Creating a Google Business Profile is essential in 2025 for any business aiming to build a strong online presence. Whether you’re a service provider like a plumber, a storefront selling products, or an e-commerce entrepreneur, this guide will walk you through the entire setup process. A properly optimized Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) helps your business appear in Google Search and Google Maps, providing potential customers with essential information like your hours, location, phone number, website, and services.
Let’s dive into how to set it up the right way.
Step 1: Check if Your Business Already Exists on Google
Before creating a new listing, go to Google Maps and search for your business. There’s a good chance Google has already created a basic profile for your company—especially if it’s been operating for a while.
If your business appears but hasn’t been claimed, you’ll see an option to “Claim this business.” Click it and follow the on-screen instructions to claim ownership.
If it doesn’t exist, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Go to the Official Google Business Profile Page
Head over to https://www.google.com/business/ and click on “Manage Now”. You’ll need a Google account (preferably associated with your business, not your personal email).
Step 3: Enter Your Business Name
Type in your official business name. For example: Santro Landscaping LLC. This name will be displayed in Google Search and Maps, so ensure it’s spelled and formatted correctly.
Step 4: Choose Your Business Type
You’ll be asked to choose from three business types. You can select more than one:
- Online Retail – For e-commerce stores that don’t serve customers in person.
- Local Store – For physical stores with a customer-facing location.
- Service Business – For businesses like landscapers, electricians, or plumbers who serve clients at their homes or locations.
Choose the options that apply to your business. For example, Santro Landscaping LLC would select Service Business.
Step 5: Select Your Business Category
Enter a relevant category that matches your business. For landscapers, terms like “Landscaper”, “Lawn Care”, or “Landscape Designer” may be applicable.
Choose the one that best describes your main service. Don’t worry—you can add additional categories later.
Step 6: Specify Your Service Areas
You’ll be prompted to add the locations you serve. Be realistic and only add towns or cities within a reasonable distance from your business (ideally within a 1–2 hour drive). For example, if you’re based in Clinton, New Jersey, you might also include Flemington and High Bridge.
Avoid listing far-off locations like other states unless you legitimately provide services there, as Google may flag or remove your listing.
Step 7: Add Contact Details and Website
Add your phone number and website URL. While a website isn’t mandatory, it significantly boosts your business’s credibility and visibility. If you don’t yet have one, consider creating a simple site using tools like Google Sites or Squarespace.
Step 8: Set Up Verification
Google requires business owners to verify their listing. Depending on your business type, you may need to verify via:
- Phone number – A code will be sent via SMS.
- Postcard – Google mails a postcard to your business address with a verification code.
- Video verification – You record a short video showing the front of your business, signage, equipment, or you unlocking the front door.
If you’re not ready to verify right away, you can choose to verify later.
Step 9: Add Services Offered
List all services you offer. Google provides a list of suggested services based on your category, but you can also add custom services.
For example:
- Lawn Care
- Hardscaping
- Landscape Design
- Snow Removal
- Pond Design
- Fall Cleanup
Be honest—don’t add services you don’t offer just to show up in more search results. This could hurt your profile’s trust and relevance.
Step 10: Set Business Hours
Define your weekly working hours. For service-based businesses, you might want to mark your business as open 24/7, especially if you accept emergency calls. However, only do this if someone can actually answer calls at any time.
You can always adjust your hours later based on seasonal availability.
Step 11: Write a Business Description
This is the short blurb that shows up on your Google profile. You can use up to 750 characters, but a few well-written sentences are often more effective.
Example:
Santro Landscaping LLC is a professional landscaping company in Clinton, NJ. We specialize in hardscaping, retention walls, pond design, and custom patio solutions for residential and commercial properties.
Step 12: Upload Photos
Upload high-quality images of:
- Your storefront (if any)
- Your team at work
- Completed projects (before & after)
- Company vehicles
Photos add authenticity and help potential customers trust your business more. You can upload more photos later and even encourage customers to upload their own through reviews.
Step 13: Skip or Use Ad Credit (Optional)
Google may offer you a promotional credit (e.g., $500) to run ads. Usually, this is a “spend $500, get $500” type of deal. If you’re just starting, you can skip this step. However, once your business is verified, you may want to consider using Google Ads to boost visibility.
Step 14: Finalize and Monitor Your Profile
Once verified, you can:
- Track performance (views, clicks, direction requests)
- Respond to reviews
- Post updates or promotions
- Update business hours
- Add more services or photos
Make it a habit to check your Google Business dashboard weekly to keep your profile active and up to date.
Conclusion
Setting up a Google Business Profile in 2025 is more essential than ever for local visibility and credibility. It not only helps customers find you but also builds trust through accurate information, services, photos, and reviews.
Start today by visiting Google Business Profile.
Tags
Google Business Profile setup, how to set up Google My Business 2025, local business SEO, landscaping business marketing, small business visibility, Google Maps listing, Google Business verification, service business online profile, business profile optimization, local SEO tips
Hashtags
#GoogleBusinessProfile #LocalSEO #SmallBusinessTips #BusinessListing #OnlineVisibility #LandscapingBusiness #DigitalMarketing #GoogleMapsListing #BusinessVerification #GrowYourBusiness
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The process of setting up a Google Business Profile may change over time. Always refer to Google’s official documentation for the most current information and verification methods. Any promotional offers for ad credits are subject to Google’s terms and conditions.
