A Google Business Profile is your free business listing on Google Search and Google Maps. It shows your name, phone number, hours, reviews, and photos. For most local businesses, it's the first thing customers see, and often where they decide to call.
What it is
When someone searches for a business like yours, Google often shows a map with a few businesses listed below it. Each of those listings is a Google Business Profile. So is the box that appears on the right side of Google when someone searches for your business by name.
It used to be called Google My Business. Google renamed it in 2021, but many people still use the old name. You may also hear it called a "GBP" or just "your Google listing." They all mean the same thing.
Why it matters so much
For a local business, your Google listing often does more work than your website. Customers can call you, get directions, read reviews, and see your work without ever visiting your site.
It's also how you show up on the map. Google usually shows three businesses at the top of the map for local searches. Those three get most of the attention. Everyone else is a scroll away.
What customers see on your listing
- Your name, phone, and website, with a button to call you directly
- Your address or service area, and directions if you have a storefront
- Your hours, including whether you're open right now
- Reviews and your star rating, plus your replies
- Photos of your work, your team, and your vehicles or location
- Your services and a short description of your business
- Updates you post, like offers, news, or recent jobs
How to get started
- Search for your business on Google Maps. Google may have already created a listing for you from public information.
- Claim it or create it. Go to Google's Business Profile site and sign in with a Google account you'll keep long term, not an employee's personal account.
- Verify it. Google needs proof you own the business. Often that's a short video of your location, signage, or work vehicle.
- Fill out everything. Choose the right category, add your services, hours, service area, and real photos.
If anyone helps you, including us, add them as a manager. Never hand over ownership of your listing to a marketing company.
Common myths
"I have a website, so I don't need a Google listing."
Your website and your Google listing do different jobs. The listing is what gets you on the map. Most local customers see it before they ever see your site.
"I set it up once, so I'm done."
Listings that stay active with new photos, updates, and reviews tend to hold their spot better. Your info can also change without you knowing, because the public can suggest edits.
"I can't have one because I work from home."
You can. Businesses that go to their customers can show a service area and keep their home address private.