When someone nearby searches “tyre shop near me” or “salon in Avondale”, Google shows a map with three businesses on it. Those three get most of the calls.
Getting onto that map is free. It takes about half an hour to set up, plus a few days for Google to check you are real. Here’s how.
Before you start
Have these ready:
- A Google account (a Gmail address is fine). Use one you will keep. Not a staff member’s personal account.
- Your business name exactly as it appears on your signboard.
- Your address, or the areas you serve if you go to customers.
- Your phone number, and your WhatsApp number if it’s different.
- Your opening hours.
- Five to ten good photos: the outside of your premises, the inside, your products, your team at work.
Step 1: Check if you’re already listed
Search for your business name and town on Google Maps. Sometimes a customer has already added you. If you appear, tap your listing and look for Claim this business or Own this business?. Claiming it is quicker than starting again.
Step 2: Create your profile
Go to google.com/business and sign in. Type your business name and choose Create a business with this name if it isn’t suggested.
Step 3: Pick the right category
This is the step most people rush, and it matters most. Your category decides which searches you show up in. Be specific: “Hardware store” beats “Store”, and “Hair salon” beats “Beauty”. Choose the one that best describes your main business. You can add more categories later.
Step 4: Add your location or service area
If customers come to you, add your address and drag the pin to your exact spot. In many Zimbabwean towns Google’s address suggestions are rough, so the pin matters more than the street name.
If you go to customers (plumbers, cleaners, caterers), choose to hide your address and list the towns or suburbs you serve instead.
Step 5: Add your contact details
Add your phone number and website if you have one. No website yet? You can still finish your profile without one.
Step 6: Verify your business
Google needs to check you are real. These days that is often a short video: you film your signboard, your premises and something that shows you run the business, like your tools, stock or a utility bill. Sometimes it’s a phone call or text instead. Follow the steps it gives you.
Verification can take a few days. Your profile won’t show on the map until it’s done.
Step 7: Finish your profile
Once you’re verified:
- Hours. Add your normal hours, and update them for public holidays.
- Photos. Upload your best ones. Profiles with good photos get more calls.
- Description. Two or three plain sentences: what you do, where, and what makes you different.
- Products or services. List your main ones, with prices if you can.
Step 8: Ask for reviews
Reviews help you rank higher and help customers trust you. After a good job, send happy customers your review link on WhatsApp. You’ll find it under Ask for reviews in your profile. Reply to every review, the good and the bad, politely.
Keep it fresh
Google favours profiles that look alive. Post a photo of new stock or a finished job every week or two, keep your hours right, and answer questions people leave on your profile.
Rather we did it?
We set up Google Business Profiles for $40: the right categories, your photos sized and uploaded, a description written for your customers, and help through verification. It’s included free with our Business website package.