Get Your Business Found on Google

The Steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Check If You Already Have a Profile

   Before you make a new one, search your business name on Google Maps. A lot of businesses already have a listing that Google created automatically, or one an old employee or past marketing company set up.

   • If you see your business, click it and look for "Own this business?" or "Claim this business." Follow the prompts.
   • If someone else already manages it, Google will let you request access. They get a few days to respond. If they don't, you'll usually get the option to take it over.
   • If nothing shows up, move to Step 2.

   Heads up: Don't create a second profile if one already exists. Duplicate listings can get both of them suspended.

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2. 2

   Step 2: Create Your Profile

   Head to business.google.com and sign in with your business Google account. Click "Add your business" or "Get started."

   • Business name: Type your real business name only. Don't add cities or services (like "Smith Roofing – Best Roofer Davenport").
   • Business category: Pick the one that best matches your main service. Start typing and choose from the list (e.g., "Roofing contractor," "Landscaper," "Painter").

   https://business.google.com(opens in a new tab)Copy link

   Heads up: Stuffing extra keywords into your business name is against Google's rules and is one of the most common reasons profiles get suspended.

   Pro tip: Your main category is the single biggest thing that decides which searches you show up for. Choose the one that matches the jobs you want most.

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3. 3

   Step 3: Set Your Location or Service Area

   Google will ask if you have a location customers can visit.

   • Have a shop or office customers come to? Choose "Yes" and enter the address.
   • Go to your customers' homes or job sites? Choose "No." Your address stays private, and you'll list your service area instead.
   • Add the cities, towns, or zip codes you serve. Stick to the area you actually cover, roughly a couple hours' drive at most.

   Pro tip: Most contractors should be set up as a service-area business. If you work out of your house or a shop without customer hours, hide your address.

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4. 4

   Step 4: Add Your Contact Info

   Enter your business phone number and website. Use the same phone number that's on your truck, your website, and everywhere else you're listed.

   Don't have a website yet? You can skip it for now and add it later. (We can help with that too.)

   Pro tip: Use a number that rings straight to you or your office. Calls from Google are some of the hottest leads you'll ever get, so don't send them to a voicemail no one checks.

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5. 5

   Step 5: Verify Your Business

   This is the step that makes your profile live. Google picks which options you get, and you can only use the ones it offers you. You might see: phone or text code, email, video recording, live video call, or a postcard.

   Got asked to record a video? Tap here

   If Google asks you to record a video:

   Video verification is common for contractors. Here's how to pass the first time:

   • Record one continuous clip on your phone, at least 30 seconds long. No cuts or edits.
   • Start outside: show your street sign or nearby landmarks, then your building or vehicle.
   • Show your branding: business signage, a lettered truck or trailer, uniforms, or branded equipment.
   • Show you run the business: unlock your shop or office, open your work truck, show your tools, or pull up your business account on your phone or computer.
   • Turn on location services, use good lighting, and keep it steady.
   • Don't show ID numbers, bank info, tax documents, or anyone's face.

   Reviews usually take up to 5 business days. Phone and email codes are instant. Postcards can take up to 2 weeks.

   Heads up: Don't change your business name, address, or category while you're waiting to be verified. It can reset the process. And don't request a new postcard early. It cancels the old code.

   Pro tip: Work out of your house? Show your lettered truck, trailer, branded tools, or business cards. Google just wants proof the business is real and that you're the one running it.

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6. 6

   Step 6: Fill Out Every Section

   Once you're verified, go through your profile and fill in everything. Complete profiles show up more often and get more calls.

   • Additional categories: Add other services you offer (e.g., a roofer might add "Gutter cleaning service" or "Siding contractor")
   • Services: List every service by name. Be specific
   • Hours: Accurate hours, including weekends if you take calls
   • Photos: Logo, cover photo, and at least 10 photos of real jobs, your truck, your crew at work, and before-and-afters
   • Social links: Facebook and Instagram
   • Description: Covered in Step 7

   Pro tip: Add new photos every month. Profiles that stay active tend to show up more than ones that sit untouched.

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7. 7

   Step 7: Write Your Description

   You get 750 characters to tell people what you do, where you do it, and why they should call you. Keep it real and specific.

   Description template

   Copy template

   [Business Name] is a locally owned [type of business] serving [City], [City], [City], and the surrounding [Region] area. We specialize in [Service 1], [Service 2], and [Service 3] for [homeowners / businesses / both]. Since [Year], we've built our name on [what customers say about you: showing up on time, quality work, clean job sites, straight answers on pricing, etc.]. Whether you need [common job] or [bigger project], we'll walk you through it from the first call to the final walkthrough. Reach out today for a free estimate.

   Example:

   Valley Outdoor is a locally owned landscaping company serving Bettendorf, Davenport, LeClaire, and the surrounding Quad Cities area. We specialize in landscape design and installation, weekly lawn care, landscape lighting, and drainage solutions for homeowners who want their property to look its best. Whether you need a spring cleanup or a full backyard transformation, we'll walk you through it from the first call to the final walkthrough. Reach out today for a free estimate.

   Heads up: Don't put links, phone numbers, or promo codes in the description. Google can reject it.

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8. 8

   Step 8: Start Getting Reviews

   Reviews are the biggest thing you can keep doing to move up on Google. Here's how to make it easy:

   1. In your profile, find "Ask for reviews" (or "Get more reviews") and copy your review link
   2. Save it in your phone's notes so it's always handy
   3. Send it to every happy customer the same day you finish the job, while they're still excited
   4. Reply to every review, good or bad. Keep it short and thank them by name

   Review request text

   Copy text

   Hey [Customer Name], thanks again for choosing [Business Name]! If you were happy with the work, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It helps a ton for a small local business like ours. Here's the link: [Your Review Link]

   Heads up: Never pay for reviews, offer discounts in exchange for them, or write them yourself. Google removes fake reviews and can suspend your profile.

   Pro tip: Ask them to mention the service and their town (like "great patio job in Bettendorf"). Those details help you show up for those searches.

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