Google My Business Setup Guide
Complete guide to setting up and optimizing your Google My Business profile for maximum local SEO impact and customer visibility.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Follow these 6 steps to create a powerful Google My Business profile
Step 1
Claim Your Business
Search for your business on Google Maps and claim it
What to do:
- Go to google.com/business
- Search for your business name and address
- Click 'Claim this business' if it exists
- Or 'Add your business' if it doesn't exist
- Verify your business with phone or postcard
Step 2
Complete Your Profile
Fill out all business information completely
What to do:
- Business name (exactly as it appears on signage)
- Physical address (must be verifiable)
- Phone number (local number preferred)
- Website URL (your main website)
- Business hours (be accurate and consistent)
- Business category (choose the most specific one)
Step 3
Add High-Quality Photos
Upload professional photos of your business
What to do:
- Exterior photo (storefront/office building)
- Interior photos (workspace, reception area)
- Team photos (staff, founder, team meetings)
- Product/service photos (what you offer)
- Logo and branding elements
- Aim for 10-20 high-quality photos
Step 4
Write Compelling Description
Create an engaging business description
What to do:
- Include your main services
- Mention your unique value proposition
- Use local keywords naturally
- Include your service areas
- Keep it under 750 characters
- Update it regularly with new services
Step 5
Manage Reviews
Encourage and respond to customer reviews
What to do:
- Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews
- Respond to all reviews (positive and negative)
- Thank customers for positive reviews
- Address negative reviews professionally
- Monitor reviews regularly
- Use reviews to improve your business
Step 6
Post Regular Updates
Keep your profile active with regular posts
What to do:
- Post about new services or products
- Share company news and updates
- Post about events or promotions
- Share customer success stories
- Post about team members or achievements
- Aim for 1-2 posts per week
Advanced Optimization Tips
Take your Google My Business profile to the next level with these expert tips
Keywords & SEO
- Include location-based keywords in your business name
- Use local keywords in your description naturally
- Add location keywords to your posts
- Include service keywords in your posts
- Use long-tail keywords in your posts
Photos & Visuals
- Use high-resolution photos (at least 1080x1080px)
- Take photos during good lighting conditions
- Include photos of your team and workspace
- Show your products or services in action
- Update photos regularly to keep them fresh
Reviews & Reputation
- Respond to reviews within 24-48 hours
- Thank customers for positive reviews
- Address negative reviews professionally and constructively
- Encourage reviews through follow-up emails
- Display review highlights on your website
Posts & Updates
- Post consistently (1-2 times per week)
- Use engaging visuals in your posts
- Include calls-to-action in your posts
- Share behind-the-scenes content
- Post about local events and community involvement
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't let these common mistakes hurt your local SEO performance
✗
Not claiming your business listing✗
Incomplete or inaccurate business information✗
Using stock photos instead of real business photos✗
Not responding to reviews✗
Inconsistent business hours or contact information✗
Not posting regular updates✗
Using generic descriptions without local keywords✗
Not monitoring and updating your listing regularlyNeed Help with Your Google My Business Setup?
Our team can help you set up and optimize your Google My Business profile for maximum local SEO impact.