Before you start
Google My Business is now called Google Business Profile. You need a Google account, your business name, phone number, website, address or service area, hours, and a few real photos.
Step 1: Check whether your profile already exists
Search your business name and city on Google Maps first. Many businesses already have a profile on Google, even if the owner never set it up.
Choose your path
Does your business already show up on Google?
Pick the option that matches what you see. After this, continue with the same cleanup steps below.
Claim the existing profile
- Open Google Maps and search for your business name and city.
- Select the correct business profile.
- Click Claim this business, then Manage now.
- If Google says someone else already owns it, request ownership instead of creating a duplicate profile.
- Choose the verification option Google gives you and follow the prompts.
Then continue with the profile details below.
Step 2: Review or enter your business name
Type the real business name customers know you by. Do not add extra keywords unless they are part of your legal or public business name.
Step 3: Pick or update your category
Choose the closest main category. Examples: Plumber, Electrician, Roofing contractor, Landscaper, or Cleaning service.
Step 4: Add or confirm your location or service area
If customers visit your shop, add your address. If you go to customers, choose a service area and list the cities or neighborhoods you serve.
Step 5: Add or update contact info
Add your phone number and website. If you do not have a website yet, still add the phone number so customers can call from Google.
Step 6: Add or update hours and services
Enter your regular hours, emergency hours if you offer them, and the services customers search for. Keep the service names simple.
Step 7: Write or improve the description
Use 2-3 clear sentences. Mention what you do, who you help, and where you serve.
Example:
We provide residential plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, water heater installation, and emergency plumbing services in Austin, TX.
Step 8: Add real photos
Upload real photos:
- Logo
- Team
- Work examples
- Vehicle or equipment
- Storefront, if you have one
Step 9: Verify or finish claiming the business
Choose the verification option Google gives you. This may be phone, text, email, video, or postcard.
Step 10: Optimize after approval
After verification, search Google for my business while signed in. Then finish the profile:
- Add more services
- Add holiday hours
- Reply to reviews
- Add fresh photos
- Add posts or offers
- Add a booking link if you use one
Want help applying this to your business?
Join the Punchlist WhatsApp group to ask questions, request topics, and see how other business owners are using these ideas.
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