Get Your Shop on Google Maps: Google Business Profile Step by Step

When someone nearby searches "medical store near me" or "tailor in Andheri", Google shows a map with three businesses. Being one of those three can bring more customers than any poster. It starts with a free Google Business Profile.

Step 1: create the profile

Go to google.com/business and sign in with a Gmail account you will keep for the business. Enter the business name exactly as it appears on your signboard. Choose the main category carefully: *Pharmacy*, *Dental clinic*, *Tailor*, *Bakery*. You can add more categories later.

Step 2: location and contact

Add your full address and place the pin on the map at your entrance. If you visit customers at home (plumber, AC repair), choose a service area instead of a shop address. Add the phone number you answer, your website or WhatsApp link, and opening hours. Add special hours for festivals and holidays.

Step 3: verification

Google needs to confirm your business is real. Depending on the business, it may ask for a short video showing the signboard, the inside and something that proves you run it, or a phone call, or a postcard with a code. Follow the steps shown; it can take a few days.

Step 4: photos and description

Upload at least ten real photos: the board from outside, the inside, products, the team at work and finished work. Profiles with photos get more calls. Write a plain description of what you offer, for whom and where. Do not paste a list of keywords.

Step 5: products, services and posts

Add your main services or products with prices where you can. Once a week, add a Google post: an offer, a new product or a festival timing. It shows on your profile and tells Google you are active.

Step 6: reviews

Reviews are the strongest reason people choose one business over another. From your profile, copy the review link and send it on WhatsApp to every happy customer. Put a QR code at the counter. Reply to every review, thank good ones by name, and answer complaints politely with an offer to fix things.

Mistakes to avoid

• Adding words like "best" or the area name to your business name.
• Different phone numbers or addresses on Google, Facebook and JustDial.
• Buying fake reviews. Google removes them and can suspend the profile.

What to do next

Once the profile is complete, track the Performance section every week: searches, calls and direction requests. For the full plan, including Instagram, WhatsApp Business and small ads, see our Digital Marketing Course for Small Business.