How to get your business on Google Maps (step-by-step)

When someone searches “plumber near me” or “dentist in Ashtead”, Google shows a map with three businesses before any website. If you’re not there, you’re invisible to most local customers. The good news: getting on Google Maps is free, and you can do it in an afternoon.

1. Create your Google Business Profile

Go to business.google.com and sign in with a Google account you’ll keep (use a business email, not a staff member’s personal one). Search for your business name. If it already exists, claim it. If not, choose “Add your business to Google”.

2. Pick the right category

Your primary category matters more than almost anything else. Be specific: “Dental clinic” beats “Health”, “Heating contractor” beats “Contractor”. You can add a few secondary categories too.

3. Add your address or service area

If customers visit you, add your full address. If you travel to them (trades, cleaners, mobile services), hide your address and set a service area instead, towns or postcodes you cover.

4. Verify your business

Google will ask you to verify, usually by video, phone or postcard. You won’t show properly on Maps until this is done, so do it straight away.

5. Fill in everything

• Opening hours (including bank holidays)
• Phone number and website link
• A short description of what you do and where
• Services or products, with prices if you can
• At least 10 real photos: outside, inside, your team, your work

6. Start getting reviews

Reviews are one of the biggest ranking factors on Maps. Ask every happy customer, and reply to every review, good or bad. (See our guide on getting more Google reviews.)

7. Keep it active

Post an update, offer or photo every week. Active profiles get more views and more calls. Make sure your name, address and phone number match exactly everywhere online, your website, Facebook and directories.

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