When people search for a service "near me", Google often shows a map with a handful of businesses. Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business, or GMB) is what appears there. A complete, accurate and active profile helps customers find and trust you. Rankings depend on many factors and cannot be guaranteed, but these basics are within your control.
1. Claim and verify your profile
Make sure you own and manage your profile, and complete Google's verification process. Keep login access with your business, not with an individual who may leave.
2. Get your name, address and phone right
Use your real business name — without extra keywords — and keep your address (or service area) and phone number exactly the same on your profile, website and other listings. Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information helps both customers and search engines.
3. Choose the right categories
Your primary category is one of the most important settings. Pick the one that best describes your main service, then add relevant secondary categories.
4. Add services, products and a clear description
List the services you offer and write a plain-language description of your business. Explain what you do and who you serve rather than stuffing keywords.
5. Upload real photos
Add genuine photos of your premises, team, products or work, and update them regularly. Real images help customers know what to expect.
6. Post updates
Use posts to share news, offers and events. Regular activity keeps your profile current and gives customers more reasons to choose you.
7. Ask for and reply to reviews
Ask genuine customers to leave a review, and reply to every review — positive or negative — politely and promptly. Never offer incentives for reviews or post fake ones; it goes against Google's policies and damages trust.
Mistakes that hold profiles back
Adding keywords or locations to the business name, which goes against Google's guidelines. Choosing a broad primary category instead of the most specific one. Leaving services and the description empty. Using only stock images. Ignoring negative reviews. And letting opening hours go out of date.
How your website supports your profile
Your Google Business Profile and your website work together. Make sure your website shows the same business name, address or service area and phone number as your profile, has a clear page for each main service, and explains where you work. Linking your profile to the most relevant page of your website gives customers a smooth next step.
A simple monthly routine
Once a month: review your details and hours, add a few new photos, publish at least one post, reply to any new reviews and questions, and check that your website link and contact options still work. Small, regular updates keep your profile accurate and active.
8. Keep hours and details up to date
Update holiday hours, temporary closures and contact details as soon as they change. Outdated information frustrates customers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google My Business the same as Google Business Profile?
Yes. Google renamed Google My Business (GMB) to Google Business Profile. Many people still use the name GMB.
Can I add keywords to my business name?
No. Your profile should use your real business name. Adding keywords or locations goes against Google's guidelines and can put your profile at risk.
Do I need a physical address?
Google has eligibility rules. Depending on how you serve customers, you can show an address or set a service area instead.
Need help?
EmlyCode works with businesses in India and Dubai & the UAE. Tell us about your project and we'll reply with next steps and a custom quote.