Ultimate Step by Step Guide to Setting Up Your Google Business Account with Tips and Insights

Creating a Google Business account is one of the smartest moves for any business owner looking to increase visibility and connect with customers online. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) helps your business appear in local search results, Google Maps, and Google Search, making it easier for potential customers to find you. This guide walks you through every step of setting up your Google Business account, shares important do's and don'ts, explains what the account is and isn’t used for, and offers tips directly from Google's own guidance.

Setting up Google Business Profile on laptop screen

What Is a Google Business Account and Why You Need One

A Google Business account allows you to create a free business profile that appears when people search for your business or related services on Google Search and Maps. It includes essential information like your business name, address, phone number, hours, website, photos, and customer reviews.

What it is used for:

• Helping customers find your business location and contact details

• Sharing updates, offers, and photos to engage customers

• Collecting and responding to customer reviews

• Providing accurate business information on Google Search and Maps

  
  

What it is not used for:

• Running paid advertisements (this requires Google Ads)

• Managing internal business operations or employee schedules

• Hosting a full website (though you can create a simple website from your profile)

  
  

Google Business Profile is a powerful tool for local SEO and customer engagement, but it works best when kept accurate and up to date.

Step 1: Sign In or Create a Google Account

To start, you need a Google Account. If you already use Gmail or other Google services, you can use that account. If not, create a new Google Account at accounts.google.com.

• Use a business email address if possible, to keep your business and personal accounts separate.

• Avoid using generic or shared emails to maintain control over your business profile.

  
  

Step 2: Go to Google Business Profile and Start Your Listing

Visit google.com/business and click “Manage now.” Enter your business name to check if it already exists on Google.

• If your business appears, claim it by verifying ownership.

• If not, select “Add your business to Google” to create a new profile.

  
  

Step 3: Enter Your Business Details

Fill in your business name, category, and location.

• Choose the most accurate category for your business. This helps Google show your profile in relevant searches.

• If you serve customers at your location, add your address.

• If you deliver goods or services to customers, specify your service area instead of a physical address.

  
  

Tip from Google: Use a precise business name and category to improve search relevance.

Step 4: Add Contact Information and Website

Provide your business phone number and website URL.

• If you don’t have a website, Google offers a free basic website builder based on your profile information.

• Make sure your contact details are consistent with what appears on your website and other directories.

  
  
  
  

Step 5: Verify Your Business

Verification confirms you are the rightful owner and allows you to manage your profile.

Common verification methods include:

• Postcard by mail (most common)

• Phone call or SMS (if available)

• Email (rare)

• Instant verification (if you already use Google Search Console)

  
  

Do: Complete verification promptly to unlock all features.

Don’t: Share verification codes with anyone else.

Step 6: Optimise Your Profile with Photos and Business Hours

Add high-quality photos of your business, products, or services.

• Photos increase engagement and trust.

• Include your logo and cover photo for branding consistency.

• Set accurate business hours, including special hours for holidays or events.

  
  

Step 7: Use Google Posts to Share Updates

Google Posts allow you to share news, offers, events, and product updates directly on your profile.

• Posts appear in search results and Maps.

• Keep posts short, clear, and include a call to action.

  
  

Step 8: Manage and Respond to Customer Reviews

Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond professionally to all feedback.

• Positive reviews build credibility.

• Address negative reviews politely and offer solutions.

  
  

Do’s and Don’ts for Your Google Business Account

Do’s

• Keep your information accurate and up to date.

• Use clear, professional photos.

• Respond to reviews promptly.

• Use Google’s insights to track how customers find and interact with your profile.

• Follow Google’s guidelines to avoid suspension.

  
  

Don’ts

• Don’t use fake or misleading information.

• Don’t create multiple listings for the same business location.

• Don’t include URLs or phone numbers in the business name.

• Don’t ignore customer reviews.

• Don’t violate Google’s content policies.

  
  

Tips from Google’s Official Guidance

• Use keywords naturally in your business description to help Google understand your services.

• Keep your profile active by regularly updating photos and posts.

• Verify your business as soon as possible to gain full control.

• Monitor your profile’s performance using Google Business Profile Insights.

• Avoid spammy behavior like keyword stuffing or fake reviews to maintain trust.

  
  
  
  

What Happens After You Set Up Your Google Business Account

Once your profile is live and verified, it becomes a key part of your online presence. Customers can find you easily, get directions, call you, visit your website, and read reviews. You can also track how many people view your profile, request directions, or call your business.

Regularly update your profile to reflect changes in hours, services, or contact information. Use the Google Business app to manage your profile on the go.