top of page
Search

How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile

How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile

Step-by-Step Google Business Profile for Small Business Owners


If you’re a small business owner and you’re not actively using your Google Business Profile (GBP), you’re leaving money on the table.


When someone types “hair salon near me,” “ABA therapy in Houston,” or “drywall contractor in Tampa,” Google doesn’t show websites first.



Your profile is often the first impression people get before they ever click your website, check your Instagram, or call you.


Let’s walk through exactly how to set up your Google Business Profile the right way so you can start showing up in local search results and Google Maps.


Step 1: Go to Google Business Profile Manager

Head to:

Sign in with the Google account you want connected to your business.

If you don’t already have a Google account, create one specifically for your business (not your personal email).

Click “Manage Now.”


Step 2: Enter Your Business Name

Type your business name exactly as it appears in real life.

⚠️ Do NOT keyword stuff here.


 Google wants your legal, real-world business name.

Example:

  • ✔️ “Saturn Salon”

  • ❌ “Saturn Salon – Best Hair Color in St. Pete”


Keeping your business name consistent across your website, social media, and directories helps your local SEO.


Step 3: Choose the Right Business Category

Your primary category tells Google what you are.


Start typing what you do and select the most accurate match:

  • Hair salon

  • Med spa

  • ABA therapy provider

  • Drywall contractor

  • Marketing agency

Then add secondary categories if relevant.

Choosing the correct category directly impacts where you rank in local search.

Step 4: Add Your Location

You’ll choose one of two options:

  • Physical location (customers come to you)

  • Service area business (you travel to customers)

If you have a storefront, enter your exact address.

If you serve multiple cities, list your service areas clearly (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Houston, etc.).


This helps you show up in “near me” searches.


Step 5: Add Contact Information

Add:

  • Business phone number

  • Website URL

  • Booking link (if applicable)

Make sure this matches exactly what’s on your website.

 Consistency (NAP: Name, Address, Phone) is critical for local SEO.


Step 6: Verify Your Business

Google will ask you to verify ownership.


This may happen via:

  • Postcard

  • Text

  • Email

  • Video verification

Complete this step ASAP. Your profile will not go live until it’s verified.


Step 7: Optimize Your Profile

Setting up your profile is only the beginning.

Now you need to optimize it.


Here’s what to focus on:

  1. Write a Keyword-Rich Business Description

Use phrases people actually search for:

  • “Family-owned hair salon in St. Petersburg, Florida”

  • “Houston-based ABA therapy center”

  • “Tampa Bay drywall and insulation contractor”

Be natural, but strategic.

  1. Add All Services

List out each service individually:

  • Hair color

  • Blowouts

  • Balayage

  • ABA therapy assessments

  • Metal framing

  • Google Business Profile management

Each service can help you rank for additional search terms.

  1. Upload High-Quality Photos Weekly

Photos increase engagement and visibility.

Upload:

  • Exterior

  • Interior

  • Team

  • Before & after pictures

  • Projects

Rename image files before uploading:

 Instead of IMG_4729.jpg → tampa-drywall-installation.jpg

  1. Start Posting Weekly Updates

Google Business Profile posts function like mini social media updates.

Post:

  • Offers

  • Events

  • Blog links

  • Tips

  • Announcements

Fresh activity signals to Google that your business is active and trustworthy.

  1. Collect and Respond to Reviews

Reviews impact ranking AND trust.

Ask every happy client for a review.

 Respond to every single one using keywords naturally.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Voice search and AI-powered search (Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, ChatGPT-style results) rely heavily on Google Business Profiles.

If your profile is incomplete, outdated, or inactive, you’re invisible.


Want Me to Walk You Through How to Setup your Google Business Profile Step-by-Step?


That’s exactly why I created my course:

Google Business Profile Management For Entrepreneurs


This course is designed specifically for small business owners who want to:

  • Set up their profile correctly

  •  Optimize it to rank above competitors

  •  Understand how AI search is changing local discovery

  •  Learn weekly consistency strategies that drive visibility


Inside the Course:

Module 1: How the course works + what to expect

Module 2: Why Google Business Profiles matter more than ever (especially in the AI era)

Module 3: Step-by-step profile setup walkthrough

Module 4: Optimization tips, ranking strategies, and consistency systems


💻 One-time payment

 💲 $79

 ⏳ Lifetime access

If you’ve been meaning to “get to setting up your GBP eventually, this is your sign.



Your competitors are already showing up in Google Maps.

It’s time for you to show up too.


Want more marketing tips and tricks sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to my newsletter, where I will give you one quick marketing tip every week that you can start using immediately in your business! 



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page