How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile - 2025 Guide
If you're just getting started online or looking to boost your local visibility, setting up a Google Business Profile is one of the best (and easiest) steps you can take.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the setup process, share some practical tips, and help you get your profile in great shape before moving on to verification (which we cover in the next guide).
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Understanding Google Business Profile
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is a free tool that helps your business appear in local search results and on Google Maps. It allows you to control how your business shows up online — with your contact details, opening hours, photos, reviews, and more.
Even if you don’t have a physical shop or premises, you can still create a profile as long as you serve customers in a specific area.
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Claim your profile early. Even if you're not ready to fill it all out, securing your listing now means you stay in control of your business information from day one.
The Importance of a Google Business Profile
✅ It shows customers that you’re a real, established business
✅ It helps your business appear in the local Google Map Pack
✅ It makes it easier for people to call, visit or message you
✅ It gives you access to reviews, updates, and insights
✅ It plays a big role in local SEO
Over 88% of local searches lead to a call or visit within 24 hours — so this is worth doing right.
The Benefits of a Google Business Listing
Better visibility on Google Search and Maps
More trust through positive Google reviews
Control over how your business is listed online
A space to share updates, events and offers
Businesses with complete profiles are 70% more likely to attract customers.
Setting Up Your Google Business Profile
Creating a Google Business Profile Account
To create a Google Business Profile, you first need a Google Account. It is advisable to use a dedicated business account rather than a personal one to maintain professionalism and ease of access for potential collaborators. Once you have a Google Account, navigate to the Google Business Profile page and click on "Manage now" to begin the setup process. Enter your business name and follow the prompts to input essential details such as your business address, phone number and website. This initial setup is crucial for establishing your online presence.
Steps to Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Setting up your Google Business Profile involves several steps:
Log into your Google Account and access the Google Business Profile page.
Enter your business name, select the primary business category and provide your business address.
If applicable, specify your service areas.
Next, add your phone number and website to ensure customers can contact you easily.
Once all your core details are in, your profile is ready for verification (more on that in the next guide). But don’t stop there — the more detail you include, the more useful your listing becomes.
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Be specific with your service areas. If you serve Dartford, Gravesend and Medway, list those towns individually — it helps Google show you to the right people.
Adding Your Business Information to Your Profile
Take time to fill out the extra fields:
Business hours
A detailed business description (up to 750 characters)
Services offered
Photos of your premises, products or work
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Use all 750 characters for your business description. Give people a reason to choose you — and help Google better understand what you do.
You can also add multiple categories if your business offers more than one service — just keep them relevant.
Optimising Your Google Business Profile
How to Optimise Your Google My Business Listing
Google looks at three things when deciding who to show in local searches:
Relevance — how well your profile matches the search
Distance — how close you are to the searcher
Prominence — how well-known and trusted your business is
A fully completed, regularly updated profile performs better in all three areas.
How to Optimise Your Profile
Add keywords to your business description (e.g. "emergency plumber in Gravesend")
Keep your hours and services up to date
Upload new photos every month
Respond to all customer reviews — even the awkward ones
Using Google Posts, Reviews and Q&A's Effectively
Google Posts: Use them to promote events, offers, or news
Customer Reviews: Ask for them often, and reply to each one
Q&A Section: Monitor this and answer questions to help others
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When logged in, you’ll see an option to “Ask for reviews.” Use this to generate a custom link you can send to happy customers — via WhatsApp, email or even Facebook. It’s a quick win.
This article was written by Kat James, a website consultant and content creator for businesses in Kent.
If you're looking for a modern, effective, and professionally designed business website that can work wonders for your online presence, don't hesitate to contact Kat at it'seeze Gravesend. Our affordable web design services are tailored to help businesses like yours grow online.
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