matches what you actually do, not what sounds impressive.
A practical hack we use all the time: search your main keyword on Google Maps, look at the top five listings, and note the category they use. Google is already telling you what it prefers.
STEP 4: Add your Services, Hours, Description
Services are a ranking lever. Do not skip this.
Add every service you actually offer. If it is not listed, create a custom one. This helps Google match your business to real search terms.
Set accurate hours. Google favors businesses that are open when the search happens. Never fake hours. Consistency across your website and directories matters.
Your business description does not affect rankings, but it affects trust. Use it to sound human. Clear beats clever.
STEP 5: Verify your Business
Verification is how Google knows you are real.
You may be offered phone, postcard, or video verification. Video is now the most common.
Keep it simple. One continuous video. Show:
Proof of location or service area
Proof you do what your category says
Proof you are the owner or manager
Plan before you hit record. One to two minutes is perfect.
STEP 6: Add Real, High Quality Photos
Stock photos scream disconnect.
Use real images of your space, your tools, your team, and your work. Profiles with photos perform significantly better because they reduce uncertainty.
This is about reassurance. We choose what feels real.
What to Do While Waiting for Verification
This is where most people stop. We keep going.
Log in, explore your dashboard, add more services, upload photos, and prepare posts. Systems beat bursts of effort.
This is how momentum builds.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
A Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful free marketing tools available.
Small setup choices directly affect rankings and trust.
Accuracy and consistency matter more than perfection.
Done is better than perfect. A live profile creates momentum.
If you are following along inside the DIY Digital Marketing Guide, this is your action item for the day. Get the profile live.
If you want a full walkthrough of omnichannel digital marketing infrastructure, including how this profile fits into the bigger system, watch our free workshop linked below.
