Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the foundation of local SEO. Set up correctly, it helps you appear in Google Maps and the local pack—and can turn searches into calls, directions, and visits.

This guide walks through registration, verification, key settings, and practical optimization tips.

📋 Table of contents

1. What is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile (GBP) is Google’s free listing that lets your business show up in Google Search and Google Maps. (It used to be called Google My Business.)

💡 What you can do with GBP

  • Show your business info in Google Search and Maps
  • Display hours, address, and phone number
  • Upload photos and videos
  • Manage and reply to reviews
  • Publish updates and offers
  • Check performance insights

2. How to register

1Prepare a Google account

Use a business Google account (Gmail). You can use an existing account or create a new one.

2Open Google Business Profile

Go to business.google.com and click to start managing your business.

3Enter your business name

Use your real-world business name (matching signage and official materials).

⚠️ Tip: Don’t stuff keywords into the name (e.g., “Best Dentist in Austin …”).

4Choose a business category

Select the most accurate primary category. You can add additional categories later.

5Enter location or service area

If you have a storefront, enter your address. If you serve customers at their location, set a service area instead.

6Add contact details

Enter your phone number and website URL.

3. How verification works

After registration, Google verifies that you’re the legitimate owner of the business.

Method Typical time Notes
Postcard 1–2 weeks Most common; a code is mailed to your address
Phone Immediate Available for some businesses
Email Immediate Available for some businesses
Video A few days Record and submit proof of your location and operations

⚠️ Verification notes

Your profile may be limited until verification is complete. If you’re using postcard verification, make sure someone can receive mail at the registered address.

4. Key settings to fill in

Once verified, fill out these fields accurately and in detail.

① Business name

  • Use your official real-world name
  • Avoid keyword stuffing
  • Use your brand/trade name consistently

② Category

  • Choose the most accurate primary category
  • Add secondary categories as needed
  • Only add categories that truly match your services

③ Address

  • Include suite/floor/building details when applicable
  • Check and adjust the map pin location

④ Hours

  • Set regular business hours
  • Set holiday and special hours
  • Use the temporary closure option when needed

⑤ Phone number

  • Use a local phone number when possible
  • Add a booking number if you have one

⑥ Website

  • Link your official website
  • You can also link directly to booking pages

⑦ Business description

  • Explain what you offer clearly and succinctly
  • Include keywords naturally (no stuffing)
  • Highlight services, differentiators, and specialties

5. Optimization tips

📸 Add high-quality photos

Photos are a major trust signal. Aim to add:

  • Logo: your brand logo
  • Cover photo: the best “first impression” image
  • Exterior: entrance, signage, building
  • Interior: atmosphere and seating/workspace
  • Products/services: menu, work examples, treatments
  • Team: staff photos

📷 Photo best practices

  • Aim for 10+ photos to start
  • Use bright, sharp images
  • Add new photos regularly (e.g., weekly)
  • Recommended size: 720×720px or larger

📝 Use GBP posts

Publish updates so your listing stays fresh and informative.

  • Updates: announcements, news
  • Events: sales, campaigns
  • Offers: coupons, discounts
  • Products: new items, featured services

⭐ Review management

  • Reply to every review
  • Thank customers for positive reviews
  • Respond calmly and constructively to negative reviews
  • Ask for reviews in a natural, compliant way

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6. Common mistakes

Common mistake What to do instead
Adding keywords to the business name Use the real, official name only
Entering an incomplete address Include building/suite/floor details
Only uploading 1–2 photos Aim for 10+ high-quality photos
Not replying to reviews Reply to all reviews
Setting it up and never updating it Post and update regularly

🚫 Avoid GBP guideline violations

The following can violate guidelines and risk suspension:

  • Publishing false information
  • Using a fake or non-existent address
  • Keyword-stuffing your business name
  • Buying or posting fake reviews

Summary

Your Google Business Profile is a key tool for local SEO.

Start with these basics:

  • ✅ Enter accurate core business info
  • ✅ Upload 10+ high-quality photos
  • ✅ Post updates regularly (e.g., weekly)
  • ✅ Reply to every review
  • ✅ Review insights and iterate

When managed consistently, GBP becomes a powerful (and free) acquisition channel. Start today and improve it over time.

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