To get your business on Google Maps, create a free Google Business Profile, enter your name, address, phone number and category, and verify that you own the business. Once verified, fill in every section: services, opening hours, service area, photos and a description. Being listed is free. Appearing near the top depends on how relevant, close and well reviewed you are.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Create or claim | Search for your business on Google. If it is already listed, claim it. If not, create a new profile. |
| 2. Enter the basics | Business name exactly as it is used elsewhere, address, phone number and website. |
| 3. Choose categories | One main category that best describes you, plus any others that genuinely apply. |
| 4. Verify | Google will ask you to prove the business is yours, usually by video, phone or post. |
| 5. Fill in everything | Services, opening hours, service area, description, photos and opening date. |
| 6. Ask for reviews | Send your review link to customers and reply to every review you receive. |
You can hide your address and set a service area instead, listing the towns you cover. This suits mobile trades and businesses run from home. You still need a real address for verification, but customers will not see it.
No. A Google Business Profile is free. If you would rather have it set up properly for you, Mako Digital does this for a one-off £149 plus VAT, and it is included in every SEO plan.
Complete every section of the profile, keep your details identical everywhere online, add real photos, post updates, and build a steady flow of genuine reviews. A good website that names your services and towns also helps, because Google reads it alongside your profile.
Video and phone verification are often completed within a few days. Verification by post takes longer, because a code is sent to your address.
Yes. Choose one main category and add others that genuinely describe what you do. Adding categories that do not apply can count against you.
No. Use your real business name. Adding extra words is against Google's guidelines and can get a profile suspended.
No, but a website helps Google understand your business and gives customers somewhere to check you out.
Yes. Bing Places is the equivalent, and it can import your details from your Google Business Profile.
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