How to Set Up or Fix Your Google Business Profile (Step-by-Step Guide)
- stephenvillesbdc
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
If you want customers to find your business online, your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most important tools you can use. It helps your business appear in Google Search and Google Maps when people look for services like yours.
Whether you are creating a profile for the first time or fixing an existing one, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.
Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile
Sign in using the Google account you want tied to your business.
Search for your business name.
If it appears, you may be able to claim it.
If it does not appear, choose Add your business to Google.
Step 2: Enter Your Business Name
Use your real business name (the same one on your storefront, website, and legal documents).
Avoid adding:
✗ extra keywords
✗ city names
✗ slogans
Example:
✔ “Smith Lawn Care”
✗ “Best Lawn Care in Stephenville”
Step 3: Choose the Right Business Category
Your category tells Google what your business actually does.
Choose the category that most closely matches your main service:
Examples:
Bakery
Accountant
Auto repair shop
Boutique
Marketing consultant
Tip: Pick the one that best describes your primary service, not everything you do.
Step 4: Add Your Location or Service Area
Google will ask if customers visit your location.
Choose:
“Yes” if customers come to your store or office
“No” if you go to customers (mobile or home-based businesses)
If you travel to customers, set your service area (cities or counties you serve).
Step 5: Add Contact Information
Enter:
Business phone number
Website (if you have one)
Make sure this information matches what appears on:
✔ your website
✔ invoices
✔ other listings
Consistency helps Google trust your business.
Step 6: Verify Your Business
Google must verify that your business is real.
Common verification methods:
Postcard by mail
Phone call
Email
Video verification
Follow Google’s instructions exactly.
Do not skip this step — unverified businesses will not appear publicly.
Step 7: Add Business Hours
Enter your regular hours and update them for:
holidays
special events
seasonal changes
Accurate hours prevent:
❌ missed customers
❌ negative reviews
❌ frustrated visitors
Step 8: Write Your Business Description
You have 750 characters. Use this space to explain:
what you do
who you serve
what makes you different
Example format:
“We provide professional lawn care services to residential and commercial clients in Erath County. Our team specializes in mowing, edging, and seasonal cleanups with dependable service and fair pricing.”
Avoid:
✗ salesy language
✗ emojis
✗ keyword stuffing
Step 9: Add Photos
Photos increase trust and clicks.
Upload:
logo
storefront or work vehicle
inside of your business
your products
your team (optional)
Tip: Use real photos instead of stock images when possible.
Step 10: Turn On Messaging & Booking (Optional)
If available for your business:
Enable messaging so customers can text you
Add an appointment or booking link
This makes it easier for customers to contact you quickly.
Step 11: Ask for Reviews
Once your profile is live:
Ask satisfied customers to leave a review
Share your review link by text or email
Always:
✔ respond politely
✔ thank reviewers
✔ stay professional with negative feedback
Step 12: Keep It Updated
Log in at least once a month to:
update photos
post announcements
adjust hours
answer questions
A fresh profile ranks better than an abandoned one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a fake business name
Choosing the wrong category
Leaving the profile unverified
Never adding photos
Ignoring reviews
Outdated hours
Need Help?
The Tarleton Small Business Development Center offers free consulting to help you set up or improve your Google Business Profile and other online tools.
Contact us to schedule an appointment and get personalized help for your business.