Get found on Google Maps
When someone nearby searches for what you do, Google often shows a map with three businesses before any website. Your Google Business Profile decides whether you're one of them. I set it up properly and keep it active.
The three things Google looks at
Google says local results are based mainly on relevance, distance and prominence. You can't move your shop, but you can work on the other two.
Relevance
How well your profile matches the search. The right primary category, every service listed, and a clear description do most of the work here.
Distance
How far you are from the person searching, or from the area they named. Service-area businesses should list the areas they really cover.
Prominence
How well-known and trusted you are: reviews and ratings, photos, a matching website and mentions across the web.
Source: Google Business Profile Help, "How to improve your local ranking on Google".
What I set up and fix
Most profiles I look at are 60% done. These are the gaps I see most often, and what I do about each.
Setup checklist
- Claim or verify the profile, or clean up duplicates
- Primary category chosen from competitor research, plus secondary categories
- Every service or menu item added with descriptions
- Hours, holiday hours, service areas and attributes filled in
- Business description written for people first, with natural keywords
- Real photos: outside, inside, team, work, with sensible file names
- Website, booking and menu links connected and tracked
- Name, address and phone matched exactly to your website
- Q&A seeded with real questions customers ask
The review system that keeps working
Reviews are the part owners skip, and the part that matters most over time. The trick is making it a 10-second job for customers and a habit for you.
- A direct review linkOne tap opens the review box. No searching for your business name.
- A QR card at the counter or in the vanPrintable card with your QR code, so people can review while they're still happy.
- A short text after each jobReady-made text and WhatsApp messages you can send in seconds.
- Replies to every reviewTemplates for good and bad reviews. A calm, specific reply to a bad review often reassures new customers more than another 5-star.
Simple pricing
| Option | What's included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Profile setup on its own | Full setup checklist above | $99 one-time |
| Review kit on its own | Review link, QR card, request and reply templates | $49 one-time |
| With a website (Launch) | Website + profile setup + review kit + ads account setup | Free bonus with $397 website |
| Keep it active (Growth) | 4 Google posts a month, review follow-up, website care, monthly report | $149/month |
Google Business Profile questions
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes, the profile itself is free from Google. You pay for the time to set it up properly and keep it active, or you can do it yourself using the checklist on this page.
How long until I show up in the map results?
Changes to your profile can appear within days, but climbing for competitive searches usually takes weeks to months, mostly driven by reviews, relevance and how close searchers are to you. Nobody can promise a specific position.
I work from home. Can I still have a profile?
Yes. Service-area businesses like cleaners, plumbers or mobile detailers can hide their address and list the areas they serve instead.
Do Google posts help?
Posts keep your profile looking active and give people another reason to click, like an offer or event. They're a small factor on their own, which is why I pair them with reviews and photos on the Growth plan.
Can you help if my profile is suspended?
I can help you review the reason, fix what's inconsistent and prepare a reinstatement request with the right evidence. Google makes the final decision, so I can't guarantee the outcome.
Related pages
See it before you pay
Get a free preview of your new website first. Then decide.