Google Business Profile: the guide to being found near you

Why the Google profile matters so much

When someone searches "hairdresser" or "plumber" near them, Google first shows a map with three businesses. Your Business Profile decides whether you're there. It's free, and it's often the first thing a client sees of you.

1. Create or claim your profile

Go to business.google.com with a Google account. Search for your business: if it already exists, claim it. Otherwise create it. Google will ask you to confirm you're the owner, often with a short video or a code.

2. Pick the right category

It's the most important setting. Choose the most precise primary category possible (for example "Plumber" rather than "Construction company"), then add a few true secondary categories.

3. Fill in everything, really everything

Exact business name, address or service area, phone, website, hours (including holidays), services with a short description, and an introduction saying clearly what you do and where. Use the words your clients use, without stuffing.

Keep exactly the same name, address and phone everywhere online: Google and AI use this to trust you.

4. Real photos

Your storefront, your team, your work, before and after. Phone photos are enough as long as they're sharp and recent. Add some regularly.

5. Reviews, and your replies

Reviews drive your profile. Ask for them after every job with your direct link (the method) and reply to each one (the templates).

6. Keep the profile alive

A post now and then (a recent job, an offer, something new), always up to date hours, answers to questions asked. An active profile is shown more than a forgotten one.

Each week Klienix prepares a post with its photo and text, and links your profile to your page so clients find you more easily. Discover also the 9 methods to find clients.

Mistakes that cost you rankings

Adding keywords to the business name (Google may suspend the profile), leaving wrong hours, ignoring client questions, or having two profiles for the same business. If you moved, update the address everywhere on the same day.