- Claim and verify the profile Search your business name on Google Maps. If there's a profile you don't control, request access. Verification is usually by video, phone or postcard.
- Pick the right primary category This one setting has more effect on which searches you show up for than anything else on the profile. Choose the most specific category that describes your main business, then add secondary categories for other services you actually offer.
- Set your address or service area correctly Storefront businesses show their address. Businesses that travel to customers should hide the address and list the areas they serve instead.
- Keep hours accurate, including holidays Set special hours ahead of every holiday. Wrong hours lead to bad reviews faster than almost anything else.
- List your services or menu Add each service or product with a short description. Use the words customers use, not internal jargon.
- Write a plain description Say what you do, who you do it for and where, in a few sentences. Don't stuff keywords or add links or offers; Google may reject it.
- Add real photos and keep adding them Exterior, interior, team at work, finished jobs or dishes. Add new ones every month. Avoid stock photos.
- Turn on messaging and booking only if you'll answer Messages and booking links are useful when someone monitors them. An unanswered message looks worse than no button.
- Ask for reviews and reply to them Send a direct review link after each job or visit, and reply to every review within a few days.
- Post regularly Updates, offers and events keep the profile looking active and give searchers a reason to choose you.
- Check it monthly Anyone can suggest edits to your profile, and Google sometimes accepts them. Look at it once a month and correct anything that changed.
Published October 2026 by A2B. Platform features change, so check Google's own help pages for the latest rules.