A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most powerful free tools for local businesses. In 2025, it's more important than ever—especially with over 90% of consumers using Google to find local services, restaurants, and shops.
If you don't have a profile yet—or if yours is incomplete—you're missing out on valuable traffic, calls, and customers.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to create, verify, and optimize your Google Business Profile in 2025.
Step 1: Create a Google Account for Your Business
If you haven't already, create a dedicated Gmail or Google Workspace account for your business. Don't use your personal email—keeping things separate makes management easier and more secure.
Step 2: Go to Google Business Profile Manager
Visit: https://www.google.com/business
Click "Manage Now" and sign in with your business email. You'll be asked to search for your business name. If it already exists, you can claim it. If not, click "Add your business to Google."
Step 3: Enter Your Business Details
Fill in the required info:
- Business Name (must be your real-world name)
- Business Category (e.g., "Coffee Shop", "Plumber")
- Physical Address or Service Area
- Phone Number
- Website URL
- Hours of Operation
💡 Tip: Choose the most accurate category—this affects where and how you show up on Google Maps.
Step 4: Verify Your Business
Google will ask you to verify ownership. Methods vary:
- Postcard by Mail (most common)
- Phone Call
- Video Verification (in 2025, more businesses are being verified via short video)
Follow the on-screen steps. Once verified, your profile will appear publicly.
Step 5: Add Business Photos
Photos significantly increase engagement. Add:
- Logo & cover image
- Exterior & interior shots
- Product or service photos
- Team/staff photos
- Menu or pricing lists (if applicable)
💡 Tip: Geotagging photos and uploading regularly helps improve your local SEO.
Step 6: Write a Strong Business Description
Use this space (750 characters max) to tell potential customers:
- What you do
- What makes you unique
- Key services or products
- Area you serve
Keep it clear, keyword-rich, and readable.
Example:
"We're a family-owned Italian restaurant in downtown Seattle, serving handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and locally sourced wines. Open late, 7 days a week."
Step 7: Turn On Messaging (Optional but Recommended)
Enable customers to message you directly from Google Search or Maps. You'll get a notification via the Google Maps app.
Make sure someone is available to respond quickly—slow replies hurt engagement.
Step 8: Start Collecting and Responding to Reviews
Reviews are one of the top ranking factors in local search.
- Ask happy customers to leave a Google review (include the link)
- Never offer incentives
- Always respond to reviews—both positive and negative
💡 Tip: A thoughtful reply can build trust with new customers.
Step 9: Keep Your Info Updated
Update your profile regularly:
- Holiday hours
- New photos
- New services or promotions
- Special events
Google prioritizes active, up-to-date listings in search results.
Step 10: Post Updates & Offers
Just like social media, you can post to your Google Business Profile:
- Announcements
- Discounts or seasonal promotions
- Blog snippets
- Event reminders
These posts appear on your listing and boost engagement.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a complete and optimized Google Business Profile is one of the best free ways to drive local traffic in 2025. With just a few hours of work, you'll show up on Google Maps, get more calls, and build trust with potential customers.
Need help setting it up?
We help local businesses claim, verify, and optimize their Google presence—so you can focus on what you do best. Contact us to get started.