How to get your business on Google Maps, step by step

When someone searches "landscaper near me" or "pizza in Franklin," the map with three businesses on it shows up before any website. Those listings come from Google Business Profile. It's free, and if you're not on it, you're invisible to a lot of people looking for exactly what you do.

Before you start

• Use a Google account you'll always control. That account owns the profile.
• You need to meet customers in person, either at your location or at theirs. Online-only businesses don't qualify.
• Have your phone handy. Verification usually happens on it.

Step 1: Create the profile

Go to Google Business Profile and search for your business name. If it's already there, claim it. If not, add it.

Step 2: Use your real business name

Use the name on your sign, truck and invoices. Don't add your town, a tagline or keywords like "Best Plumber Franklin." Google suspends profiles for that, and it's not worth the risk.

Step 3: Pick the right category

Your main category should finish the sentence "This business is a..." Pick the most specific one that fits, like Landscaper rather than Contractor. You can add more later, but fewer, accurate ones work better.

Step 4: Storefront or service area

If customers come to you, add your street address. If you go to them, set up a service-area business: list the towns you cover (up to 20) and leave your address off the profile. Google still needs your address to verify you. It just won't show it.

Step 5: Verify

Google picks how you verify, not you. It might be a text, an email, a phone call, a postcard or a video. Video is common now. Here's what Google asks for in the video:

• Record it live through the Business Profile app or page. No uploading old footage.
• One continuous clip, at least 30 seconds, no edits.
• Show where you are: street signs or landmarks near your base.
• Show the business is real: your tools, equipment, branded truck, business cards or signage.
• Show you run it: open the truck, do a bit of the work, or show an invoice or permit with your business name.
• Don't show bank, tax or ID numbers, or anyone else's face.

Review takes up to five business days. If it fails, Google tells you why and you can record again.

Step 6: Fill out everything

• Hours. If you work by appointment, leave regular hours off.
• Description. Up to 750 characters on what you do and where. No prices or links.
• Services. Add each one. These help you show up for specific searches.
• Photos. Real ones: your work, your truck, your team, your space. Phone photos are fine.
• Website. Link to your site so people can see more and send a quote request.

Step 7: Get reviews the right way

Reviews are the biggest thing you control after setup. Ask every customer, send them your review link or a QR code, and make it easy. Don't offer discounts or freebies for reviews, and don't only ask the happy ones. Google treats both as rule breaking.

Want it done for you?

Google Business Profile setup is $250 at KingsWay, and it's included with the Growth and Pro plans when I build your site. I set it up, write the description, add your services and walk you through verification. Details are on the pricing page.

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