If someone searches for a business like yours on Google, the first thing they see isn’t your website — it’s the Google Maps listing with your address, hours, and reviews. Getting on that map is the single most important thing a local business can do for online visibility.
Step 1: Go to google.com/business. Click “Manage now” and sign in with a Google account. Enter your business name and address. If Google finds an existing unclaimed listing, follow the prompts to claim it. If not, create a new one.
Step 2: Fill out your profile completely. Business name, address, phone number, website, category, hours, and description. Every field you fill makes you more findable. Add photos — businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions.
Step 3: Verify your business. Google needs to confirm you’re real. The most common method is a postcard sent to your business address with a code, arriving in 5-14 days. For some businesses, phone, email, or video verification is available. You can’t appear on Maps until you verify.
Step 4: Keep it updated. Change your hours for holidays, respond to reviews, and add new photos regularly. Active profiles rank higher than abandoned ones.
A few rules: use your real business name (no keywords stuffed in), use a physical address (no PO boxes), and pick the exact category that describes what you do — not the closest match.
If you want the bigger picture, start with the stand-alone guide: Getting a Local Business Found Online.
Sources
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