How to get your business on Google Maps (free, step by step)

Step 1: Create or claim your profile

Go to google.com/business and sign in with a Google account you'll keep long-term (ideally a business account, not a personal one). Search for your business name — if it already exists, claim it; if not, create it.

Step 2: Pick the right category

Your primary category is one of the most important ranking factors. Choose the most specific one that fits (e.g. "Electrician", not "Contractor"). You can add secondary categories for other services.

Step 3: Add your location or service area

If customers visit you (a café, salon or shop), add your address. If you go to them (tradies, cleaners, mobile services), set a service area instead and hide your home address.

Step 4: Verify your business

Google needs to confirm you're real. Depending on your business it may ask for a video of your premises, a phone or email code, or a postcard. Follow the steps shown — your profile won't appear fully until it's verified.

Step 5: Fill in everything

Complete profiles rank better and get more calls. Add:

• Opening hours (and holiday hours)
• Phone number and website
• A description of what you do and where
• Your services or menu
• Real photos of your work, team and premises — add new ones regularly

Step 6: Get reviews (and reply to them)

Reviews are a huge factor in the map rankings. Ask every happy customer — send them your review link straight after the job. Reply to every review, good or bad, politely.

Step 7: Link it to a proper website

Most people check your website before they call. Your profile and website should show the same name, address, phone number and services — consistency helps Google trust both. If you don't have a website yet, or it's letting you down, that's where we come in.