Google Business Profile: how to show up on the map when people search nearby
When someone searches for "plumber Porto" or "restaurant near me", Google may show a map with local businesses. One of the main sources of information for that result is Google Business Profile.
Create and verify the listing
The listing can be created with the company's Google account. Google may ask for verification to confirm the business exists and the information shown is correct.
If you work at customers' homes and don't receive people at an office, you can set the listing up as a service area and hide the address, when that option applies to the business.
The category matters
The primary category helps Google understand what kind of business you have.
Choose the most specific category available for your activity. Then, when it makes sense, add relevant secondary categories.
Fill in everything
Keep the listing complete and up to date:
- The company's real name.
- Address or service area.
- Phone and website.
- Up-to-date opening hours.
- Services or products.
- Business description.
Avoid adding keywords to the business name. The name should match the real name the business uses.
Photos and posts
Upload photos of your premises, team, products and completed work.
Images help people comparing businesses understand what yours is like before getting in touch.
You can also use profile posts to share news, offers or events.
Reviews: ask your customers
Reviews help potential customers understand other people's experience and can contribute to a business's visibility in local searches.
The best time to ask for a review is right after a job well done. Google provides a dedicated link to make that request easier.
Reply to reviews, including negative ones, in a professional and specific way.
Never buy reviews or offer incentives in exchange for positive ones.
Your listing and your website work together
Keep the company's key details consistent on your website and on Google Business Profile, such as name, address and phone.
On your website, create clear pages for your services and the areas you cover, when that's relevant to the business.
The goal is simple: make it easy for customers to find the business and quickly understand what it does.