When someone needs a plumber, a hair salon or a new pair of running shoes, the first thing most people do is search on Google. If your business doesn’t show up, that customer goes to whoever does. The good news: getting found on Google is mostly free, and you can start today.
This guide walks through the steps in the order we recommend to our own clients.
Step 1: Create a Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile is the free listing that shows your business on Google Maps and in the box on the right of search results, with your hours, phone number, photos and reviews. For local businesses it’s the single fastest way to start appearing in searches.
- Go to business.google.com and add your business.
- Pick the most accurate main category (for example “Bakery” rather than “Store”).
- If you visit customers instead of having them visit you, set a service area and hide your home address.
- Verify the profile. Google usually asks for a short video or a code.
- Add your hours, phone number, website, a description and at least 5–10 real photos.
Step 2: Have a real website
A profile gets you on the map, but a website is what convinces people to call you. It also gives Google far more information about what you do and where. A good small business website should:
- Load quickly and work perfectly on phones (most local searches happen on mobile).
- Say clearly what you do and where you work in the first few seconds.
- Have a separate page for each main service, so Google can match you to more searches.
- Make it easy to call, book or send a message from any page.
If you’re wondering about budget, our guide on how much a website costs breaks it down.
Step 3: Tell Google your website exists
Google Search Console is a free tool from Google that lets you submit your site, check that your pages are indexed and see which searches you appear for. Once your site is live:
- Add your website in Search Console and verify that you own it.
- Submit your sitemap (usually yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml).
- Check the “Pages” report every few weeks for errors.
Step 4: Get reviews (and reply to them)
Reviews are one of the biggest things that decide who shows up first in Google Maps, and they’re what customers read before choosing you. Ask every happy customer for a review: send them the direct review link from your Business Profile right after the job is done. Reply to every review, good or bad, politely and quickly.
Step 5: Keep your details the same everywhere
Your business name, phone number and website should be identical on your Google profile, website, Facebook page and any directories you’re listed in. Matching details help Google trust that your information is correct. Free listings on sites like Yelp, Bing Places, Apple Business Connect and local chamber of commerce directories also send a few extra visitors your way.
Step 6: Add helpful content over time
Google rewards sites that answer people’s questions. Short articles that answer what your customers actually ask (“How often should I service my furnace?”, “What should I bring to my first appointment?”) can bring new visitors for years. One good post a month is plenty for most small businesses.
Want this done for you?
We build fast, Google-ready websites and set up your Business Profile, Search Console and on-page SEO, so you can focus on running your business. See our SEO services and website design.
How long does it take?
A Google Business Profile can appear within days of being verified. A new website is usually indexed within a week or two, but climbing to the top for competitive searches typically takes a few months of steady work: reviews, good content and links from other sites. Starting now is the best way to be ahead of competitors who haven’t.