Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Knowing how to set up a Google Business Profile is crucial for any small business aiming to thrive online. When someone searches for a local service, your profile often appears first in the map pack or on Google Maps. This visibility can drive a steady stream of enquiries, even in crowded markets.
With stricter verification processes now in place, it’s more important than ever to set things up carefully. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, helping you avoid mistakes that can lead to suspension or unnecessary delays.
Table of Contents
To get started, you’ll need a dedicated Google Account to manage your Business Profile. This account should be separate from your personal Gmail to make access easier and cleaner in the future.
To avoid issues down the track, you should use a business email like info@yourbusiness.com. This email must be connected to the same domain as your website. Setting up this email and domain should be done prior to creating your profile.
To create your Google Account:
Once your account is ready, you can use it to create and manage your Business Profile. If you already have an account but don’t know how we have a step by step guide on how to log into your Google Business Profile.
A Google Business Profile is one of the most valuable tools a business can use to get discovered online. It connects your business to local customers so they can quickly find your contact details, reviews, and other key information. For many people, a business profile is their first interaction with your brand.
To begin:
Avoid the temptation to add keywords, taglines, or location names to your business name. It may seem like a smart idea, but Google considers this misleading and may suspend the profile as a result. Only use your official business name to stay compliant. Ensure you’re logged in and using the Google account set up in step 1.
Your business category helps both Google and potential customers understand what your business offers. Choosing the right one improves your chances of showing up in relevant searches.
Start typing your service into the category field. Google will suggest the closest matches based on your input. Pick the most accurate one, even if it feels a little generic.
You can add more categories later, but it is best to begin with a single, relevant choice. Overloading your profile with unrelated categories can harm your visibility instead of helping it.
Next, you will decide whether customers come to you or if you go to them.
If your business has a physical location:
If your business operates on a mobile or service basis:
Do not list every region you want to target. Keep it focused for now. You can expand your service area after your profile is verified. Google only likes service area location that are within a 2 hour drive from you.
Google expects your listing to reflect your real working setup. Even if you operate from a home office or send invoices from your lounge room, your listing should match the way your business actually runs.
Using a Residential Address for a Business Location:
This is the part where you tell Google how customers can reach you.
Add your phone number and website URL. If you do not yet have a website, we recommend Giant Media. They create professional and effective websites for businesses that not only look good but also perform well in search results.
There is no need to include a business email address here. Your Google Account will already be set up to manage this behind the scenes.
Before your Business Profile can appear publicly, Google needs to confirm that your business is real and operating where you say it is. Verification is a crucial part of the setup process and helps protect the integrity of local search results.
Most businesses are now required to complete this step through a short, unedited video. The goal is to show clear evidence that your business exists, operates as described, and is located in the area you’ve claimed.
There are 3 main aspects to cover in a video verification.
This is a list of what you can include in your video:
Video Verification Example:
A plumber might unlock their van, show their tools and uniform, then walk into their home office. A mobile hairdresser could unlock a storage unit, show their branded gear and business shirt, then point out their booking system on a tablet or phone.
Keep the video simple, steady, and honest. There’s no need for editing. Google wants to see that you’re a legitimate business actively serving customers.
Tips when verifying your business profile with a video:
Other verification methods:
While video is now the most common method, some businesses may still be offered postcard, phone call, or email verification. These are less frequent and not guaranteed. Follow the instructions provided in your Google Business dashboard. See our full guide on how to verify your Google Business Profile for more info.
You can and should add these details before verification to create a more complete and trustworthy profile. The more complete your profile, the better your chances of being approved quickly.
What to include:
To make it easier, here’s a simple template you can fill in:
We are a [type of business] based in [location], specialising in [what you offer]. Our goal is to help [your target customers] by providing [brief summary of your key service/approach]. With [mention any key point of difference – e.g., fast turnaround, personalised service, over 10 years’ experience], we’re proud to serve the [location] community.
If your logo or visual branding needs a refresh, Giant Media can help with professional design that looks great across web and mobile platforms.
Your profile is now online and ready to start gathering reviews. These reviews build trust with potential customers and can boost your position in search results over time.
Using Fetch Review makes this process easy. Fetch allows you to send review requests via text or email, and it helps you handle negative feedback privately before it becomes a public issue.
Fetch is ideal for small business owners who want to grow their online reputation without constantly following up with customers.
To keep your profile active and in good standing, avoid the following:
Google is highly sensitive to anything that looks deceptive. It’s always better to keep things clean, accurate, and honest.
When you follow this guide on how to set up a Google Business Profile properly, you unlock a powerful marketing tool for your small business. A fully optimised profile helps you appear in local search results, builds trust with new customers, and drives enquiries all without spending on ads. Put these steps into practice today and watch your local visibility soar!
Once you submit your video, Google usually takes 2 to 5 business days to review it. If your video clearly shows your business, tools, signage, and access to the space, it should go smoothly. If something’s missing, Google may ask for another video. Other methods like postcards or phone calls can take longer and may not be available. The more prepared you are, the faster your profile is likely to be approved.
No problem. You can still set up a Google Business Profile even if you don’t have a shop or office that customers visit. Just choose the option that says you serve customers at their location and enter your service area instead. Google will hide your address and show the areas you cover. This setup works well for mobile services or home-based businesses, as long as the information is real and matches how you work.
Suspensions happen when your profile breaks Google’s rules, even by accident. Common reasons include using extra keywords in your business name, adding a fake or virtual address, or choosing the wrong business category. Sometimes it’s just a mismatch between what’s on your profile and what’s in your verification video. To stay safe, make sure everything is accurate, honest, and matches how your business actually works. You can check Google’s guidelines if you’re unsure.
No, Google doesn’t allow PO Boxes, virtual offices, or shared spaces unless you actually work from them every day. Your profile should show where you really operate. If you don’t have a physical location for customers to visit, choose the service area option and hide your address. Using a fake or non-working address can lead to suspension or delays in getting verified.
Your video should prove that your business is real, that you actually work there, and that you’re the owner or manager. Show things like your tools, work area, signage, business shirt, and vehicle. Unlock your workspace or van to show you have access. If you have business cards, documents, or invoices, include those too. Keep the video steady, honest, and under two minutes. Google just wants to confirm that your business is legit.
The easiest way is to use a tool like Fetch Review. It sends friendly review requests by text or email, so you don’t have to ask in person. Customers get a direct link to leave a Google review, and if they have negative feedback, they can send it privately. This helps you grow your reviews and manage problems before they go public. It’s simple, automatic, and works well for small businesses.
Yes, you can update your profile anytime after it’s verified. You can change your hours, add photos, update your description, or include new services. Just avoid changing your business name, address, or main category right away, as that can trigger re-verification. Always make sure your updates reflect how your business really works and match what’s on your website or documents. Keeping everything consistent helps avoid problems with your listing later.
Experience the full power of Fetch, risk-free! Sign up today and see how easy it is to manage and amplify your online reviews with our intuitive platform. Get more reviews, enhance your visibility, and improve customer interaction with just a few clicks.
Start Free trial