What it is
Google Business Profile is your free listing on Google Maps and Search.
There’s no separate dashboard any more. You manage it straight inside Google Search or Google Maps, while signed in with your Google account. If you’ve been hunting for a dashboard, stop. It doesn’t exist.
Why it matters
Most local jobs start with a Google search. Someone types “plumber near me” or “roofer in [town]” and picks from what comes up.
A complete profile gets 70% more visits. It shows up in 18 times more searches than an empty one. That’s the difference between being found and being invisible.
How to do it
- Sign in or create your Google account, then search your business name in Google Search.
- If a profile already exists, claim it. If not, create one.
- Enter your business name exactly as it’s painted on the van. Nothing else.
- Pick the narrowest category that fits your work. “Emergency plumber” beats “Plumber” if that’s the job you want.
- Home-based? Set your profile up as a service-area business. Hide your home address. List the towns you actually want work in.
- Add your hours, phone number, and website.
- Verify the profile. Google offers postcard, phone, email, or video.
- For video, film 1 to 2 minutes on your phone. Show your location, your van and tools, and you doing the work. Full walkthrough: how to pass video verification.
Mistakes to avoid
- Don’t stuff the business name with keywords or town names. Google now suspends profiles for this.
- Don’t skip the category choice. It’s the single biggest factor on the whole profile.
- Don’t list a home address if you’re a service-area business. Hide it and list your areas instead.
- Don’t create a second profile if something goes wrong with the first. Both get banned. Fix the one you have.
Do this now
Search your business name on Google today, while signed in. Claim the profile if it exists, or start a new one. Ten minutes, done.
Updated July 2026 · All lessons