🏆 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up and Optimise Your Google Business Profile

💡 Why It Matters

Having a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) helps your business appear in local search, on Google Maps, and in AI-generated search results. Whether you're a plumber in Sheffield, a beauty salon in Rotherham, or a dog groomer in Doncaster — this is essential to growing your visibility.

🔧 Step 1: Set Up Your Google Business Profile

  1. Go to: https://www.google.com/business

  2. Click “Manage now” and sign in with your Google account.

  3. Enter your business name. If it appears, select it — if not, click "Add your business to Google".

  4. Choose the business category. (e.g. Electrician, Hairdresser, Accountant)
    Be as specific as possible — this affects how you show in AI and Maps results.

  5. Add your business location.

    • If you serve customers at a physical address (like a salon or shop), enter your address.

    • If you visit customers (like plumbers or cleaners), select "I deliver goods and services" and add your service areas.

  6. Add contact details: Phone number and Website (if you have one).

📍 Step 2: Verify Your Business

  • Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address.

  • Once received (usually within 5 days), log in and enter the code to verify.

Tip: In some cases, you may be offered phone or email verification.

📝 Step 3: Optimise Your Business Profile

Once verified, log into your profile dashboard to complete these sections:

🧾 Business Description

Use all 750 characters. Clearly explain:

  • What your business does

  • Who you help

  • Where you operate

✅ Example for a plumber:

"Rotherham Plumbing Co offers expert plumbing, heating and emergency repair services across South Yorkshire. From bathroom installations to boiler repairs, we serve homeowners, landlords, and local businesses with fast, affordable solutions."

📸 Add Photos

  • Upload a high-quality logo

  • Add real photos of your team, products, or completed work

  • Show your premises or vehicle signage

Businesses with photos get 42% more direction requests and 35% more clicks to websites.

⏰ Add Opening Hours

  • Be accurate and update regularly.

  • Include holidays and seasonal hours.

🛠 Add Services or Products

You can add:

  • Service names (e.g. Boiler Installation, Emergency Callout, Landlord Gas Safety Check)

  • Product listings (if applicable)

  • Pricing (optional)

This helps Google understand your offerings and show them in AI search responses.

⭐ Step 4: Collect and Respond to Reviews

  • Ask every happy customer to leave a review on Google.

  • Always respond professionally, even to critical reviews.

  • Reviews build trust and help your business appear higher in search and Maps.

✅ Example:

"Thanks for your kind words, Sarah! We're glad your boiler was back up and running quickly — always here if you need us again."

📢 Step 5: Use Google Posts

Post weekly updates like:

  • Special offers

  • New services

  • Seasonal tips

  • Customer success stories

This helps your listing stay fresh and appear more prominently.

📊 Step 6: Monitor Your Insights

Your dashboard will show:

  • How many people viewed your profile

  • What search terms they used

  • What actions they took (calls, directions, website visits)

Use this data to improve your visibility and services.

✅ Bonus Tips to Help You Rank Higher

  • Keep your name, address, and phone number consistent across all websites and directories

  • List your business on other platforms like Yell, Bing Places, Yelp, and Facebook

  • Add your services to your website and link to your Google Business Profile

  • Post regularly and keep your profile active