Google Business Profile: a setup checklist for small businesses

Step-by-step checklist to create, verify and complete your Google Business Profile so local customers can find you on Google Search and Maps.

Your Google Business Profile is the panel that appears when someone searches your business name or looks for services on Google Maps. It's free, and for local businesses it can matter as much as your website. Use this checklist to set it up properly.

Before you start

Your exact business name, as customers see it on signs and invoices.
Your address, or the areas you serve if you visit customers.
A phone number and your website address.
Opening hours, including holiday hours.
A few good photos: storefront or work, interior or team, and your logo.

Setup steps

Sign in with a Google account you'll keep long term, ideally one tied to your business email.
Create the profile and pick the most specific primary category that fits your business.
If customers don't come to you, choose service-area business and list the areas you serve instead of showing an address.
Complete verification. Google chooses the method; follow it exactly and don't edit key details while it's pending.
Add hours, phone, website, services or menu, and a short description in plain language.
Upload photos, then keep adding new ones over time.

Keep it consistent

Use the same business name, address and phone number on your profile, your website and any directories. Mismatched details confuse customers and search engines.

Reviews

Ask happy customers for a review and reply to every review, positive or negative, politely. Never buy reviews or offer rewards for them: it breaks Google's policies and can get reviews removed.

Mocktar Launch can help with domain, business email and online presence setup as part of a quote-based Digital Setup project.