How to set up a Google Business Profile (for local SEO)
A Google Business Profile is the single highest-ROI hour you can spend on local SEO — it's what shows up in the map pack. Full setup walkthrough.
- A real business with a physical or service area
- A Gmail account you'll keep long-term
Step by step
- 01
Go to google.com/business
Sign in → Manage now. Search for your business name first — if it already exists (someone else claimed it), you'll need to request ownership.
- 02
Pick your business type
Storefront (customers visit you), service area (you visit them), or both. Service-area businesses can hide the address.
- 03
Pick the right category
This is the single biggest local SEO lever. Pick the most specific primary category ('Italian restaurant' beats 'restaurant') + 2-3 secondary categories.
- 04
Verify the business
Google sends a postcard (5-14 days) or, for some businesses, a video verification. Don't skip — unverified profiles can't edit most fields.
- 05
Fill 100% of the profile
Hours, phone, website, services, products, 10+ photos. Google ranks complete profiles higher.
- 06
Get reviews — and reply to all of them
Email past customers a direct review link (from your profile dashboard). Reply to every review within 48 hours. Reviews are the #2 local ranking factor after relevance.
- 07
Post weekly updates
Use the Posts feature. Treat it like a tiny social feed — offers, events, blog links. Active profiles outrank dormant ones.
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