How to Show Up on Google Maps: A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Businesses

When someone searches "plumber near me" or "Mexican restaurant in Houston," Google first shows a map with three businesses. Those three get most of the calls. The good news: showing up there is free and depends on something you control, your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).

Step 1: Create or claim your profile

1. Go to google.com/business and sign in with a Google account. We recommend a business account, not your personal one.
2. Type your business name. If it already appears in the list, Google may have created it automatically: select it and claim it.
3. If it doesn't appear, follow the steps to create it from scratch.

Step 2: Choose the right category

Your primary category is one of the biggest factors in which searches Google shows you for. Be specific: "Roofing contractor" beats "Contractor." You can then add secondary categories for other services you offer.

Step 3: Location or service area

• If customers come to you (restaurant, clinic, store): add your exact address.
• If you go to the customer (cleaning, construction, towing): set it up as a service-area business, hide your address and add the cities or ZIP codes where you work.

Step 4: Phone and website

Add the number you actually answer and a link to your website. Google trusts profiles that link to their own website more, and so do customers: it's where they see your services, photos and prices in more detail.

Step 5: Verify your business

Google needs to confirm the business is real and that you own it. Depending on your case, it may ask for:

• A short video showing your location, tools, branded vehicle or business documents.
• A code by phone call, text message or email.
• A postcard with a code mailed to your address.

Your profile won't show on the map until it's verified, so don't leave this step for later.

Step 6: Complete 100% of your profile

A complete profile shows up more often and converts better. Make sure you have:

• Up-to-date hours, including holidays.
• A clear description of what you do and where, using the words your customers would use.
• Services or products with a short description of each.
• Real photos: storefront, team, finished jobs, products. Add new photos every month.
• Attributes like "Spanish spoken," "Latino-owned" or "on-site services," if they apply.

Step 7: Get reviews (the most important part)

Reviews are one of the biggest factors in your map ranking and in a customer's decision. To get them:

1. Copy your review link from your profile (the "Ask for reviews" option).
2. Send it by WhatsApp or text right after finishing a job, when the customer is happy.
3. Reply to every review, good and bad, politely.

Step 8: Keep it active

Post an update every week or two: a promotion, a finished job or a tip. Active profiles send signs of life to Google and to customers.

Bonus: the same information everywhere

Your name, address and phone number should be written exactly the same on Google, your website, Facebook, Yelp and any directory. Inconsistencies confuse Google and can lower your ranking.

The bottom line

Setting up your profile takes an afternoon; keeping it up takes a few minutes a week. And if you'd rather have someone handle all of it (profile, photos, posts and a connected website), that's exactly what we do.