By Eli Moreno, Owner of Eclipse Marketing
Why Should I Setup A Google Business Profile?
Setting up your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most important steps you can take as a new business owner. This listing is what helps your business appear on Google Maps, local search results, and the Local 3-Pack, where most local customers start their search.
Whether you're a service-based business working from home or a storefront with a physical location, this guide walks you through each step.
Let Customers Know You're Local
With Google My Business, you can target specific areas depending upon your business's needs including specific cities, entire states, zipcodes, and more.
Showcase Your Finished Product
There's only two ways your Google My Business listing will have pictures: if you upload them yourself or customers upload them. This is the perfect opportunity to let individuals know the quality of your product before they even speak to you.
Keep Your Information Up To Date
Ever went to a place of business just to find out they're closed? This can leave a bad taste in potential customers mouths, so much so that you might lose their business for good. Your Google My Business listing is the perfect way to let prospective customers know about your hours of operation, special days you might be closed, and current deals.
Let Your Past Customers Bring You Business
If you're a hardworking business, you know how important it is to keep customer satisfaction high while producing a quality product or service and standing behind your word. When you go above and beyond, your customers will want to let others know about the exceptional service they received by leaving a review. Reviews are crucial online as most people look at reviews prior to ever calling a business.
How Do I Setup A Google My Business for My Local Business?
That's Easy. Just Follow These Steps
1. Open the Google Business Profile Setup Page
Click the link below to go directly to the official Google Business Profile dashboard:
https://www.google.com/business/
This is where you’ll create or claim your business listing.
2. Sign In With Your Google Account
Use the Google account you want connected to your business.
If you don’t already have a Google account, you’ll be prompted to create one.
3. Enter Your Business Name
In the search bar, type your business name. Google will display one of two options:
- Your business already exists in their system → select it to claim the listing
- “Create a business with this name” → choose this if your business has no existing profile
Choose the option that best matches your situation.
4. Select Your Business Type and Category
Google will ask whether you:
- Serve customers at your business location
- Serve customers at their location (service-area business)
- Or both
If you're a service-based business and do not want your address visible, select
“I deliver goods and services to my customers.”
You’ll be able to hide your address later.
Then choose your business category (example: plumber, tree service, lawn care, etc.).
5. Add Your Business Information
Google will ask for details including:
- Business address (even if hidden publicly)
- Service areas
- Phone number
- Website URL
- Hours of operation
- Business description
- Opening date
Make sure everything is accurate — this helps your ranking and reduces the chance of verification issues.
6. Verification: What Google Requires in 2025
Google requires businesses to verify they are real before appearing online.
In 2025, the most common verification methods include:
Video Verification (most common)
Google may ask you to record a short, continuous video showing:
- Your workspace or office
- Your equipment, tools, or branded vehicle
- Street signs or landmarks near your location
- Proof of business ownership (documents, utility bill, signage)
Phone or SMS Verification
Some businesses receive a code by call or text.
Email Verification
This appears for businesses with matching domains or trusted signals.
Instant Verification
Available if your website is verified in Google Search Console.
Postcard Verification (now less common)
Google may still send a postcard to your address with a verification code.
Service-area businesses can hide their address publicly, but Google still requires a real street address (not a PO box or virtual office) for verification purposes.
7. If Your Business Already Has a Listing
If someone else created or claimed your business profile, Google will offer options such as:
- Requesting ownership
- Verification by phone, email, or video
- Sending a request to the current profile owner
You will be notified once the request is approved or denied.
8. Complete and Optimize Your Profile
Once verified, finish filling out your profile:
- Add photos or videos
- Add products or services
- Write a keyword-rich business description
- Add FAQs and commonly asked questions
- Turn on messaging (if you want this feature)
- Post updates regularly
This not only improves your visibility but also builds trust with customers.
Claiming and optimization of Google Business Profile is included in all website design packages. For a free consultation, give me a call at 501-366-6037 or fill out form located on our contact page here.
