How to Get Your Site Listed in Google Business

Getting your business listed on Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most important steps you can take for your local online presence. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process and help you optimize your listing for maximum visibility.

What is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. When potential customers search for businesses like yours, your Google Business Profile can appear in local search results, complete with your business information, photos, reviews, and more.

According to recent statistics, 86% of consumers use Google Maps to look up business locations, and businesses with complete Google Business Profiles are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers. This makes it absolutely essential for any business wanting to succeed in local markets.

Step 1: Create or Claim Your Google Business Profile

The first step is to create your profile or claim an existing one if Google has already created a listing for your business.

To create a new profile:

Go to google.com/business and sign in with your Google account
Enter your business name in the search box
If your business doesn't appear, select "Add your business to Google"
Enter your business name and choose your business category
Add your location (if you have a physical location customers can visit)
Enter your service area if you serve customers at their locations
Provide your contact information including phone number and website

To claim an existing listing:

Search for your business on Google
If you find your business, click "Own this business?"
Follow the verification steps

Step 2: Verify Your Business

Verification is crucial—it proves to Google that you're authorized to manage the business information. Google offers several verification methods:

Postcard Verification (Most Common)

Google will mail a postcard to your business address with a verification code. This typically takes 5-7 business days to arrive. Once you receive it, log into your Google Business Profile and enter the code.

Phone Verification

Some businesses qualify for instant phone verification. If this option is available, Google will call your business phone number or send an SMS with a verification code.

Email Verification

Certain businesses may be eligible for email verification, where Google sends a verification code to your business email address.

Video Verification

In some cases, Google may require video verification where you record a video tour of your business location.

Step 3: Complete Your Business Information

Once verified, it's time to fill out every section of your profile. The more complete your profile, the better it will perform in search results.

Essential Information to Include:

Business Name

Use your actual business name as it appears on your storefront and official documents. Don't stuff keywords into your business name—Google can penalize you for this.

Address

Ensure your address is accurate and matches exactly what appears on your website and other online directories. Consistency is key for local SEO.

Phone Number

Use a local phone number if possible, and make sure it's the same number listed on your website and other platforms.

Website URL

Link to your official business website. Make sure the website is professional and mobile-friendly.

Business Hours

Accurately list your operating hours, including special hours for holidays. Keep this updated—nothing frustrates customers more than arriving at a closed business they thought was open.

Business Category

Choose the most specific category that describes your business. You can select a primary category and additional secondary categories. This helps Google understand what your business does and show it in relevant searches.

Business Description

Write a compelling 750-character description that tells customers what makes your business unique. Include relevant keywords naturally, but write for humans first. Explain your services, what sets you apart, and what customers can expect.

Attributes

Select all applicable attributes like "wheelchair accessible," "free Wi-Fi," "outdoor seating," etc. These help customers find businesses that meet their specific needs.

Step 4: Add High-Quality Photos and Videos

Visual content is incredibly important for your Google Business Profile. Listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites.

Types of Photos to Include:

Logo: Your official business logo (should be at least 720px x 720px)
Cover Photo: An attractive exterior or signature image representing your business
Interior Photos: Show the inside of your business, creating familiarity and trust
Exterior Photos: Help customers identify your location
Product/Service Photos: Showcase what you offer
Team Photos: Put faces to your business and build connection
Action Shots: Show your business in operation

Photo Best Practices:

Use high-resolution images (minimum 720px x 720px recommended)
Keep photos well-lit and in focus
Update photos regularly to show your business is active
Avoid using stock photos—use authentic images of your actual business
Add photos of seasonal promotions or new products

Step 5: Manage and Respond to Reviews

Reviews are one of the most important ranking factors for local search and significantly influence consumer decisions. 93% of consumers say online reviews impact their purchasing decisions.

Encouraging Reviews:

Ask satisfied customers to leave a review (but don't offer incentives, which violates Google's policies)
Make it easy by providing a direct link to your review page
Follow up with customers after a purchase or service
Include a review request in your email signature

Responding to Reviews:

Always respond to reviews—both positive and negative. This shows you value customer feedback and are engaged with your community.

For Positive Reviews:

Thank the customer by name
Be specific about what they mentioned
Keep responses genuine and personal
Invite them to return

For Negative Reviews:

Respond quickly and professionally
Acknowledge the issue without being defensive
Apologize sincerely if appropriate
Offer to resolve the issue offline
Show other potential customers how you handle problems

Step 6: Use Google Posts

Google Posts allow you to share updates, offers, events, and news directly in your Business Profile. These appear in search results and can drive engagement.

Types of Posts:

What's New: General updates about your business
Events: Promote upcoming events with date and time
Offers: Share special promotions with start and end dates
Products: Highlight specific products or services

Post Best Practices:

Post regularly (at least once a week)
Include eye-catching images
Add a clear call-to-action
Use the appropriate post type
Keep text concise and compelling

Step 7: Optimize for Local SEO

Your Google Business Profile is a crucial part of your local SEO strategy. Here are advanced optimization tips:

Keyword Optimization:

Include relevant keywords naturally in your business description and posts. Think about what customers search for when looking for your services.

NAP Consistency:

Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) are identical across your Google Business Profile, website, and all online directories. Inconsistencies can hurt your local rankings.

Build Citations:

List your business in relevant online directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, industry-specific directories, and local business associations.

Get Backlinks:

Quality backlinks from local websites, news sites, and industry publications help establish authority.

Step 8: Monitor Your Insights

Google Business Profile provides valuable insights about how customers find and interact with your listing.

Key Metrics to Track:

How customers search for your business: Direct (searching your business name) vs. Discovery (searching for a category or service)
Where customers find you: Google Search vs. Google Maps
Customer actions: Website visits, direction requests, phone calls
Photo views: How many times your photos are viewed
Popular times: When customers typically visit

Use these insights to refine your strategy, determine the best times to post, and understand what customers are looking for.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incomplete Information

An incomplete profile looks unprofessional and performs poorly in search results. Fill out every section.

2. Inconsistent Business Information

Make sure your NAP is consistent everywhere online.

3. Ignoring Reviews

Not responding to reviews makes you look unengaged and can hurt your reputation.

4. Using Low-Quality Photos

Blurry or poorly lit photos reflect badly on your business.

5. Choosing the Wrong Category

Select the most accurate primary category—this significantly impacts when your business appears in searches.

6. Violating Google's Guidelines

Don't keyword stuff your business name, create fake reviews, or use a virtual office if you don't have a physical location.

Advanced Tips for Maximum Visibility

Create a Q&A Section

Anticipate common customer questions and add them to your Q&A section with helpful answers. This can reduce support queries and provide valuable information to potential customers.

Use the Booking Button

If you offer appointments or reservations, integrate a booking system so customers can schedule directly from your Google Business Profile.

Add Products or Services

Showcase your offerings with photos, descriptions, and prices in the Products or Services section.

Enable Messaging

Allow customers to message you directly from your profile. Respond quickly to build trust and convert inquiries into customers.

Maintaining Your Google Business Profile

Creating your profile is just the beginning. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance:

Update business hours for holidays and special occasions
Add new photos monthly
Respond to all reviews within 24-48 hours
Post updates weekly
Monitor and answer questions in the Q&A section
Review your insights monthly and adjust your strategy
Keep your services or products list current
Update your business description when you expand or change services

Conclusion

Getting your site listed on Google Business Profile is essential for local business success in 2025. By following this comprehensive guide, you'll create a powerful online presence that helps customers find you, builds trust, and drives more business.

Remember, your Google Business Profile is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. Invest the time to set it up properly, maintain it regularly, and engage with your customers through reviews and posts.

Need help optimizing your Google Business Profile or building a website that integrates seamlessly with your local marketing strategy? DevRocket specializes in helping South African businesses maximize their online presence. Contact us today for a free consultation and let's grow your business together.

Your local customers are searching for businesses like yours right now—make sure they find you first with a complete, optimized Google Business Profile.